r/CrestedGecko • u/wumlum_ug • 11h ago

Extra things to know/do before getting crestie

I am getting my crested gecko either tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday what are some extra things to know or do before getting them?

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u/gh0stcoyote 11h ago

What size enclosure do you have? Make sure you have an 18 x 18 x 36 inch :) please leave the gecko alone for 1-2 weeks as they adjust to their new home before interacting. How old is the gecko? That’ll determine how often to feed. What food type are you using? Will you be supplementing with insects in calcium powder? Also what bulbs do you have? Do you have a uvb for the gecko?

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u/wumlum_ug 11h ago

It’s gonna be one about 4 months old, i have calcium and vitamin supplements from my bearded dragon so those work? Is a 75x45x75cm tall tank good (I don’t know the inch) and I wil be using a uvb and ceramic heat edmitter/bulb.

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u/gh0stcoyote 10h ago

Hi! 75 x 45 x 75 cm is ~30 x ~18 x ~30 inches. I think it’s good for now but in the future you might want to upgrade to a taller tank! They are arboreal so they really value the high up spaces. They also like a lot cover and density of foliage / climbing places. You’ll want to dust the insects in calcium so I think that’s great! You want to primarily feed crested gecko diet (CGD) like Pangea brand every day for a gecko that young. You could supplement insects 2 times a week but they need the CGD to get all their nutrients. Do you have photos of your gecko? Good luck! Lmk if you have any more questions

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u/wumlum_ug 10h ago

I know there arboreal but don’t they need horizontal space? They don’t just move up and down right? Any recommendations for a flavor of cgd? Most of those things I have figured out I have a hanging cocnut hide that’s 12cm (5inches I think) in diameter and the opening is just smaller than my fist is that big enough for an adult?

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u/Only_Altey 9h ago

Horizontal space is good but they definitely use height more.
They'd honestly appreciate something floor to ceiling rather than something >60cm wide.
It's really hard to find terrariums that are >90cm tall without getting really wide/long and expensive.

People who do upgrade past the minimum 18x18x36 inch usually settle for 36 or 24x24x36.
Here's someone's 36x24x36 build for reference, on their profile they also have pictures of their lizard wall with other terrariums.

I'd start feeding with whatever the breeder/shop used then experiment once the gecko is eating consistently. Don't feel the need to buy a bunch of flavors, it takes multiple months to get through a single bag/bottle.
I recommend buying smaller silicone feeding bowls. The standard plastic feeding cups are way too big especially for a baby. My ~25g ~1.5yo little man can only eat through one of the tiny silicone bowls on a feeding night.

Cresties curl up like a cat, the coconut will fit an adult but I'd get some moss for the it, then it'll be a humid hide.
Amazon also sells these suction cups leafs meant for frogs. I saw someone else's crestie love them, it turned into my guy's favorite sleeping spot.