Crested Gecko Care

Complete care guide from WinterRainExotics. Updated regularly to reflect current best practices.

Quick Notes

  • Sex is not guaranteed unless the gecko is an adult.
  • Our geckos are healthy and in great condition. They do not come with a health guarantee, as we cannot control care after they leave us.
  • Please do not leave your gecko in the car unattended — temperature and sun can become dangerous or fatal very quickly.
  • Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Morphmarket: @WinterRainExotics
Diet

What our geckos eat:

  • Pangea Crested Gecko Diet — crowd favorites: Fig & Insects (purple bag), With Insects (red bag)
  • Repashy Crested Gecko Diet
  • Appropriately sized, calcium-coated crickets
  • Bee pollen — a small pinch added to CGD, many geckos love it

Feeding schedule:

Adults & Juveniles
2–3× per week
Hatchlings
Every other day
Important: Insects are optional. A complete powdered Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) is essential. You may not always see a hatchling eat — if they are shedding and producing droppings, they are eating.
Water
  • Fresh water must be available at all times
  • Crested geckos will drink from water dishes
  • Do not rely solely on misting for hydration
  • Over-misting can be dangerous and may lead to health issues — always provide a clean, safe water dish
Enclosures
Important Warning: Do not place random sticks, plants, soil, or other materials from outdoors into your gecko's enclosure. Natural items can carry toxins, pesticides, parasites, or harmful insects that may seriously injure or kill your crested gecko. Always use properly sourced, reptile-safe materials.

Enclosure sizes:

Hatchlings
5–6.5 qt min
We use 19.6 qt
Juveniles
12 qt min
16–20 qt recommended
Adults
66 qt
or 18"×18"×24"

Vertical space is essential.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential to promote healthy air circulation, prevent mold, and keep humidity stable.

Too Dry
Reduce ventilation
Too Humid
Add ventilation

Proper airflow prevents mold and respiratory issues.

Substrate
  • We use a substrate mix with isopods and springtails
  • If using isopods, consider maintaining a separate breeding colony
  • Geckos will eat isopods they find in the enclosure
Heating
Ideal Temperature
72–78°F
Supplemental Heat
Not used
It is more dangerous for a crested gecko to be too hot than too cold. Monitor temperatures carefully.
Lighting
  • No special lighting required
  • Optional low-level UVB can be beneficial
  • Maintain a natural day/night cycle
Humidity
Ideal Range
60–80%
Pattern
Fluctuate naturally

Adjust misting based on your home:

Dry Home
Mist more frequently
Humid Home
Mist less often

A hygrometer (humidity gauge) is strongly recommended. Too much or too little humidity can harm your gecko.

This care sheet reflects current general guidelines. Continued research is strongly encouraged to provide the best care for your gecko.