Crested geckos use vertical space and need more than a decorative glass box. Prepare the enclosure and a species-specific care plan before bringing one home.

Housing one gecko

Both the Royal Veterinary College and RSPCA describe a minimum adult enclosure of 45 × 45 × 60 cm, with 60 cm as the height. Provide more space where possible, secure climbing branches, cover and sheltered resting places. Keep the enclosure ventilated and protected from escape. A single gecko is the straightforward housing plan; do not assume that apparent tolerance prevents future aggression.

Measured environmental control

Create warmer and cooler areas with guarded, thermostatically controlled equipment. Check the enclosure with independent instruments. The references differ on thermal targets and their measurement context, so this guide does not invent one combined temperature range: ask a reptile vet to specify the readings and measurement locations for your setup.

Use a hygrometer and allow ventilation; misting must not leave the substrate waterlogged. Published humidity advice also differs, so treat a brief post-misting peak differently from a sustained background reading. Provide appropriate UVB and shade, following the lamp and fixture instructions.

Feeding

This guide follows the Royal Veterinary College’s complete-formulated-diet approach. Select a product specifically intended as a complete crested-gecko food, not a fruit treat, and follow its preparation and replacement instructions. The RSPCA sheet describes a different rotation of foods; do not combine parts of conflicting plans and assume the result is nutritionally balanced.

Discuss suitable live insects, gut-loading and any supplementation with a reptile vet. Supply clean drinking water even if the gecko also drinks droplets.

Handling and health

Let the animal climb onto a supported hand; never seize its tail. A dropped crested-gecko tail does not regrow. Monitor feeding, weight, droppings and shedding, and seek veterinary advice for persistent changes, injury or retained shed.

Sources checked

Replacement copy checked on 2026-11-08. This is a source-based editorial review, not independent veterinary review.