Why You Should Consider a Crested Gecko as Your Next Pet
Thinking about getting a crested gecko? Great choice. These little guys are one of the easiest reptiles to care for — and they’re full of personality. If you’re looking for a calm, quirky pet that doesn’t need constant attention but still gives you a fun connection, cresties (as we lovingly call them) might be a perfect match.
Here’s what makes them awesome, along with what you need to know to keep them happy and healthy.
Why We Love Crested Geckos
1. Super Chill and Easy to Handle
Cresties are one of the few reptiles that actually seem to enjoy hanging out on your hand or climbing up your arm. They’re pretty calm and social if you handle them gently — just always sit on the floor when handling them in case they leap (they sometimes do!).
2. No-Fuss, Low-Maintenance
They don’t need fancy lighting setups or daily feedings. With the right enclosure and a good feeding routine, they’re super manageable, even for beginners.
3. Live Long and Prosper
With proper care, crested geckos can live up to 15–20 years. That’s a big commitment, but also a great chance to really bond with your pet over time.
4. They Look Wildly Unique
From their “eyelash” ridges over their big eyes to their endless color and pattern variations (called “morphs”), no two cresties look the same. They’re seriously cool to look at — like little dragon-lizards.
5. They’re Climbers at Heart
Crested geckos are arboreal, meaning they love to climb. Their sticky toe pads let them scale glass walls like tiny Spidermen. Watching them move is half the fun.
6. They Can "Fire Up"
Depending on their mood or environment, cresties can actually change color! They tend to darken when relaxed or sleeping and brighten up when active or excited — a fun bonus for any reptile fan.
7. They Make Little Noises
Unlike most reptiles, cresties can vocalize! From little chirps to barks, they’re not totally silent. It’s adorable — but maybe don’t keep their tank in your bedroom, since they’re nocturnal and most active at night.
A Few Things to Know Before You Bring One Home
They Don’t Regrow Their Tails
If a crestie drops its tail (usually from stress or fear), it won’t grow back. They’re fine without it, but it’s something to be aware of — never grab or rough-handle their tail.
Shedding Happens — Often
Young cresties shed about once a week, adults about once a month. Most do it overnight and eat the skin (gross but efficient). If yours is struggling, a humidity box or shallow dish of lukewarm water can help.
They’re Solitary
Crested geckos prefer to live alone. Don’t house two males together — they’ll fight. A male and female might breed, and even two females can get territorial. If you want more than one, plan on separate enclosures.
They're Nocturnal
They sleep during the day and come alive at night. So don’t expect a lot of action during daylight hours — give them their space and let them do their thing after sunset.
Feeding Your Crestie
Crested geckos eat both insects and fruit, making them omnivores. You’ve got a few solid options:
- Commercial gecko diets (powdered mix): Super convenient and nutritionally balanced. Just add water.
- Live insects: Crickets, roaches, waxworms, and more — great for enrichment and a healthy gut.
- Fruit treats: Think banana, mango, fig, strawberry, and watermelon — in moderation.
A good feeding schedule is every other night or 3–4 times a week. If you’re skipping the powdered diets, aim for about 70–80% insects and 20–30% fruit, similar to what they’d eat in the wild.
What You’ll Need for Their Setup
Here’s what’s worked best for us when setting up a crestie habitat:
1. A Tall, Spacious Terrarium
Go for at least 20 gallons for an adult, taller is better (they love to climb). A 30-gallon vertical tank is ideal.
2. Temperature & Humidity Control
- Keep temps between 72°F–75°F (22°C–24°C).
- Use a heat lamp or ceramic heater if needed (but avoid anything above 87°F/30.5°C).
- Add a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions.
- Humidity should stay around 50–60%. Mist the tank daily, and include a humidity box to help during sheds.
3. Substrate Choices
Coconut husk, orchid bark, or cypress mulch are popular for keeping humidity levels stable. You can also go simple with paper towels or reptile carpet if easy cleanup is a priority.
4. Climbing Decor
Branches, vines, cork bark, ropes — cresties love to explore. The more vertical options you give them, the happier they’ll be.
5. Optional UVB Lighting
Not required, but a low-level UVB bulb can support their immune system and calcium metabolism. We’ve used it with good results, especially in bioactive setups.
Final Thoughts
Crested geckos are one of the best reptiles for first-time owners — they’re hardy, friendly, and full of fun quirks. You don’t need to be a reptile expert to give one a great life, just be ready to give them time, space, and proper care.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance but still interactive, cresties are a fantastic pick. They’ve brought us a lot of joy over the years — and we think they’ll do the same for you.