A Set-up Guide for Your New Crocodile Gecko

Six things to know about your crocodile gecko

• Crocodile geckos live up to eight years
• They grow up to 6 inches
• They may resemble crocodiles, but the two are not related.
• They’re very territorial
• They enjoy climbing
• They’re best for experienced reptile pet parents

Your crocodile gecko’s home

Crocodile geckos should live alone in a terrarium of at least 20 gallons. Because geckos are climbers, the terrarium should be relatively tall with a screened lid.

What to put in a crocodile gecko’s habitat

• Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 3 inches of bark bedding or calcium sand. The bedding you use will depend on whether the terrarium has too little or too much humidity. Ask a PetSmart associate for details.
• Scoop the poop at least once a week and change out the bedding completely once a month.
• Add a hiding place on one side of the terrarium (this will become the habitat’s cool side).
• Provide lots of branches, either live or artificial, for fun and in case your crocodile gecko wishes to climb closer to the heat lamp.

Heat & lights

• Geckos need about 12 hours of lighting that mimics daylight and 12 hours of lighting that mimics nighttime, daily. If their habitat is in a dim room, light the terrarium during the day with a fluorescent bulb.
• At night, switch to a night-specific bulb so you can watch your nocturnal pet minimum disturbance.
• Your crocodile gecko’s terrarium should have a warm side and a cool side. By day, the temperature should range between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit on the warm side, and between 75 F and 80 F on the cool side. At night, the whole tank should be 65 F to 75 F.
• A heat bulb or ceramic heat emitter will keep the warm side at the right temperature. Use a thermometer on each side to help you regulate the habitat overall.
• The habitat humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Use a hygrometer — a device that measures humidity — to keep track.

Help keep your crocodile gecko healthy

Geckos need an adequate Vitamin D supply in their diet.

Try not to handle new geckos for three or four days to give them a chance to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Whether your gecko is new or settled-in, be sure to contact a vet if you notice any of these symptoms of illness or distress:

• More time spent hiding
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Discolored skin
• Swollen joints
• Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Runny droppings for more than two days

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