A Set-up Guide for Your New Eyelash Gecko or Crested Gecko

5 things to know about eyelash geckos or crested geckos

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Size: They grow as long as 10 inches (25 cm)
• Lifespan: They can live up to 15 years
• Behavior: They love to climb
• Did You Know: When threatened, eyelash geckos or crested geckos will detach their tails. Unlike other geckos, though, their tails don’t grow back

How do I set up my eyelash gecko or crested gecko’s home?

• Eyelash geckos or crested geckos (named for the distinct ridge above their eyes) can live in pairs, but don’t put 2 males together.
• Choose a terrarium that’s a minimum of 30 gallons (114 L), approx. 18” x 18” x 24” (46 x 46 x 61 cm) for adults. In contrast to other species of geckos, these are climbers, so the terrarium should be at least 20 inches (51 cm) high, with a screened lid.
• Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 3” (5-8 cm) of bioactive soil/substrate. Scoop the waste when noticed and change the soil/substrate completely at least once a month.
• Add cork bark, wood and/or artificial rocks for hiding.
• Provide lots of branches, either live or artificial, for climbing.

Heat & light

• Eyelash geckos or crested geckos originate from southern New Caledonia and require a warm, humid environment.
• Your eyelash gecko or crested gecko’s terrarium should be warmer at the top and cooler at the bottom. By day, keep the temperature at the top of the terrarium between 80 and 85 F (27 - 29 C) and the temperature at the bottom of the terrarium between 75 and 80 F (24 to 27 C). At night, the whole tank should be 65 to 75 F (18 to 24 C).
• Use a heat bulb or ceramic heat emitter to keep the warm part of the tank at the correct temperature.
• Monitor the temperature of the habitat with 2 thermometers, one at the top and one at the bottom.
• Habitat humidity should be between 50% and 80%. Use a hygrometer (a humidity gauge) to keep track.
• Eyelash or crested geckos need lighting that mimics the day cycle and benefit from UVA/UVB light. Light the terrarium for 12 hours daily with a good quality UVA/UVB reptile bulb.

What do eyelash geckos or crested geckos eat?

Eyelash geckos or crested geckos are omnivores; in the wild, their diet consists of insects and fruits.

• For their main diet, provide your gecko with fresh crested gecko dietary powder every day.
• Dusted insects can be offered infrequently as treats.
• Your gecko should have access to a shallow dish of clean water at all times. Geckos will also lick moisture from their skin and habitat.

How do I keep my eyelash crested gecko healthy?

Try not to handle new geckos for 3 or 4 days to give them a chance to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Whether your gecko is new or settled-in, aside from annual physical exams, be sure to contact a reptile-savvy veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms of illness or distress:

• More time spent hiding
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Swollen joints
• Abnormalities with the eyes, nose or mouth
• Abnormal or runny droppings for more than 2 days

PET SAFETY TIPS

• Use caution when handling pets and remember they may bite (especially when stressed).
• Supervise children around pets.
• ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat.
• Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet, its habitat or aquarium water.

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