What do I need to set up for a crested gecko?
Before bringing a crested gecko home, prepare a habitat with these essential items.
Commitment Reality
A crested gecko can live up to 15–20 years, requiring daily care and attention. Be prepared to spend at least 15 minutes a day on handling and maintenance.
You'll need an enclosure at least 10 inches tall and 20 inches long for a single gecko. Handling should be limited to once or twice a week to avoid stress.
Crested geckos are arboreal, so the enclosure should have climbing structures and hiding spots.
- An enclosure at least 10 inches tall and 20 inches long
- Climbing structures and hiding spots
- A heat mat or under-tank heater
- A hygrometer to monitor humidity
- A mister to maintain humidity
- A water dish
- Substrate for the bottom of the enclosure
- Food and insects for the diet
One-Time Setup List
Start by choosing an enclosure with a screen top for ventilation. A 20-gallon tank is a good size for a single gecko.
Include at least one branch for climbing and a few hiding spots with cardboard tubes or caves.
Install a heat mat under one side of the enclosure to maintain a temperature range of 72–80°F (22–27°C).
- Enclosure with a screen top
- Branch for climbing
- Hiding spots
- Heat mat
- Hygrometer
- Mister
- Water dish
- Substrate
Recurring Consumables
Replace the substrate every 2–3 weeks. Use a paper-based substrate like aspen shavings or reptile carpet.
Provide a fruit mix and insects as food, feeding your gecko every 2–3 days. Insects should be gut-loaded with a high-protein diet.
Check and replace bedding as needed, and mist the enclosure to maintain humidity levels between 50–70%.
- Substrate every 2–3 weeks
- Fruit mix and insects every 2–3 days
- Bedding and misting as needed
Ongoing Costs
Remember to budget for recurring costs like substrate, food, and bedding. A hygrometer and mister are also essential for maintaining the right environment.
Replacement equipment like heating elements and water dishes may be needed over time. Regular vet check-ups are important for a healthy gecko.
- Substrate
- Food
- Bedding
- Hygrometer and mister
- Replacement equipment
- Vet check-ups
Are You Ready?
To ensure you're prepared, make sure you have the following items and understand the care requirements.
Do you have an appropriate enclosure and heating setup?
Can you provide the right diet and maintain the necessary humidity levels?
Are you ready to handle and care for your gecko daily?
- Enclosure and heating setup
- Diet and humidity maintenance
- Daily handling and care
Keep reading about Crested Gecko: Crested Gecko care sheet
Related questions
How often should I mist my crested gecko's enclosure?
Mist the enclosure to maintain humidity levels between 50–70% every 2–3 days.
What type of substrate should I use in my gecko's enclosure?
Use a paper-based substrate like aspen shavings or reptile carpet.
How often should I feed my crested gecko?
Feed your gecko a fruit mix and insects every 2–3 days.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your crested gecko is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.