Crested Gecko Reptiles
If you’re thinking of getting a lizard as a pet, consider a crested gecko. Crested Geckos have some of the most fascinating and unique looks, while also being low maintenance. Out of various exotic animal species available worldwide, these reptiles are probably the easiest to take care of and probably the most beautiful looking. This blog will explore the characteristics, care requirements, and the fascinating facts about this attractive reptile.
What Are The Defining Characteristics Of Crested Geckos
Correlophus ciliaatus, also known as the Crested Gecko, is a species of reptile that belongs to the New Caledonian native gecko family. Crested geckos have the most amazing large rounded eyes and horned crests across their backs. Some notable features of the crested geckos are the following:
Color & Patterns: Crested geckos have a prehensile tail, large bulging eyes, and a triangular mouth. These gorgeous lizards come every obituary such as red, orange, yellow, and brown.
Length: The tail inclusive, the average size of fully grown adult crested geckos ranges from 6-8 inches. They’re small which enables easy handling.
Average Life Span: If taken care of properly, these beautiful creatures can live up to 20 years. Litter includes breeding and optimal care along with environmental settings.
The habitats of true-Crested Geckos are the…
The very first thing any gecko expert will tell you is where the Crested Geckos originate from: forests, and the islands which lie across the Pacific Ocean; New Caledonia. Everything in their diet centers around vegetation, which is an excellent source of phosphorus and calcium, and they predominantly live from trees.
A structured diet is easy to achieve if you stick close to their diet. If you still have doubts; Here are some major characteristics as well as distinctions of their habitat’S location across the globe
Rainforests: where Crested Geckos spend the majority of their lives, allow geckos to grow and adapt. Be it their size, heat, or even their elevation, they are swiftly able to adapt to all. The only thing which they tend to struggle with at times is the humidity. Most geckos prefer a warm and humid environment, this only makes their preferred range of temperature grow over time. For this specific species, 70 – 80 degrees fahrenheit tends to be the optimal range.
Atmospheric Conditions: As mentioned above, Humidity tends to be the main struggle while searching for places to live, however that would not stop them from adapting. Based on specific humidity as well as temperature, geckos require a minimum of 21 to 27 degrees Celsius.Despite heavy humidity geckos mesh well within a temperature range of 1,000 meters, autonomy that helps them survive at sea level doesn’t hurt either.
Other Standards of Care
Taking care of crested geckos does not require a lot of effort, however there are some conditions which need to be met. Moist but tall with plenty of hiding spots to swim in greenery is something all interiors should include. Due to their love for climbing and remaining in high elevation points, a minimum of 20 gallons volume per animal alongside a large enclosure is ideal.
Temperature and Humidity: Crested geckos like to be kept in warm and humid conditions, their terrarium must have a warm side which can be approximately 80°F (27°C) along with a cooler side at around 70°F (21°C). The humidity should remain between 6060 – 80%.
Lighting: Although crested geckos don’t absolutely need UVB lighting exposure, it would be reasonable to offer a low level UVB light as it would help the geckos reach optimal health. A 10-12 hours of light exposure is recommended.
Diet: As for their diet, they are omnivores and are readily able to consume a large range of insects and styled foods, such as fruit and as aforementioned a crested gecko diet. A crested gecko diet should include roaches and crickets as well as insects and other fruit styled food, such as mangoes and bananas.
The Behavior of Crested Geckos
Crested gecko is relatively easy to deal with as they cannot witness any harm in their surroundings. However, these geckos can easily get agitated and show aggressive behavior especially when it comes to the other males dwindling in their pride. Here are some aspects on their behavior:
Social Behavior: For the crested gecko there is no need to have social interactions with fellow crested geckos, as it is a solo reptile. But when enough terrarium space and resources are available, females can be kept in pairs or small groups without any issues.
Handling: Creeping gently and mildly is the way to go while handling Crested geckos as they are sensitive to touch and easily stressed if harassed too much.
Activity Level: Being an active night dweller is one of the many characteristics of Crested geckos, their days normally pass by while they’re in the trees or other flora looking for food.
Crested Gecko’s Health and Wellness
If you fulfill the care requirements this particular species of reptile is quite healthy. With that in mind, let us look at some of these care requirements:
Common Health Issues: Some of the issues geckos apart from other health problems due to lack of care include-bone disease, infection and metabolic starvation. Taking the gecko’s to an animal doctor once in a while would help all these issues and even more in terms of general well-being.
Preventive Care: To avoid any health issues in the geckos make sure to do regular check-ups, maintain hygiene, and provide a good wholesome diet. In addition to that pregnant geckos make sure to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels as well.
Signs of Illness: Symptoms of sickness in crested geckos show up as being lazy, not wanting to eat, having a horrible snore as their respiratory system also becomes a problem, and suffering from skin diseases. In case you start noticing any of these symptoms, be sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
The Role of Enrichment in Crested Gecko Care
Taking care of crested geckoes also involes adding rich textures and environments to their lives. This not just cleans their minds but also motivates them towards their circuitous activities. Keeping crested geckoes in mind, these are some important points regarding their enrichment:
Environmental Enrichment: Adding climbing poles of different variations, building more spaces in the shelter, and extending basking spaces helps the environment in a variety of ways and helps the owner explore the behavioral traits of his pet.
Dietary Enrichment: Such as insects or fruit mixes along with the commercial mixture for crested geckos offer the pet a variety of different tastes and textures which benefit them mentally as they tend to love foraging and encourages them to eat.
Social Enrichment: Crested geckos are famous for being loner reptiles but that does not mean they ignore humans entirely. Crested geckos also love to go out with their owners.
The Role of Conservation in Relationship with Completing Picture of Crested Gecko Care
Completion of ecosystem involving crested geckos and looking after them single handedly is the most vital aspect. Here are some measures which effectively assist in completing the picture:
Habitat Protection: Saving the climate is one layer of the whole picture, crested geckos inhabit endangered regions and thus need to be carefully looked after so that forests along with rainforests are not affected by pollution and deforestation.
Sustainable Practices: Responsible pet ownership and conservation efforts are two of the ways that might go a long way in ensuring both the crested geckos as well as their habitats are preserved.
Education and Awareness: Engaging the general public about the need to conserve the crested geckos as well as keeping them as pets might provide a worthwhile ledge towards safeguarding the species and their habitats.
Common Myths About Crested Geckos
Myths are prevalent when it comes to keeping crested geckos as pets. Here are common myths surrounding them that have been proven false:
Myth: Almost everyone talks about how easy it is to take care of crested geckos. Although it is true that they are easy pets but they have certain specific conditions which must be met if you want to maintain them as pets.
Myth: I have always had the impression that Crested geckos do not need UVB light. While it is correct that UVB light is not necessary for crested geckos, it is unsafe to leave them without one altogether as it can cause a deficiency in vitamin D.
Myth: It is alright to get a small enclosure for my crested gecko. In order to keep a Crested gecko, you’ll have to invest in a big tank full of space, branches, plants, and other hiding spots.
The Role of Veterinary Care
If you are a proud owner of a Crested gecko, it is always a good idea to take them to the vet for checkups. In fact, a vet can help you form a diet plan, help you take care of your gecko and also answer any health related queries you may have.
How Socialization Helps in the Social Development of Geckos
The development of crested gecko adulthood into a sociable and normal person includes the process termed socialization. It is best defined as the exposure of crested geckos to a variety of people, environments and other animals. This process also aids in solving the problems of fear and anxiety by inducing positive behavior.
Importance of Sterilization
Crested gecko population is managed and some diseases are controlled by sterilization. These procedures can help reduce the risk of some cancers or behavioral problems. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian regarding the most convenient time of spaying or neutering your crested gecko.
Summary – Health & Care of The Crested Gecko Pet
In conclusion, crested geckos are terrarium friendly reptiles, famous for their looks and ease of care. However, they cannot be kept in any environment as there are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled for them to be healthy. Once their traits, care and some entertaining facts are known, anyone can take good care of his or her crested gecko pet.
Common Questions Regarding Geckos
Q: Where do people find crested geckos in nature?
A: New Caledonia, a set of islands in the south western part of the Pacific Ocean, is the original home of the crested gecko.
Q: What is an appropriate lifestyle for the gecko with a crest in terms of care?
A: For them to be comfortable and in their best form, proper care would involve: a very spacious enclosure, temperature variation, good lighting, and a healthy nutritious diet.
Q: Which diseases seems to be a hindrance in the growth or health of the gecko with a crest?
A: If the care requirements of the gecko with a crest are not fulfilled, it is highly likely that they will suffer from respiratory infections, skin infections, and metabolic bone disease.
Q: How can I enhance the bonding and activities of my crested gecko?
A: The natural behaviors and activities of the gecko can be encouraged and stimulated by providing them with varieties of food, cognitive engagement, and providing adequate areas for basking, hiding, and for climbing.
Q: Why is the killing off of more and more resources for the gecko with a crest a bad thing?
A: There are numerous threats towards the crested gecko which are mainly caused by nature or human activities such as illegal pet trade, destruction of their natural habitats, and pollution.
In order to safeguard the welfare or good life of the gecko with a crest, it is very important to understand that these reptiles are delicate so it is crucial they receive appropriate care and back up. Education of the audience about these reptiles is very vital which ultimately raises the awareness and understanding about the gecko with a crest while ensuring that the needs of the reptile are met.
