Key Takeaway:
- Crested geckos require a variety of naturalistic decorations for climbing and hiding, such as vines, branches, and hiding spots.
- Proper monitoring of temperature and humidity is crucial for the well-being of crested geckos through thermometers and hygrometers.
- A variety of options are available to buy accessories such as pet stores, reptile specialty stores, online retailers and even making them yourself.
Crested geckos are a popular pet species among reptile enthusiasts. Their unique appearance and docile nature make them a favorite among many.
As a crested gecko owner, you want to ensure that your pet is living in a comfortable and healthy environment.
This includes providing heat, light, decorations, and everything that makes the enclosure feel like home to your crested gecko.
What Accessories Do You Need For A Crested Gecko?
To properly care for a crested gecko, you will need a few key accessories.
These include a terrarium or enclosure to house the gecko, with appropriate dimensions based on the size of the animal.
You will also need a heat source, such as a heat lamp or ceramic heater, to maintain the proper temperature range for the gecko.
Additionally, you will need a source of UVB lighting to provide the gecko with the necessary UVB radiation.
Other important accessories include a water dish, a hide box for shelter, and a variety of climbing and perching options.
It is also recommended to have a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity level of the enclosure.
Decorations
Decorations in a crested gecko habitat can add visual interest and provide a more naturalistic environment for the gecko.
This can include things like artificial plants, rocks, and other decorative items.
These decorations can also provide additional hiding spots and climbing opportunities for the gecko.
Hides
Hides are an important aspect of a crested gecko’s habitat. They provide a sense of security and a place for the gecko to retreat and feel safe.
Hides can be made out of a variety of materials such as cork bark, plastic, or even a cardboard box with a hole cut in it.
It’s important to provide both a warm and a cool hide spot in the terrarium.
Background
A background can also be added to the enclosure to give the gecko a sense of depth and provide a more naturalistic environment.
This can be made out of a variety of materials, including paper or plastic backgrounds designed specifically for reptile enclosures.
Feeding Ledge
A feeding ledge is a small platform that can be added to the enclosure to provide a designated area for the gecko to eat.
This can help to keep food and feces separate and make it easier to monitor the gecko’s diet.
Additionally, since crested geckos are naturally arboreal, your pet will feel more comfortable eating at a height above ground level.
Vines, Branches, And Bars
Vines, branches, and bars are all important additions to a crested gecko’s habitat.
These provide the gecko with a variety of climbing and perching options, which is important for their physical and mental well-being.
Vines, branches, and bars can be made from natural or artificial materials, such as plastic or wood.
Thermometer
Maintaining the appropriate temperature is crucial to maintaining the health of your pet crested gecko.
A thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the enclosure and make adjustments as and when required.
Hygrometer
Humidity is another crucial factor that needs to be monitored and maintained in the enclosure of a crested gecko.
A hygrometer allows you to measure and monitor the humidity levels in the enclosure.
Mister/Fogger
A mister or fogger can be used to add humidity to the enclosure.
This is particularly important for crested geckos as they hail from tropical regions and therefore require a high level of humidity.
Mist the enclosure regularly and monitor the humidity level with a hygrometer.
What Do Crested Geckos Need In Their Cage?
- A heat source, such as a heat lamp or ceramic heater, maintains the proper temperature range.
- A source of UVB lighting to provide the necessary UVB radiation.
- A water dish for drinking and soaking.
- A hide box for shelter and to provide a sense of security.
- A variety of climbing and perching options, such as vines, branches, and bars.
- Decorations such as artificial plants, rocks, and other decorative items add visual interest and provide a naturalistic environment.
- A thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity level of the enclosure.
- A feeding ledge to provide a designated area for the gecko to eat and make it easier to monitor the gecko’s diet.
- A mister/fogger provides humidity which is particularly important for crested geckos as they hail from tropical regions and therefore require a high level of humidity.
It’s also important to keep the enclosure clean and to monitor the gecko’s health regularly.
A healthy diet and regular veterinary check-ups are also important for the gecko’s well-being.
What Decorations Do Crested Geckos Like?
Crested geckos are arboreal lizards, which means they prefer to live in trees, hence they like naturalistic decorations that mimic their natural habitat. Some decorations that crested geckos may like include:
- Vines: live or artificial vines can provide a naturalistic environment and a variety of climbing opportunities for the gecko.
- Branches: Natural or artificial branches can provide perching options and give the gecko a sense of depth and allow them to have a more natural behavior.
- Live plants: Live plants can provide a naturalistic environment, increase humidity and also help to keep the enclosure clean by absorbing excess moisture and pollutants.
- Cork bark: Cork bark can provide a naturalistic environment and also provide a place for the gecko to hide and feel secure.
- Artificial plants: Artificial plants can add visual interest and provide hiding spots and climbing opportunities for the gecko.
- Rocks and boulders: Rocks and boulders can provide a naturalistic environment and also provide a place for the gecko to hide and feel secure.
- Backgrounds: You can add a background to the enclosure to give the gecko a sense of depth and provide a more naturalistic environment.
It’s important to note that it’s best to use decorations that are safe for the gecko and that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
It is also important to not over-decorate the enclosure to avoid creating a cluttered and stressful environment for the gecko.
Where To Buy These Accessories?
There are a few different places where you can buy the accessories you need for a crested gecko’s habitat:
- Pet stores: Many pet stores, both physical and online, carry a wide variety of accessories and supplies for reptile care. This includes items such as terrariums, heat lamps, UVB lighting, water dishes, hide boxes, climbing and perching options, decorations, and more.
- Reptile specialty stores: Specialty stores that focus on reptile care often carry a wider selection of items than general pet stores. They can be a great resource for finding unique or high-quality accessories and supplies.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in reptile care, such as Amazon, that offer a wide variety of accessories and supplies.
- DIY: You can also make many of the accessories yourself. For example, you can make a hide box from a cardboard box or plastic container, or a feeding ledge from a small piece of wood. Vines can be made from yarn or artificial vines can be purchased, etc.
It’s always a good idea to research the different options and compare prices, quality, and reviews before making a purchase.
It’s also important to make sure the retailer is reputable and has a good return policy in case of any defects or issues with the products.
Summary
Having accessories in the enclosure of your crested gecko is crucial before you bring your pet home.
A crested gecko cage needs essentials such as substrate, heat, light, and water bowls.
But it also needs items for enrichment, such as vines, barks, and hiding spots.
A naturalistic environment will go a long way in keeping your pet crested gecko healthy and happy.
