Crested Gecko Rhacodactylus Ciliatus

This gecko was thought to be extinct until 1994, when several relatively large, thriving populations were found on the islands of New Caledonia. Hardy and easy to care for, they may soon rival the leopard gecko in popularity.

Is a crested gecko the right companion animal for you? Yes No Check “Yes” or “No” after reading the following statements: 1. I have an appropriate location and space for this gecko. 2. I can commit to meeting the humidity and nutritional requirements of this gecko. 3. I can commit to providing proper care for this gecko. 4. I understand the risks of salmonella transmission with reptiles.

5. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care for this companion animal.

If you answered “Yes” to these statements, a crested gecko may be the right choice for you! Continue reading about how to care for a crested gecko and consult with a PETCO associate to learn more. PETCO is committed to responsible companion animal ownership.

Adult Size 5 to 8 inches Life Span 5 to 10 years with proper care

Diet Provide Commercial crested gecko food, which is a complete balanced diet.

As a treat provide a variety of insects, including appropriately sized gut loaded (recently fed) and calcium dusted crickets, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms; and sweet baby foods, such as peach, banana, or apricot

Fresh, chlorine-free water changed daily

Feeding Feed Commercial crested gecko food every night and remove any uneaten food in the morning. As a treat provide gut-loaded insects at night, 2–3 times weekly, remove uneaten insects in the morning; insects should fit easily into the gecko’s mouth

Housing Size –- Glass or plastic tank with secure lid; height is more important than floor space; a 20- gallon, high aquarium will hold a trio of one male and two female crested geckos

Habitat –- Provide multiple branches for climbing and shelter for hiding; live non-toxic plants are also recommended; mist every evening to maintain humidity above 50% Substrate –- Use mulch-type commercial material, unbleached paper towels, sterile potting soil, dampened sphagnum moss, bark, aspen shavings, or pelleted paper Lighting – Provide light for 10 to 12 hours a day; incandescent bulb is needed for basking area if not using a ceramic heater Temperature –- Daytime between 75° F. to 80° F.; nighttime between 68° F. to 75° F.; radiant heat is recommended; provide a low wattage heat lamp if necessary Keep only one male per enclosure; do not house different species of reptiles together

Recommended Appropriate size habitat with secure lid Vitamin/mineral supplement Supplies Substrate and misting bottle Thermometer and humidity gauge Incandescent light or undertank heater Hiding areas Book about geckos Water and food bowls

Normal Nocturnal (active at night); spends most of the daylight hours hidden in cracks and crevices. Exceptional Behavior and leapers, they will jump from one perch to the next almost like frogs. They have moderately prehensile Interaction tails; never grab lizards by their tails, as some may detach the tail if pulled; crested geckos do not regenerate lost tails. Will tolerate limited gentle handling; rough handling will stress geckos and may cause them to drop their tails; handle only when necessary.

Habitat Provide clean water and clean up any feces daily. Maintenance Thoroughly clean the tank at least once week: set lizard aside in a secure habitat; scrub the tank and furnishings with a 3% bleach solution; rinse thoroughly with water, removing all smell of bleach; add clean substrate.

Grooming All lizards regularly shed their skin; ensure humidity of habitat is at appropriate level to allow proper and Hygiene shedding. Because all geckos are potential carriers of infectious diseases and salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your gecko and/or the habitat contents to help prevent the potential of spread of diseases. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing and/or caring for a gecko and should consider not having a gecko as a pet. For more information regarding geckos and disease, contact the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/ and PETCO at http://www.petco.com/pet care info/animal care sheets.

Signs of a • Active, alert, and interested in humans • Clear eyes Healthy Animal • Body and tail are rounded, filled out • Healthy skin • Clear nose and vent • Eats regularly

Common Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action Health Issues Gastro-intestinal Runny stools, caked or smeared stool Consult your exotic animal Disease around the vent area, and loss of veterinarian. appetite caused by bacterial or parasitic infection. Metabolic If untreated, can lead to a disorder Consult your exotic animal Bone/Vitamin characterized by deformities and veterinarian. Deficiency softened bones. Swollen limbs and lethargy. Respiratory Disease Labored breathing with bubbly Ensure that the habitat is secretions around mouth and nose. Can appropriately warm. Consult your be caused by cold temperature. exotic animal veterinarian.

Red Flags • Weight loss or decreased appetite • Mucus in mouth or nose

• • Swelling Lethargy • Bumps, sores, or abrasions on skin • Labored breathing • Paralysis of limbs or tail • Abnormal feces If you notice any of these signs, please contact your exotic animal veterinarian.

Sources Lizard Care from A-Z by Richard D. Bartlett Lizard Keeper’s Handbook by Philippe De Vosjoli, et al. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians by Liz Palika

Note : The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional

information, please refer to the above sources or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.