A-1 Reptiles
Crested Gecko Care
Racodactylus ciliatus are commonly referred to as the crested gecko.
Crested geckos may also be referred to as the eyelash gecko. Unlike other geckos species the crested gecko have long eyelashes as can be seen in the photo above.
Crested geckos are indigenous to New Caledonia and may grow to a length of five to seven inches.
This specie is now readily bred in captivity and has become more affordable to the hobbyist over the last few years.
Rubies, fire morphs, and harlequins are the most sought after specimens due to their pattern and coloration. Pattern may be light to extreme and in the fire morph the pattern extends from the head down the back and all the way down the tail. In harlequins the pattern also extends down the back and tail but they also have pattern which extends up the sides as well giving an appearance of flame like pattern extending up the sides of the gecko.
Coloration is achieved over many generations of selective breeding and can range from a bright orange to a dark orange or gold and tan in coloration. The orange or red colored crested's are the most desired coloration on the market today.
The crested gecko, unlike other gecko species, have the ability to change colors. During the day crested geckos, depending on what color morph is acquired, may be a pale pink to tan during daylight hours and at night break out into rich vibrant color. Daylight, darkness, dryness, dampness, cool temperatures, warmer temperatures and stress all play a factor in the crested geckos coloration.
Make sure a shallow water dish is available at all times.
Unlike other gecko species the crested gecko tends to eat a large amount of fruit. apricots, peaches, pears, bananas, plums, etc., are all acceptable fruit items to feed. Apricots are the highest in calcium.
Fresh fruit is always best but when not available there are a variety of strained fruits available in the baby food section of your local grocery. Strained baby foods store easily and are quite inexpensive.
The crested geckos will also take insects such as crickets and mealworms. Mealworms should not be given to animals under the age of six months. All foods should be dusted with a high calcium powder such as Rep-Cal w/D3. Twice monthly foods should be dusted with a good reptile vitamin such as Nekton-Rep or Herptivite.
Only one male should be kept in crested gecko enclosure as this specie is highly territorial. You may house as many as four females with one male.
Screen cages are always best and provide maximum ventilation inside the enclosure for a more natural and healthy environment.
Crested geckos are a nocturnal and arboreal specie and climbing branches should be provided inside their enclosure.
Female crested geckos should be provided with a hide area that is slightly dampened. They will be drawn to this area to lay their eggs.
This specie readily breeds in captivity and has a life span of approximately fifteen years.
A substrate which may be used is a mixture of store bought top soil and Canadian sphagnum peat moss. These products should not contain fertilizing materials as fertilizers can be poisonous. Top soil and peat moss are organic materials that are digestible if ingested. Top soil and peat moss also help to control odor in an enclosure naturally.
Daytime temperatures should reach 74 deg f. A basking lamp can be placed on top of the screened enclosure. Temperature under the basking lamp should be around 82 deg f. This can be achieved using a 60 watt light bulb.
The screened enclosure must be tall enough to permit the crested gecko to bask under the basking lamp and then be able to move down farther inside the cage to cooler areas to rest. Cage temperatures should be monitored under the basking lamp and in the cooler areas of the enclosure.
Breeding takes place in January or February. After breeding the female crested gecko will lay two soft shelled eggs inside the enclosure in the dampened area. Eggs should be removed for incubation.
Incubation temperature of the eggs should be approximately 80 deg f. At this temperature you will produce both male and female offspring.. Incubation time for the eggs is approximately forty-five to sixty days.
When purchasing crested geckos it is always much less expensive when buying young specimens but there is a certain amount of risk buying young. The crested gecko is considered a hardy specie and recommended for beginning gecko keepers.
Sex distinction in this specie can be done at the age of seven months accurately. The males have an obvious swollen tailbase.
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Rhacodactylus ciliatus
