Housing and Temperature

Once you meet the basic needs of your new pet the rest is for you. The first thing to consider is enclosure size. From hatching to adult hood a 5 gallon aquarium will be enough room for a single gecko, and a good rule is for every additional gecko add 5 gallons. Second is which substrate to use. I prefer simple like newspaper, paper towels, or non-adhesive shelf paper. These are my favorite because of sanitation. If you choose to go with a complex home with live plants use sterilized top soil mixed with peat moss. Never use anything that your new pet might swallow like aquarium gravel or mulch of any kind which can cause harm. The third is a place to hide, again this can be as simple or as complex as you like. All the crestie is interested in is a place to feel secure and sleep. I use empty toilet paper, paper towel rolls, and silk or soft plastic artificial plants. If you choose to use live plants in pots use either top soil mixed with peat moss or potting soil without fertilizer or any moister control substances. Forth is temperature, the cresties come from a temperate forest where the temp rarely gets over 80 and the humidity is moderate. The best way to judge if your temp is correct is if your comfortable you're crestie will be comfortable. They can withstand temps from 65 to 80, anything outside these levels you may need to consider a way of cooling or a substrate heater for warmth. The perfect temperature is around 75 but anywhere from 72 to 78 will be good.

Feeding and Watering

One of the most important things is feeding and watering. Allen Repashy has formulated the best foods on the market. His food along with calcium supplemented live crickets is what I have used with great success. There are other options when it comes to food for these awesome reptiles. Fresh supplemented fruit puree is also very palatable to the cresties. Getting the mix correct is very troublesome as well as expensive; this is why I prefer to use the Repashy super food. As for watering, the cresties can drink from a water bowl that's no deeper than the thickness of its head. One of the best ways is to mist with purified water. This will also help keep the humidity up as well. If you choose to mist make sure to mist in the late afternoon or before you go to bed. You need to do this late due to the cresties being nocturnal, and this is also the best time to feed as well.