An adult crested gecko needs a tall enclosure of at least 18 x 18 x 24 inches, with good airflow and lots of places to climb and hide. Height matters more than floor space because these geckos live in the trees.
Size. Hatchlings and small juveniles do best in a small enclosure, such as a 6 to 12 quart tub or a compact terrarium, so they can find food and water easily. Move them to a taller enclosure as they grow, usually somewhere between 10 and 20 grams.
Substrate. Use paper towels for hatchlings and for quarantine, since loose substrate can be swallowed by tiny geckos. Adults can live on coconut fiber, a coco and sphagnum mix, or a bioactive soil. Avoid sand, walnut shell, cedar and pine.
Furnishings.
- Cork rounds, tubes and branches set at different heights
- Dense foliage, real or artificial, so the gecko feels covered
- Several hides at different levels
- A shallow water dish and a ledge for the food dish
- Leaves and surfaces that hold water droplets after the evening misting
Rinse everything before use, and use only reptile-safe live plants.
Ventilation. A screen top or screen panels allow airflow. Stale, constantly wet air leads to mold and skin problems, so make sure air can move through the enclosure even after misting.
One gecko per enclosure. Adult males fight, and even female pairs can stress each other. Give each gecko its own space.