Housing More Than 1 Crested Gecko

[WildWildMidwest]

In the name of full disclosure (I don't want to mislead anyone into doing anything wrong with their geckos), Manila's 20 gallon long tank has more temperature range now than it did when she was listless. Previously her tank was consistently 68-72 degrees throughout, whereas now it's 68-76 degrees due to changes in tank location, added insulation and a more occlusive lid. Humidity now runs 80-95%, versus previous 60-85%. She still prefers the cooler back & side areas for daytime slumbering, but I find her spending more time in the warm front half of the tank than she used to. So cohabitation isn't the only variable here -- apologies for an unscientific approach of adjusting multiple variables.

I'll probably move to a smaller water dish soon to drop the humidity back to 60-80%. I know what my goal is but getting there requires multiple changes, sometimes simultaneously.

 

[SACrestedKeeper]

I have another question about housing cresteds together, when housing two or three in one cage, how does one prevent aggression over food?

 

[cassicat4]

I have another question about housing cresteds together, when housing two or three in one cage, how does one prevent aggression over food?

Separate food bowls in different locations is one method. When offering live food, ensure there is plenty to go around or, ideally, feed them separately.

@ Mike - don't misunderstand me. I never said two or more geckos can't be housed together, I just said that one can't assume that because it works for them and their geckos that it will automatically work for someone else. Not all geckos or situations are equal, so I don't think we can definitively advise someone that it's ok to do so.

I know it can be done and has been done by others (yourself included) without serious issues, but as I'm not experienced enough (and I know the risks, and don't believe it's worth it), I personally won't do it. But, that's why I simply outlined the risks instead of advising the OP as to what to do. If they've done their research, are aware of the requirements, and are prepared to deal with any possible risks or consequences, then they can make a truly informed decision as to how they house their geckos. Too often, I hear the story of "I bought two geckos and put them together and now they're fighting, what do I do?" by people who haven't bothered doing any research whatsoever, and are essentially needlessly risking their geckos health and well-being. In that case, it's better to advise them to always keep their geckos separate at least until they have adequately researched their care and have more experience with the species.

 

[WildWildMidwest]

I wonder about the likelihood of relationship problems among cohabiting crested geckos as temperature rises? Since I removed the evaporative water pan from our 20 long terrarium, the tank's temperature rose to 74-80 degrees. I notice Manila spending much more time in the front half of the terrarium basking or stalking about. Her appetite is definitely increased. I worry about Ziggy's tail getting bitten when one of them climbs over the divider. What do others think about the hypothesis of temperature and aggression?

 

[WildWildMidwest]

Having filled the gaps between tank and divider last week, there has been no more climbing over the divider. Both geckos have 10 gallon territories in a 20 gallon long tank. They still look at each other sometimes, but I see no sign of hostility. They love to climb on the screen and pounce on roaches in a plastic tray below. Peace reigns in our divided terrarium!

 

[randommind]

Here is a split enclosure that I have designed that houses 2 geckos, yet keeps them separated from one another. It has sliding doors and directly behind where the two doors come together is the divider that splits the tank in two.

 

[WildWildMidwest]

That split vertical terrarium is really pretty. Glass seems the way to go for a long term divided tank rather than metallic screen. You've given me ideas. Thanks for posting the photo.

We will probably let ExoTerra do the glass work for us and buy a second 20 gallon long tank once our juvies mature. Side-by-side vertical 20s should look appealing and it will allow insertion of a visible barrier if any sexual or territorial aggression develops. I still have hope that both our geckos turn out to be female so we can keep them together. Ziggy Stardust may need a name change, though gender bending is pretty much in-character for Bowie. I'm sure The Spiders From Mars won't mind.

 

[LSeelt]

Here is a split enclosure that I have designed that houses 2 geckos, yet keeps them separated from one another. It has sliding doors and directly behind where the two doors come together is the divider that splits the tank in two.

View attachment 16697

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!

 

[LSeelt]

Ziggy Stardust may need a name change, though gender bending is pretty much in-character for Bowie. I'm sure The Spiders From Mars won't mind.

And this is a great name! I love it! I think you should keep it no matter what the gender turns out to be.