Would love some answers please.

Freep

Freep

New member
Ok so I am new and do not own a gecko yet. I have wanted a crested gecko for a long time so thought it was time to start doing the research so I can start planning everything.

So a few noob questions I could not see answered anywhere....

How many crested geckos is good to start off with? (would be a L: 4ft x w:1ft x h: 18inches)
Do they prefer to have company or can they live alone?
How easy is it to introduce unrelated gecko's?
Do they fall out and need splitting and if so can they be reintroduced?

Is there a list of safe plants?
Is there a list of safe/unsafe foods?

What clay is safe to build things with? (I am in the uk )
What do people cover foam with when building in the vivarium?

Is soil safer or can sand be used?

I think that is all for now :D
 
Aimless

Aimless

Super Moderator
hi, Freep, and welcome to GU :)

all of those questions are answered here in great detail. I would browse this subforum, as well as the DIY subforum. the search functionality on this website is also excellent.
 
R

Replv4ev

New member
Hello! I am a crested gecko keeper and breeder for years. Heres my answers:
1. One gecko is good to start off with, you do not want to be over whelmed. Especially if down the road you realize reptiles aren't for you. Housing together also adds a lot more problems. You have to worry about bullying, added stress, additional hide spots, breeding and at a much higher risk of death. Males regardless of age will fight to death. If you have a male with a female they will breed regardless of age also which frequently kills under-developed females. Than with females you have to worry about bullying over food etc.

2. They prefer to live alone. Reptiles, besides a few species prefer to live alone. They hate being with others as that means competition for food, hiding spot, and are seen as potential threats. Females can be housed together and male/female for breeding purposes but generally 1 gecko per tank.

3. Geckos don't care if they are related, they do not see each other as family etc. Older animals will eat smaller geckos. A mother will eat her babies etc. If you are going to introduce geckos do it an a cleaned/rearranged tank so the animals feel less likely to try and defend territory.

4. Pretty much all the reptile made plastic plants and you can find a list on LLL Reptile or NEHERP.

5. Stick to Crested Gecko Diet, my favorite brand is Pangea. Other than that you can mix in organic honey, fresh fruits such as banana. Avoid citrus fruits like orange.

6. Avoid clay, its not part of their natural habitat and can cause impaction/death if swallowed. For substrates stick to paper towels, felt, eco earth or reptile safe wood chips. If you use any loose substrate do not feed live bugs in the tank as if they jump and get a mouth full of dirt or wood chips it can kill them.

7. To cover the foam in DIY backgrounds most people cover it in Eco-Earth while it is still moist.
 
C

CrestedRick

Active member
As mentioned above by replv4ev, check New England Herpetoculture LLC - Home Page and browse their entire site. They have DIY guides to building backgrounds and vivs. Also care sheets for crested geckos and two articles about what to expect when building your viv and what to expect during the first few months of setting your viv up. I know Mike and Jess personally as I have dealt with them for the past two years and are the only people I do my business with so drop them an email and they will answer any questions and give advice if needed.
 
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