GECKO CARE GUIDE
Everything You Need to Help Your Gecko Thrive
Whether you've welcomed home a Crested, Gargoyle, or Chahoua gecko, providing the right environment is the foundation for a long, healthy life. While each species has its own unique personality and characteristics, their basic care requirements are very similar. This guide covers the essentials of habitat setup, feeding, humidity, handling, and overall wellness to help your gecko thrive.
Preparing for Your New Gecko
Bringing home a gecko is exciting, and having everything ready before they arrive helps them adjust with less stress. A well-prepared habitat allows your gecko to settle in comfortably and begin exploring their new home right away.
Before bringing your gecko home, we recommend having:
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A secure vertical enclosure
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Branches, vines, and climbing décor
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Natural or artificial plants
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Hiding places
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Food and water dishes
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Digital thermometer
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Digital hygrometer
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Spray bottle or misting system
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High-quality gecko diet
Creating the Perfect Habitat
Crested, Gargoyle, and Chahoua geckos are arboreal, meaning they spend much of their lives climbing rather than living on the ground. A vertically oriented enclosure filled with branches, cork bark, plants, and elevated resting areas encourages natural behaviors and keeps your gecko active and engaged.
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Choose furnishings that create multiple levels for climbing while also providing shaded hiding spots where your gecko can feel secure during the day.
Species Note
Chahoua geckos are generally larger and more robust than Crested and Gargoyle geckos, so adult Chahouas often benefit from larger enclosures with additional climbing space.
Temperature & Humidity
Maintaining proper temperature and humidity is one of the most important aspects of gecko care. These species thrive in moderate temperatures and benefit from a daily humidity cycle that mimics their natural environment.
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Aim for comfortable daytime temperatures in the low to mid 70s, with a slight drop at night. Humidity should fluctuate throughout the day, increasing after misting and gradually drying before the next cycle.
Always use digital thermometers and hygrometers to accurately monitor your enclosure.
Species Note
All three species are sensitive to excessive heat. Prolonged temperatures above the recommended range can cause stress and serious health problems.
Feeding Your Gecko
A complete gecko diet should serve as the foundation of your gecko's nutrition. Fresh food should be offered on a regular schedule based on your gecko's age and appetite, and fresh water should always be available.
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Many keepers also offer appropriately sized insects as an occasional source of enrichment and additional protein.
Species Note
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Crested Geckos generally thrive on a complete gecko diet with occasional insects.
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Gargoyle Geckos often enjoy insects more regularly as part of a varied diet.
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Chahoua Geckos typically appreciate more frequent insect offerings than the other two species.
Handling Your Gecko
Give your new gecko time to settle into its enclosure before beginning regular handling. Once your gecko feels comfortable, short, gentle handling sessions help build trust over time.
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Always allow your gecko to step onto your hand rather than grabbing from above, and support its body while handling.
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Remember that every gecko has its own personality. Some are naturally outgoing and curious, while others prefer less interaction.
Species Note
Like many geckos, Crested and Gargoyle geckos may drop their tails if they become extremely stressed or frightened. Gentle handling and a calm environment help reduce this risk.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Keeping your enclosure clean supports your gecko's long-term health.
Daily
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Replace fresh water
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Remove uneaten food
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Spot clean waste
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Check temperature and humidity
Weekly
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Clean food dishes
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Wipe enclosure surfaces as needed
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Inspect plants and décor
Monthly
Perform a deeper cleaning of the enclosure, replacing substrate as needed and sanitizing décor with reptile-safe cleaning products.
Health & Wellness
Healthy geckos are alert during the evening, maintain a healthy weight, eat consistently, and shed regularly.
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Watch for signs that may indicate illness, including:
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
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Difficulty shedding
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Swelling
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Labored breathing
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Lethargy
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Changes in droppings
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a qualified reptile veterinarian.
