I recommend just using straight crested gecko diet (mixed with water of course). Just put a tiny amount, an eighth to quarter teaspoon (for geckos under 8 months old). If you have a fairly young gecko (3-5 inches total length) this should be enough food, if offered every evening (just after sun down). Don't panic if he doesn't seem to be eating any for the first couple days.

The advantage of a really small amount is you can more easily tell if some is eaten. If too much, you can't tell if they eat and also you are wasting the diet. They don't have big stomachs when small.

You can still offer some crickets just as long as they are no bigger than the space between the geckos eyes. Also make sure the crickets are well gut loaded (fresh greens, crushed cat or dog food, fish flakes, even slice orange or some of the mixed CGD will work. Or you can buy a pre-made cricket gut load at the store.)

For the cage:

What are the actual dimensions of the cage? When you say 'tree' do you mean branches of fake plants or do you have actual trees in his cage (assuming small trees, or small fake trees). Basically you want to provide plenty of cover and climbing space without the cage being over crowded.

Crested geckos do best when kept in temperatures that fall within 70-80F. Having your cage at 80F at one end is ok...but if your entire cage is that temperature with the light...don't use the light. OR lower the wattage.

I never provided additional heat for my crested or gargoyle geckos as my room temperature is pretty consistent, staying between 73-78F year around (tends more towards the cool end in the winter, the warmer end in the summer). If the temperature of the room you have your gecko cage stays in an acceptable range day and night, you don't need extra heat either. Young geckos can quickly succumb to heat stroke if cage temperatures get over 80F even for short periods of time so its best to keep most of the cage under 80F so there is always a place for your gecko to retreat too (usually ground level or a lower hide)
-----
PHLdyPayne

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]