Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just bought my first pair for crested geckos. The price was too great to pass up ($50 for adult pair) .. So now I get to do my homework... I know the basics...temps, feedings, etc. But I would like to know how to better their tank. Right now they are in a 30 gal tank, with just 2 pothos plants and a nest box. I would like to make it look better for me..as well as make them a little happier.. But still keep it simple. I was thinking of silk plants and vines, but don't know if cresteds like the vine thing or just prefer tall plants.

Do they eat on the ground? Or should they get their food elevated?? Same with water. I can add a mock shelf for food dish.. Do they like tiny nest boxes?? Or good sized ones?? The one the came with is very tiny..smaller then female itself.. Should the hole be on top or side??

Anything else?? Any great books/sites species??

Harpy
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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?

The vines and silk plants will be just fine, they'll use them just like anything else. Just as long as the plant can support the weight and the cresty doesnt outgrow it, it'll be fine. As for food, they will eat either elevated or on the ground. Mine prefers his crickets on the ground, so he can punce off the glass a couple inches up and be able to land without a great fall. As for water, mine drinks his off the leaves, as long as you spray them their is no need for a water but I would keep one in there just in case, mine was able to recognize it and drinks from it everyday plus a couple licks off the leaves. The nest box should have a hole on the top or side, both work if they know where it is but the top seems a bit more... logical being arboreal but both work with succes. Not sure about the size, I'm sure someone will be able to better help you with both questions regarding the nest box.

Here is a great book about R. Ciliatus (crested gecko)
Rhacodactylus: A Complete Guide to their Selection and Care by Philippe de Vosjoli, Frank Fast, and Allen Repashy. 290 pages, 250 color photos

heres another great book:
The Crested Gecko In Captivity
size: 69 pages
By Robbie Hamper. Covering anatomy, housing, diet, breeding, incubation, diseases, colors, patterns and more!

Here are a couple of good picture sites:
http://www.pangeareptile.com/pics.htm
http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/641bluefemale006-med.jpg

And last, definetly not least, the great care sites:
http://www.pangeareptile.com/id52.htm
http://www.geckoworld.co.uk/care_r.ciliatus.htm
http://www.mountaingeckos.freeservers.com/photo3.html

Well, there was another, but I guess I lost it. Hope this helps

Thanks, that was great information.. Lots of great sites.. and I have heard of the book.. Is said to be best on subject.. I am very excited about these geckos.. Awesome colors, super easy to care for..and the female is already gravid... can't get better than this..

thanks again,
Harpy
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Have You Hugged Your Herp Today?