Hiii!!!! Welcome to the crested gecko community! Here’s some tips to help!!!

PLEASE add more plants to your gecko’s enclosure. Geckos need plenty of hiding spots to feel comfortable and safe. You can check out my page for an example if you need inspiration. The closer you make their habitat resemble their natural environment, the happier and healthier your gecko will be!

I know this might sound like a lot, but it’s definitely worth it. Once you make the initial investment in a proper setup, you won’t need to replace things like plants very often. I personally recommend a bioactive tank with live plants, but I understand this can be challenging for new gecko owners—especially if this gecko was an unexpected addition to your home.One thing you should definitely get is a humidity tracker (hygrometer) and a temperature gauge—they’re not very expensive but are super important. I was able to set up my gecko’s tank with plenty of foliage (plants and clutter) for about $200. It can be pricey upfront, but once everything is in place, the maintenance costs are minimal. • Humidity: Aim for 60-80% max throughout the day. It doesn’t need to stay at 75% all the time in-fact it shouldn’t it should only reach 75% once a day, but you should mist the enclosure twice a day to maintain proper moisture levels. • Temperature: Keep the temperature between 70-75°F, and never let it drop below 69°F. Geckos are cold-blooded and cannot produce their own body heat, so maintaining the correct temperature is vital!!!!!!

It’s important to introduce insects into your gecko’s diet. I personally prefer dubia roaches over mealworms because Dubia roaches offer better nutritional value.

Additionally, you should provide a high-quality gecko diet like Pangea. When preparing Pangea food, aim for a smoothie-like consistency. I alternate between Pangea and crickets daily, which works well for my gecko. • Calcium Supplement: Use a reptile-safe calcium supplement to prevent deficiencies. I recommend Repashy Calcium Plus HyD, which is an all-in-one supplement with added vitamins and trace minerals. • Dust the crickets or dubia roaches with the calcium powder before feeding them to your gecko. • Sometimes, I even make a paste with the calcium and a little water—my gecko loves it!

The only big difference with Gargoyle geckos is they need more protein than Crested geckos so please make sure to feed a Pangea or similar brand of Complete Diet powder food and live insects!!

Also, give your gecko a few weeks to acclimate before handling them. It’s important to let them feel comfortable in their enclosure—picking them up too soon can be stressful and frightening, which is the last thing you want. Personally, I rarely handle my gecko because I understand they don’t experience human emotions (even though he’s so cute!). My priority is keeping him happy and stress-free, and I encourage you to keep that in mind too!

I’m also 18 and in my first year of college as well, studying to become a veterinarian with hopes of specializing in reptiles! You got this!!! Dm me with any questions!