frst time crestie help

[k42c]

thanks in advance for all the help. and the help ive already got from reading other posts.

ive decided id like a crested gecko from reading other posts they seem to fit into my lifestyle. does this set up really contain everything id need? or is there any important things its missing

The Ultimate Crested Gecko Set Up

cheers kyle

[sophs87]

Hi, what age is the crestie your getting, its advisablr to keep them in a small faunarium so they can locate food ect,
As for the list i wouldnt get the bulbs, i would get a red bulb for night veiwing (apparantly they cant see this colour so wont be disturbed)

Alot more than the one plant you get as they like alot to hide in during the day,
Also with a smaller crestie, its easier to use bottle tops for their food and water as they are very small, you wont need that much food as they dont eat 'loads'
Also I reccomend the repashy diet instead of the kommodo as I have heard all good for the repashy and not so good about komodo(smells horrible not many like it).
Have you chosen your crestie? Any pics ?
Im sure thel be others along soon with their info too

[Rydeboyz]

Originally Posted by k42c

thanks in advance for all the help. and the help ive already got from reading other posts.

ive decided id like a crested gecko from reading other posts they seem to fit into my lifestyle. does this set up really contain everything id need? or is there any important things its missing

The Ultimate Crested Gecko Set Up

cheers kyle

I'm a complete noob but have been doing a fair bit of reading these past few weeks. It seems like it covers the basics but I wouldn't say it's a complete set-up. A few things you may want to consider :

• Temperature - It's advisable to buy a digital thermometer (or 2) and a digital hygrometer (for humidity). The ones provided aren't the best indicators. Also if you might want to get a heatmat to stick on the side of your viv (if your house gets cold during the winter nights). If you do get a heat mat, you should consider getting a thermostat to make it cut off when it reaches a specified temperature.

• Food - Repashy's 2-part diet seems to be the food of choice amongst crestie owners. It's more expensive however and harder to get hold of but it should last you a while.

• Foliage/Decor - I'd recommend you buy some more plants/climbing apparatus for the viv than just the ones supplied. Cresties love to climb!

• Lights - Some people say UV isn't necessary for cresties and some people do. I personally have a 2.0 and a 5.0 in use in my viv. They can be expensive and only effectively last for a year or so so it's up to you, do what you think's best.

Scales are also handy to keep track of their weight (and measuring food quantities). Weight loss is a good indicator that something's wrong.

You might also find it cheaper to buy things seperately; I bought my viv (same as the one advertised) from here: Cupar Garden Centre Terrariums

[Frogsrule10]

Hi, I keep a crestie, and they are very friendly. How many did you want? As it is extremely hard to sex them before they are 6 months, I recommend a baby. Only one as if you get two boys then they will try to kill each other. If you get one it is absurd to get a 60x45x45. They get lost and some may not eat if housed in a too large vivarium. You don't need to get a lock as the crestie will not try to hack out of it's viv. Where small children are concerned, well I have a 12 year old friend and he couldn't figure out how to open the standard lock that comes with the exo-terras. The spray bottles you can get in b&q for 50p, so not a good investment with the one off the web site. The only thing I am not sure about is the lighting. I don't actually have lighting for my crestie
Anyhow, the specialist in Drayton says that it is not essential.

I think that covers everything except for choosing your Crestie.

They are very expensive if you get them from a decent specialist. You must be prepared to pay £85-£100 for one. Whatever you do, don't buy anything except food and vivs/extras from online chain stores. You need to go check out what you are buying first. Also, I don't think that the Crestie would appreciate being stuck in a box and posted across England. Most animals being posted usually die, so don't risk it.
Your crestie should have a nice straight tail, bright eyes and if you pick him up he should start climbing up your arm. Don't be too worried if he is a very dull colour, he may just be shedding. By the way, Cresties actually eat the shed.
You should take him home and let him settle in for a week or two. Sometimes, but very rarely during this period you may hold him for 3-5 mins every day. Once you are sure he has settled in you can hold him up to 20 mins every day.
Feed your Gecko CGD almost every day, mixing 2 parts water to 1 part CGD.At intervals of 2-3 days change his food. Spray him almost every day, as this will increase the humidity and provide him with something to drink. They will not necessarily drink from a bowl.
I hope I have helped a bit and if you have any other questions then just ask

Frogsrule10

[k42c]

thanks for the fast replys. i havent got any cresties in mind. i thought id get the set up first and make sure i can keep it at a constant corect temp first. hopefully ill be able to get one locally as theres a few places that do them and im not to fussy on the morph.

thanks for the extra tips on what i need. i was using that as a guide line and will shop around but now i know what i need

cheers kyle

[k42c]

you all post quicker than i can read and reply. this came in while i was writing my last post. thanks for the extra advice. and as for frogs rule. i can agree with you there. it was looking after a friends tree frog that got me into this whole thing. just didnt like the fact i couldnt hold that.

[sophs87]

Lighting isnt vital as they are nocturnal and will hide from the uv light anyway, But if you want a live planted set up uv helps alot, the red bulb is simply for veiwing in the evening when they are active.

My crestie is about 4 inches long, nose to tail, still very young, heres what s/hes in at the mo...
If you look closely you can see logan


this is what im working on to move her to in a few months....

[Frogsrule10]

Originally Posted by k42c

you all post quicker than i can read and reply. this came in while i was writing my last post. thanks for the extra advice. and as for frogs rule. i can agree with you there. it was looking after a friends tree frog that got me into this whole thing. just didnt like the fact i couldnt hold that.

What frog was it? I have 2 treefrogs (1 whites and 1 green) and the whites is excellent! I call her Blip!

[k42c]

a blue tree frog? it was called pedro. very sad to see it go

[Rydeboyz]

A couple of pictures of my viv if it helps: