A few simple questions...

[LeopardShade]

I have recently become interested in Crested Geckos, but some of the care requirements perplexes me. I have a few questions that I would like to ask, and would greatly appreciate answers.

1. What is the most recommended heating source? I know that day temps for these guys should be around mid 70s (if I'm wrong, please let me know) and night temps in high 60s, but how do I achieve those temperatures. Should I use a heat mat with a Rheostat (keep it on low for mild heat) or would a low-wattage (40w) ceramic heat emitter or infrared light work?

2. What should their staple diet consist of? I am not a big fan of crickets, to say the least. Can Cresties eat mealworms as a staple, along with the Crested Gecko Diet? Honestly, I will do anything to avoid crickets...

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

[Psychotic4mb3r]

I dont have any cresties now but when I did I just used CGD as there main food source. I always threw in a few crickets every so often though. I never did try mealies(although thats all I feed mt leos haha). Im not much help, I know lol. Hopefully someone else will stop by and give you some pointers

 

[triplegex]

what are your room temps? for the most part room temp is adequate for rhacs...

 

[tlbowling]

You don't have to feed bugs at all if you feed the Repashy crested gecko diet (CGD), but a few a month would be a nice treat Room temp is fine as long as its under 85, 85 and up is too hot for them. You don't need any additional heat source, and you don't HAVE to drop the temp on purpose at night A Crestie actually sounds perfect for you

You should also become a member over @ pangea forums Lots of crestie people over there

 

[LeopardShade]

Thank you, you have all been a big help. I think I was overthinking all of this...
My room temperature can change, usually it's around 72-75, but when the sun hits it, it can heat up a few degrees. Never above 85, though. As long as I place the cage in a spot where the sun won't hit it, it shouldn't be a problem, right?

 

[tlbowling]

Thank you, you have all been a big help. I think I was overthinking all of this...
My room temperature can change, usually it's around 72-75, but when the sun hits it, it can heat up a few degrees. Never above 85, though. As long as I place the cage in a spot where the sun won't hit it, it shouldn't be a problem, right?

Sounds good, if your comfortable they are comfortable

 

[LeopardShade]

Will Cresties lick calcium out of a bowl as Leopard Geckos do? If using the CGD, can calcium and vitamin supplements be added in the CGD?

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Yep. If you're comfortable, then most likely, they are too.
All CGD, all the time, with a cricket or two every week - two weeks is perfect.

-Wes

 

[Daedric1]

Will Cresties lick calcium out of a bowl as Leopard Geckos do? If using the CGD, can calcium and vitamin supplements be added in the CGD?

The CGD actually has everything the gecko needs inside of it - nothing should be added unless the gecko already has a severe calcium deficiency.

Also, no calcium bowl is needed in the cage. Provide one if you want, but I doubt it will be used. More than likely all that will happen is that substrate will get tracked through it.

 

[Blacksupra94]

Cresteds are possibly the easiest exotic pet to care for ( maybe lol.) I feed mine fresh CGD every night and he just stays at room temp 72-75 , I also have a cool mist fogger so if he wants to cool down he goes and sits under it. I feed mine crickets about once every 6 months, they always find a way to climb up a branch and break out of the cage, it drives me crazy.

 

[Mich]

You don't have to feed bugs at all if you feed the Repashy crested gecko diet (CGD), but a few a month would be a nice treat Room temp is fine as long as its under 85, 85 and up is too hot for them. You don't need any additional heat source, and you don't HAVE to drop the temp on purpose at night A Crestie actually sounds perfect for you

You should also become a member over @ pangea forums Lots of crestie people over there

Thanks, I just decided to add cresties to my collection and that forum is great