First time crestie owner.

[Michaelhinkle]

First one of these guys, currently have a beardie an a leopard gecko, just got my crestie yesterday. (valentines day gift). Did everything based off of different caresheets here and there but ended up with this.

Substrate is Eco earth, silk(soft) suction cup leaves, small bark hide, small leaf suction cup water dish, 10 gallon for easy hunting. I used a dimmer switch with a 60 watt clean bulb to achieve a constant 75 degrees an 65 humidity. I give him 80 - 90% humidity in the morning which last for a few hours to help with shedding. Also laid out a layer of moss on one side to help keep the humidity around 65. Ordered some rapashy cgd today, been feeding it mushed bananas and small dusted crickets for now.

Just wanted any tips or input on my setup. Pretty sure my crestie is only around a month old. Maybe 2 3/4" total 1 1/4 inch body 1 1/2" tail (hard to measure it seems so fragile) I'm assuming it is a normal morph. Any critique please. Thanks!

 

[Amanda1]

What a cute little guy, and your setup looks good! I would add more vines, plants and maybe another hide so he has plenty of climbing/hiding spots. Most young ones are timid, and that would make him feel more comfortable, but if he seems happy it's not a necessity.

 

[katykaty]

your set up looks fantastic! my only concern is the eco earth, with cresteds this young its dangerous to have that type of substrate seeing as they can easily swallow it and with their bodies being so tiny it can really cause some issues. I have a new baby crested about the same size as yours actually and iv'e been keeping him on paper towels. Also the vines and everything are great just make sure that they aren't too high, crested's love to jump as im sure you have realized, however when young they are clumsy. a long fall, or an attempt to jump onto the wall that fails can result in injury for these little guys. Amazing set up other wise! Beautiful!

 

[Geckomaster743]

The set up looks awesome like Amanda said. I haven't ever owned a Crestie but I do have Leopard geckos. Are they a lot of work and how are you enjoying him?

 

[Amanda1]

It may be better to switch a young gecko to paper towel substrate like Katy said, but I'm not 100% sure it matters. I've never heard of Eco Earth causing impaction, and I know my adult geckos, tortoise and even my frogs have ingested some and never had problems. Also, I'm always surprised at how resilient geckos are. Mine have jumped out of my hands and fallen several feet onto hard floors and never been injured, so I'm sure the little guy is safe in his tank.

 

[katykaty]

http://www.forums.repashy.com/showthread.php?t=3488
^^gecko forum where someone mentions two geckos dying from choking on substrate.

I've also read multiple very sad accounts of baby geckos and even adult geckos of all kinds (including cresteds) falling from heights in their enclousures ans breaking legs. Geckos are resilient but they are not invincible. Im just saying that im sure you love yoir gecko and the risk of death or injury to him/her isn't worth the risk while he's so young still.

 

[Amanda1]

Good points. That's the first I've heard of coco coir being harmful, and it's good to know. Paper towels are usually safest. If you stick with coir, just make sure none of it gets in the food dish, and feed live food like crickets in a separate container with paper towels.

 

[katykaty]

Paper towels are cheaper anyways lol