When it comes to choosing the perfect pet, it can be a tough decision to go with a more common house pet versus something a little more exotic. Crested geckos are very interesting little reptiles, but are they good pets?
A crested gecko is a great option for those who want a pet that does not require constant attention, is easy to maintain, does not need to be handled for long periods of time, and can still provide plenty of entertainment through their natural habits.
Crested geckos are reptiles that have made their way into the pet world within the last two decades and seem to be pets that are here to stay. It may seem like an unconventional option to have a gecko as a pet, but there are so many ways they make great companions. Continue reading to find out all the reasons why crested geckos make such good pets.
Crested Geckos Have a Friendly Nature
One of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing a pet is whether or no they do well with human interaction. No pet owner wants an animal that is aggressive, difficult to train, or does not bode well with other animals within the house. They want a pet that is going to add to their home environment in a positive way, one that can be enjoyed without having to worry about its innate nature. This is why a crested gecko is such a good pet.
Wild crested geckos are rather skittish when it comes to human interaction. After all, they are rather low on the food chain so their flight instincts come into play when they feel threatened. Even so, they are not reptiles that are aggressive and those in captivity are really quite friendly. They are not ones to stay still, but are extremely tolerant of regular handling and oftentimes find it enjoyable to be perched on the shoulder of an owner.
Now, don’t be fooled into thinking that a crested gecko is a cuddly little creature. They are more than happy to be handled every day, or even every other day, but are still relatively jumpy in their nature. Not meaning that they are afraid, but that they tend to jump from surface to surface if the opportunity presents itself. They are curious creatures and like to test how much fun they can have when outside of the cage.
Crested Geckos are Easy to Feed
For some geckos, there are specific types of food and various vitamins they need in order to reach a nutritional, well-balanced diet. To be even more specific, many geckos must have live-food in order to survive. For people who are a tad squeamish around live insects, this is a deal-breaker for them no matter how much they may want a gecko as their next house pet. However, the crested gecko is one that offers something other geckos do not.
Crested geckos in captivity can go their entire lives without eating a morsel of live-food. The crested gecko is one of the only geckos out there that can live happily and healthily through the consumption of premixed powder that is designed specifically for this species of gecko. This premixed powder is filled with different fruits like banana, mango, and watermelon and even includes insects and probiotics.
This premixed powder helps to give your crested gecko the nutrients that it needs in order to stay healthy and active while also never requiring owners to touch a live insect. You can always feed a crested gecko a variation of premixed powder, fruit, and live-food, but it is not necessary for a balanced diet. Feed a crested gecko every other day in the evening and you have yourself the easiest fed pet on the planet.
Crested Geckos Require Minimal Attention
Just the same as needing to be fed very regularly, other house pets also require quite a bit of attention in order to thrive. For a dog, they need to be regularly walked and played with to stay fit and maintain a healthy mental state. Cats require a bit less but are still in need of play and affection to thrive. This can be time-consuming and is a big reason that many people steer clear from conventional pets like these. This is where the benefits of a crested gecko come in.
Crested geckos are nocturnal animals that sleep most of the day and run about throughout the night. They are not extremely social creatures (although they are happy to be handled on occasion) and thus, make the perfect recipe for a pet that requires very little attention from its owners. Crested geckos are more than happy to spend their mornings and afternoons beneath the cover of the plants within their vivarium.
Even more, during the evenings they are just as content to jump from branch to branch, eat their dinner alone, and climb around into the early morning hours without a single word from their owners. A crested gecko can go its entire life in captivity without being handled, which only proves its lack of need for attention. Even though they may not need to be touched, they are still plenty of entertainment when it comes to simply watching them climb about.
Crested Geckos Don’t Require a lot of Space
Horses, goats, teacup pigs, dogs, cats, and even birds require a good amount of space to be able to stretch their legs. This is not simply to accommodate their size, but also to ensure that they have plenty of room to move about freely to help promote a healthy lifestyle. The space needed for many common (and uncommon!) pets can be a major problem for those who don’t have that kind of space to accommodate their needs.
More than that, some individuals simply don’t want to give up that much space in order to house a pet. If you find yourself in either of these positions but are still searching for a pet, consider a crested gecko. Crested geckos are relatively small, therefore they take up very little room once they have been placed in their permanent spot. Fully-grown crested geckos only require a 20-gallon tank for all their climbing, jumping, and stretching needs.
Once the tank has been positioned, this is where the crested gecko will eat, sleep, play (mostly), and lounge about. There is no need for more space than this outside of the gecko’s vivarium, making these little lizards a fun pet to have without having to sacrifice large areas in your home to accommodate them. No outside toys, no separate loungers, and no spare water bowls will ever be trickled throughout your home making them major space-savers.
Crested Geckos are Great Family Pet
If you are someone who is looking for a pet that your children can help care for but don’t want to commit to the major care that typically accompanies larger animals, a crested gecko may be the perfect option for you and your family. With this species of gecko having such a good temperament and being so willing to be held, they are a wonderful pet to introduce to children with the understanding that all pets should be handled as gently as possible.
Crested geckos may not play fetch, but they are enthralling to watch hop about their vivariums and are even more fun once they are out of the cage, providing all kinds of entertainment for kids. They are also a great start for those who are wanting a first pet for their children. The care of a crested gecko is very easy and is thus a great starting point for parents who want to teach their children the importance of caring for another creature.
On an even more practical note, crested geckos do not need to be taken along or intensely cared for when the entire family goes out for the weekend or on a week’s vacation. Crested geckos can go up to two weeks without food. Therefore, if you find everyone is out of the house for a few days there is nothing to worry about as long as there is plenty of water for your gecko. This makes them perfect for a busy family life.
Crested Geckos Have a Long Lifespan
Speaking of family life, many people, when looking for a pet want an animal that will be around for years to come. There is something about the companionship of a long-term pet that is appealing in a world that is ever-changing. With a crested gecko being a relatively small type of reptile, you may be inclined to believe that they would not live all that long in captivity. However, this is not even close to the truth.
In the wild, crested geckos typically live around 4-5 years. When they are in captivity though, they are able to live anywhere from 15-20 years. If cared for properly, a crested gecko has the potential to live longer than many other house pets. Their life-span is incredibly long and therefore this means that having a crested gecko does not entail a short ownership span. This gecko is going to be with you through the years.
This should also be a point of consideration before going forward with the purchase of a crested gecko. If you are looking for more of a short-term pet, this is not the choice for you. Crested geckos do very well in captivity and will afford serious pet owners an extensive amount of time with them. If you are however looking for something more low-maintenance that will still be around for over a decade, a crested gecko is a great pet choice.
