• Orientation — Vertical, front-opening with strong cross-ventilation and secure latches.

• Size — Minimum ~45×45×60 cm (18×18×24"); larger like 45×45×90 cm (18×18×36") is better for climbing and gradients.

• Hides/Cover — Dense foliage (live or artificial), cork tubes/flats, vines, and canopy perches at multiple heights.

• Cohab — Not recommended for beginners; males should not be housed together.

• Day/night: ~12–14 h light, 10–12 h dark (seasonal variation OK).

• UVB: Recommended. Aim for Ferguson Zone 1 with UVI ~1.0–2.0 at the top perch; provide full shade retreats.

• Hardware: Low-output T5 UVB at correct distance; confirm with a Solarmeter 6.5 if possible.

• Avoid colored "night" bulbs. If night heat is required, use a thermostat-controlled CHE/DHP (no visible light).

• Basking/top: ~82–85°F (28–29°C)

• Cool/bottom: ~70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Night: ~65–72°F (18–22°C) drop is normal

• Humidity: Maintain ~60–80% with good airflow; allow daytime dry-out to ~40–50% and nightly rise via light misting.

• Water: Keep a shallow dish; mist walls/leaves lightly so droplets are available.

• Heating: If room is cool, use a low-wattage halogen/heat source (thermostat-controlled) and measure with probes/IR gun.

• Best: Bioactive-friendly mixes (topsoil/coco/leaf litter) that hold moisture without getting swampy; plantable depth.

• Quarantine/medical: Paper towels or similar for easy monitoring.

• Avoid: Aromatic woods (cedar/pine) and dusty/oily substrates; ensure excellent ventilation to prevent mold.

• Provide vertical/horizontal climbing routes: cork tubes, branches, sturdy vines, and dense foliage for cover.

• Add a wall-mounted feeding ledge (cresteds prefer eating off the ground).

• Secure heavy décor so nothing can shift and crush the gecko.

Staple

• Commercial CGD (crested-gecko diet), mixed to smoothie/ketchup consistency in a feeding ledge cup.

Insects

• Appropriate-size crickets/roaches/BSFL as enrichment & protein:

– Juveniles: 1–2×/week

– Adults: 0–1×/week

• Remove uneaten feeders within 24 h; always gut-load insects 24 h+.

Schedule

• Juveniles (0–12 mo): CGD daily + insects 1–2×/wk

• Adults (>12 mo): CGD every 2–3 days + insects 0–1×/wk

Supplements

• Dust ALL insects with calcium.

• If using UVB: calcium without D3.

• If not using UVB: calcium with D3 (follow product label).

DAILY: Spot-clean waste; refresh water; quick check on temps/humidity (probe + IR).

WEEKLY: Wipe doors/panels; prune plants; refresh humid spots if needed.

MONTHLY: Deep clean surfaces with reptile-safe disinfectant; replace sections of substrate (or service bioactive).

• Let new arrivals settle and eat reliably before handling.

• Support the whole body and allow short, calm sessions; never grab the tail (autotomy, no regrowth).

• Expect “jumping” when startled; guide between hands over a soft surface.

Watch for:

• MBD signs (soft jaw/limbs, tremors), poor sheds, wheeze/bubbles, open-mouth breathing, anorexia/weight loss, injuries/burns, parasites/mites.

Immediate checks:

• Verify bask/cool temps, humidity and ventilation; confirm UVB and supplement use; ensure hydration.

Vet help:

• Seek an ARAV-listed reptile vet for persistent/systemic signs or trauma.

• Public health: Reptiles/amphibians can carry Salmonella — wash hands after any contact; keep out of kitchens; supervise children/high-risk people.

• Sourcing: Prefer captive-bred; never release captives outdoors.

• Transport: Use secure, ventilated containers; stabilize décor to prevent crush injuries.

Enclosure & hardware

□ Tall, front-opening enclosure (≥ 45×45×60 cm; bigger like 45×45×90 cm preferred)

□ Low-output T5 UVB + timer (aim UVI ~1–2 at top perch)

□ Low-watt halogen/heat source as needed, on thermostat

□ 2+ digital probe thermometers/hygrometers + IR temp gun

□ Fine-mist sprayer; shallow water dish

Habitat

□ Bioactive-friendly substrate (soil/coco/leaf litter), plantable depth

□ Dense foliage, cork tubes/flats, branches/vines

□ Wall-mounted feeding ledge; secure all heavy décor

Feeding & care

□ Quality CGD; live insects by size (gut-loaded)

□ Calcium powder (No-D3 with UVB / With-D3 if no UVB)

□ Reptile-safe disinfectant; paper towels