Enclosure The Right Size For Baby Crested Gecko?

Okay so I've wanted a crested gecko for YEARS now and my mom finally said I could get one. I'm getting a baby from a trusted local breeder. I've already done all my research and I know for a smaller/baby crested you need a ten gallon and then upgrade them to a 20 or larger but I'm wondering if a ten gallon is going to be too big and stressful for the crested I'm getting. The baby is going to be about 2 or three inches long from snout to the end of its tail, so pretty small not including the tail. I'm just thinking about how large the ten gallon seems for something of that size but can someone inform me if a ten gallon is still a small enough size for a tiny baby crested gecko? Thanks!

 

This is fishlore not geckolore.

 

This is fishlore not geckolore.

The OP posted this topic under the subforum ‘Reptiles’ where it is allowed.

 

Oops

 

Fanatic is correct, many of our members keep other pets as well as fish so Mike created this board “Our other pets” for them.

 

Cool

 

If it is under 10 grams, a 6-quart tub would be the best. A ten-gallon should be fine if it is over that size.

 

I keep my crestie in an Exo-Terra 18x18x24 enclosure. Therefore if that is the size I keep mine in, then undoubtedly it is the right size one that everyone else should keep theirs in, too.

 

I keep my crestie in an Exo-Terra 18x18x24 enclosure. Therefore if that is the size I keep mine in, then undoubtedly it is the right size one that everyone else should keep theirs in, too.

I believe the OP only wanted to use a small tank temporarily until it got big enough to move to a larger, more permanent set-up.

 

Might be a little late but a 10 gallon is fine for a baby. If you fill it with leaves and vines it'll just go up to where it's comfortable and explore higher up when it's ready. Are you turning a regular 10 gallon on its side or is it a tank designed for reptiles that's equivalent to 10g? Crested's live in trees and need much more height than floor space (you probably found that out in your research but I just wanted to make sure you know its important )

Edited to add- I have one and have a bit of experience and have done a lot of research in the time i've owned that species so if you have any questions feel free to message me! Worst case scenario we can figure it out together!

 

I believe the OP only wanted to use a small tank temporarily until it got big enough to move to a larger, more permanent set-up.

In that case the 12x12x18 enclosures are good for them as babies, but the permanent homes? The 18x18x24 cages really are excellent.

A 10 gallon is good too yeah. Cause when the crestie outgrows it you can reuse it for a fish tank. Whereas the 12x12x18 will have likely be done serving it's sole purpose as a growout tank.

 

I breed reptiles, main focus is crested geckos. For grow out enclosures we use sterilite bins with ventilation holes drilled in them, or we use kritter keepers (they’re on sale at either petco or Petsmart right now, order online and pick up in store), or we use bugariums (3 gallon vertical tank). A 10 gallon would be fine too, but if you don’t have one on hand, the other options I’ve provided you with are cheaper options. I’ll include a picture of our bugariums that we use. One is housing a praying mantis at the moment, and the other is housing a baby gecko. I bought them both at reptile shows for $20 each (they come with Cyprus mulch, a small hubba hut, and a fake vine). Online I think they’re around $30, but I’m not too sure.


Grow out enclosures are recommended for baby geckos because they often have a hard time finding their food dish in such a large area. I would keep the baby on paper towels to monitor whether it’s going to the bathroom or not. If it’s pooping, it’s eating.