Originally from southern New Caledonia, the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is also known as the eyelash gecko.Alphonse Guichenot, a French biologist, first described the crested gecko in 1866. Despite the fact that the export of wild crested geckos is currently forbidden, biologists shipped numerous specimens for breeding and research before New Caledonia started issuing export permits.Different breeding lines were developed in Europe and the United States based on these specimens. The crested gecko, next only to the common leopard gecko, is one of the most frequently kept and reproduced gecko species in the world.Crested geckos have risen to prominence as a popular pet choice among a wide range of reptile keepers. It wasn’t always like this, though; until 1994, they were thought to be extinct! Because crested geckos are simple to breed, even if their numbers were low at one point, they quickly rebounded. Numerous owners have fallen in love with how robust and low-maintenance these geckos can be, and they are now a huge business.Crested geckos are extremely amiable creatures who form strong bonds with their owners. If you have kids, you’ll want to make sure your pet is child-friendly. Geckos can pique a child’s interest, causing them to want to hold and play with them. A crestie rarely bites and is relatively easy to care for. It is so simple that even a child can do it. It’s the ideal pet for introducing your kids to the world of herpetology. Crested geckos are generally child-friendly animals, but you must exercise caution. You must differentiate between young and older youngsters. In either scenario, for the safety of the animals and your child, you should always monitor your child when he or she is handling crested geckos.After reading about the life of these reptiles, do check what do crested geckos eat and how long do crocodiles live.How long do crested geckos live in captivity?The eyelash crested gecko lifespan as a pet or in captivity is typically between 15-20 years. So keeping a crested gecko requires a commitment over an extended period. Buying a crested gecko is a big commitment, so consider whether or not you’re ready for it now or in the near future.Although a crested gecko kept as a pet will not be exposed to the risks of predators, fully grown crested geckos can still become ill and be attacked by other animals in the household. However, inappropriate care and poor nutrition are the two most significant risks in captivity that might result in a short lifespan.Crested geckos recognize their owners through their voice and can associate them with a positive experience.How long do domesticated crested geckos live?Like we read above, the crested gecko lifespan is between 10-20 years in the wild and can be the same as the lifespan of domesticated crested geckos if it is treated well and provided with all of the necessary nutrients, proper care, and equipment that it needs. That is quite some commitment to your pet crested gecko.The following are some helpful hints for extending the lifespan of crested geckos.Give them high-quality crested gecko food to eat. Vitamin and mineral levels should be adequate in their food and diet. Weigh your gecko on a regular basis.Ascertain that their tank is clean, and disinfect it as needed. Make sure you have a good tank with the right substrate.By misting the tank and supplying them with a water bowl, you can ensure that these reptiles are well hydrated.With the help of a qualified reptile vet, you can treat parasites and other health issues.Female reptiles, in general, have a shorter life span due to reproduction. This is due to the fact that mating places a burden on their nutrition supplies and may potentially result in emergency health issues such as egg binding. In order to extend the lifespan of breeding female crested geckos, consider the following ideas.Make sure they’re getting a good crested gecko diet.Always keep an eye on their weight, which should be around 1.4 oz (40 g).Between breeding seasons, females should rest for at least four months.Always have a lay box on hand for them.As a nutritious treat, give them enriched insects.How old is the oldest crested gecko?The average lifespan of a healthy gecko is said to be between 10-20 years in the wild as well as in captivity. This being said, Josh, the oldest crested gecko is 17 years old.For children who want a pet but aren’t prepared to take on the duties of a dog or cat, crested geckos are an excellent option. Also, if a kid gets bored with the lizard and you have to take over its maintenance, caring for crested geckos won’t cost you a fortune. Crested geckos are also ideal for new reptile owners who are just getting their feet wet in the hobby.It is not the most exotic reptile on the market, but these lizards aren’t picky, so you won’t have to worry about continuously fiddling with their environment or trying to get them to eat. Crested geckos are only found in the rainforests of New Caledonia, an island off the coast of Australia, in the wild. The capture of wild crested geckos is prohibited by the New Caledonian authorities; hence practically all crested geckos sold today have been bred in captivity.Caring For Crested GeckosWhen your crested gecko isn’t given the attention it needs, its lifespan will be shortened. Your crested gecko will require the following things to live a healthy and long life.You need housing that is appropriate. The purchase of inadequate and insufficient housing is a common mistake made by new crested gecko owners. Crested geckos require a vertical habitat with plenty of climbing and hiding spots. Fortunately, a variety of vendors offer enclosures in a variety of sizes to meet any requirement. Make sure you obtain a large enough habitat with a proper crested geckos-friendly substrate.You must maintain the ideal temperature. Moderate room temperatures are ideal for a crested gecko. During the day, the optimal temperature for a crested gecko is 72-78 F (22.2 -25.5 C). The temperature can drop to between 69- 74 F (20.5 - 23.3 C) during the night. Your crested gecko may become anxious and suffer from heatstroke if the temperature and humidity in the tank rise too high. Your crested gecko will get lethargic and lose its appetite if the temperature in the tank is too low. Low temperatures during the night are known to induce crested geckos to brumate (hibernate), so long-term exposure to them is not recommended.In captivity, crested geckos require a relative humidity of 70-80%. In the long run, an average humidity of more than 80% will cause health difficulties. Dehydration and shedding difficulties will occur if the average humidity is less than 50%.Veterinary visits to check for health issues are important. A few ‘common’ health concerns in crested geckos can typically be avoided. These are the health issues: a bone disease caused by metabolic processes, shedding issues, parasites, and infections caused by bacteria. Seek the advice of a knowledgeable vet if you observe any signs of illness. It’s also a good idea to have your crested gecko examined once a year.Diet is another key aspect that influences the longevity of a crested gecko. Fortunately, this is a factor that you can control. Keep your crested gecko healthy by feeding it a well-balanced diet. This will keep many diseases at bay. In the wild, crested geckos are omnivores who survive on a diet of insects, fruits, and pollen. When making your own meal out of fruit and insects, make sure the calcium-to-phosphorus vitamin ratio is 2:1. If not, your crested gecko may develop health problems, such as metabolic bone disease.Fortunately, there are a variety of commercial foods available for crested geckos in captivity. Meal replacement powders or pellet meals designed specifically for crested geckos have been used to rear several of them. These powders and pellets provide a well-balanced food for your crested gecko. Insects and the occasional treat of fruit can be added to their diet. Vitamin, calcium, and mineral supplements are rarely required because they are already present in their commercial diet. When feeding insects such as crickets or worms to your pet, you should gut-load and dust them.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for ‘How long do crested geckos live?’ then why not take a look at ‘How long do frogs live?’, or ‘Crested gecko facts’.
Originally from southern New Caledonia, the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is also known as the eyelash gecko.
