Our Beloved Crested Gecko: From Indifference to Adoration

Our beloved crested gecko has become an integral part of our family. With its unique appearance and low-maintenance care, it's perfect for busy people or those who want a pet that's more for observing than interacting with. However, it's not suitable for small children or those who want a contact-friendly pet.

We never really took an interest in reptiles. As a child, we were given a turtle, but we don't really remember it. It seemed dull - it ate grass and bumped its head against the terrarium glass. We'd heard about iguanas and agamids, but their care seemed complicated - special lamps, fresh fruits, live insects. The last one was a major turn-off, as we have entomophobia - except for butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, ants, bees, and wasps, we can't stand insects, and feeding them to our pet was a definite no-go.

We stumbled upon a short video about a spotted, cute, and eye-catching reptile. What caught our attention was that they don't require special lamps - a heat rock, a humid chamber, a hiding place, and a water bowl are enough.

But no live insects! However, it turns out you can feed reptiles frozen insects. Dead crickets don't bother us - they look like the bees we see in abundance at our grandmother's beehive in the countryside. Plus, you don't have to touch them - our crested gecko eats with a pair of tweezers.

At a pet storeFrom a breederOn a classifieds websiteWe chose the last option. It's not very reliable, as you never know what kind of animal you'll get. It's up to your discretion. We bought everything that came with it, as the previous owner was moving and needed to find new owners quickly.

The gecko itselfThe terrariumTwo hiding placesA water bowlA heat rockA floor matA humid chamber with coconut substrateFrozen cricketsA pair of tweezersCalcium and vitamin supplementsThis starter kit is perfect - nothing unnecessary. In a pet store, it would cost 26,000 rubles, but we bought it on Avito for 8,000 rubles.

It's not complicated - change the water in the bowl daily, mist the humid chamber with a spray bottle (it helps with shedding), and clean up after your pet (ours goes to the same spot every time). We feed it once a week, three times with calcium, once with vitamins, and once a month with a full course of supplements. We clean the terrarium and its contents once a month - it's essential to have a heat rock connected at all times, as it helps digest food.

People who want a pet but are always busy. This animal is more for observing than interacting with. It has several advantages:

It's very beautiful - those large anime-like eyes, the narrow triangular snout, the delicate fingers, the cute spots on its body, the pink tongue, and the thick tailIt's quiet (ours sometimes scratches against the door)It's hypoallergenicEasy to care for, doesn't require a lot of timeNo need for walking or groomingIt's relatively inexpensive to keepThey can live up to 15 years in captivity

Small children, as they'll want to touch it, and that's stressful for the animalPeople who want a contact-friendly pet (this is not about reptiles)

It's a low-maintenance pet, but the payoff is less than with traditional pets like cats and dogsThe initial setup can be expensiveNot suitable for small childrenIt's hard to find a veterinarian who specializes in herpetology

They can make sounds. It's unbelievable, but true. Our gecko once escaped from its terrarium due to my carelessness - I left a small gap, and it squeezed through and hid under a shelf. We had to carefully extract it, and in the process, it made some frightening sounds, similar to a high-pitched squeak. We were most afraid it would lose its tail due to stress, but it survived.

My husband adores it.

At first, he was skeptical and said he'd leave the care to me, and he might not be interested. But no, he loves it more than I do. He often says:

- Look at its pink, wonderful tongue

- It's so cute

- How beautiful it is

So, this cold-blooded reptile has won us over. It's been with us for almost a year, and we hope it will stay with us for a long time.

What is a crested gecko?A crested gecko is a small, gentle reptile that's native to New Caledonia. It's known for its unique appearance, with a triangular snout, large eyes, and a crest on its head.

How do I care for a crested gecko?Crested geckos are relatively easy to care for. They require a heat rock, a humid chamber, a hiding place, and a water bowl. You should also feed them frozen insects and provide calcium and vitamin supplements.

Can crested geckos make sounds?Yes, crested geckos can make sounds, although they're not very loud. They may make high-pitched squeaks or hissing sounds when they're stressed or scared.

How long do crested geckos live?Crested geckos can live up to 15 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment as a pet.

Are crested geckos suitable for small children?No, crested geckos are not suitable for small children. They're delicate animals that require gentle handling, and children may accidentally harm them.

Can I find a veterinarian who specializes in herpetology?It may be challenging to find a veterinarian who specializes in herpetology, but you can try searching online or asking for recommendations from other reptile owners.