Leopard geckos and crested geckos thrive when the basics are steady: a gentle temperature gradient, humidity that matches the species, and a feeding rhythm that’s easy to stick to. Below is a practical setup that works in Saltaire homes—plus a quick way to get reptile-savvy visits if you need help while you’re away.
Leopard vs. Crested: what each needs
Leopard gecko (Eublepharis)
- Ground-dwelling; needs a warm hide, cool hide and optional humid hide.
- Dry climate; humidity lower than cresties (see table below).
- Diet: gut-loaded insects (roaches/crickets/locusts), dusted with calcium + D3 (frequency per age).
Crested gecko (Correlophus)
- Arboreal; prefers vertical space with sturdy branches and leafy cover.
- Sub-tropical humidity with daily rise/fall (see table).
- Diet: quality CGD/Repashy/Pangea 3–4× weekly; insects 1× weekly for enrichment (optional).
Temperature gradients
Aim for a warm side → cool side gradient so your gecko can self-regulate. Use a digital probe thermometer at the warm hide level; verify with an IR spot reader.
| Species | Warm side (day) | Cool side (day) | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard gecko | 31–32°C at warm hide | 23–25°C | 20–22°C | Use a thermostat on the heat source; provide a warm & cool hide. |
| Crested gecko | 24–26°C air temp peak | 20–22°C | 18–20°C | Avoid sustained >28°C. Daytime gentle peak, cooler evenings. |
Tip: heat under (heat mat) or over (ceramic/DP) must be thermostat-controlled. Test for 24–48h before relying on a new setup.
Humidity targets
Use a reliable digital hygrometer located at mid-height. For cresties, allow a daily rise with misting, then ventilation to stabilise.
| Species | Day range | Night peak | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard gecko | 35–45% | — | Keep ventilation; offer a humid hide (70–80%) for shed. |
| Crested gecko | 50–65% | 80–90% after evening mist; drop back to ~60% | Hand-misting or timed fogger; ensure airflow so it doesn’t stay wet. |
Feeding schedules
Gut-load insects 24–48h before feeding. Use calcium + D3 per schedule; multivitamin weekly unless your CGD already includes it.
| Species | Adult frequency | Juvenile frequency | What to feed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard gecko | 3× / week (5–7 insects) | 4–5× / week (small insects) | Roaches/crickets/locusts; dust Ca+D3 1–2× / week; plain Ca other feeds. |
| Crested gecko | CGD 3× / week + insects 1× / week | CGD 4× / week + insects 1× / week | CGD/Repashy/Pangea mixed fresh; small roaches/crickets for enrichment. |
- Fresh water daily; shallow dish for leos, drips/misting for cresties.
- Remove uneaten insects after 15–20 minutes (especially with cresties overnight).
Shedding support
What “good” looks like
- All skin off within 24–48h; toes and tail tip clear (no rings).
- Leopard geckos often eat their shed—normal behaviour.
If skin sticks
- Offer a humid hide (70–80%).
- Brief lukewarm steam in a ventilated tub (supervised), then gently tease with a damp cotton bud—never pull hard.
- Persistent stuck shed on toes = vet check to avoid constriction.
Reptile-savvy visits in Saltaire
Need help while you’re away or working late? I offer calm, reptile-savvy visits for geckos: temperature and humidity checks, bug feeds or CGD refresh, water change, light mist, and shedding monitoring. You’ll get a brief note with a photo after each visit.
Keywords: lizard sitter Saltaire, reptile visits Saltaire.
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FAQ
Do leopard geckos need UVB?
Low-level UVB is increasingly recommended (2–5% at hide level) with suitable shade and gradient. It isn’t mandatory in all setups, but it can support natural D3 synthesis when used correctly.
What CGD should I use for a crested gecko?
A reputable complete diet such as Repashy or Pangea. Mix fresh, offer in the evening, remove and clean the dish next day.
Can you visit while I’m on holiday?
Yes—Saltaire & Shipley. Visits include temps/humidity checks, feeds, water change and a photo note. Message me with your dates.
Need a calm, reliable lizard sitter?
I’m local, DBS checked and insured. Clear photo notes after every visit.