YetiGex crested gecko — beginner-friendly exotic pet on a leaf

Best Pet

June 17, 20253 min read

best new pet for kids

Why Crested Geckos Make the Best First Pet (And How to Keep Yours Happy and Healthy)


If you’ve ever dreamed of a pet that’s soft like velvet, doesn’t bark, doesn’t bite, and doesn’t chew up your shoes—then let me introduce you to your new favorite animal: the crested gecko.

These little cuties are low-maintenance, friendly, and full of personality. Whether you’re looking for a chill companion, a pet your child can help care for, or something different from the usual cats and dogs, crested geckos make a perfect match.


🦎 What Makes Crested Geckos So Special?

  • Velvety skin that’s soft to the touch

  • No strong odors (unlike rodents or fish tanks)

  • No live bugs required — most of their diet is powdered food

  • Small tanks = apartment friendly

  • Super chill — they’re most active at dawn and dusk (not hyper all day!)


🏡 What Do You Need to Set One Up?

Crested geckos don’t need much — just the right basics:

  • A vertical tank (12x12x18” for adults)

  • Hides, plants, and ledges

  • A food/water dish

  • Paper towel or bioactive substrate

  • Proper humidity (we’ll cover that next!)

And every gecko from YetiGex comes with free food, a plant, and dishes to get you started right.

simple crested gecko habitat

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity Tips

  • Ideal temps: 74–77°F (but 68–78°F is safe)

  • Humidity: 40–60% daily, with a spike to 80% after misting

  • Mist once or twice a day

  • Avoid windows, vents, or direct sunlight — geckos like steady conditions


    crested gecko food and diet

💛 Are They Social? Can They Have Roommates?

Short answer: Nope!
Crested geckos are solitary and prefer their own space.

Housing more than one can lead to:

  • Tail nips

  • Weight loss

  • Scars or stress

  • Unexpected death

If you’re new to geckos, stick to one per tank — it’s better for their health and happiness.


🧠 Smart Calcium Tips for Females

Female geckos lay eggs (even without a male!) so they need:

  • Calcium powder or liquid

  • Occasional checks for “calcium sacs” in their mouth

  • An egg-laying box if they’re over 40 grams

Male geckos are great for beginners since you don’t have to manage egg cycles.


🐾 Got Cats or Other Pets?

No worries! Just follow these precautions:

  • Use PVC enclosures — they’re cat-proof

  • Keep tanks off windows and away from curious paws

  • Avoid handling geckos near your other animals

Always wash hands between reptiles to prevent cross-contamination.


🪴 Going Bioactive? Here’s What You Need

Bioactive setups are beautiful and low-maintenance (once established). Use:

  • ABG mix + sphagnum moss

  • Springtails + isopods

  • Live plants (nothing sharp!)

  • A gecko over 20 grams for safety

Let the microfauna break down waste and the plants help with humidity. You’ll have a little jungle in your home!

Crested gecko observing in naturalistic terrarium


🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overheating — don’t go above 80°F

  • Overhandling babies — they can’t regulate body heat

  • Letting mesh-top tanks dry out — cover part with acrylic or plastic

  • Housing geckos together

  • Ignoring weight loss (track it with a small kitchen scale)

    weighing your new pet gecko


🎁 Why Adopt From YetiGex?

Every YetiGex gecko comes with:

  • Free food, dishes, and a plant

  • Fast, safe overnight shipping

  • Friendly support for any questions

  • Real care — we love these animals and it shows


🛍️ Final Thoughts (and How to Start)

Crested geckos are more than just exotic pets — they’re quiet, calm, handleable companions that fit into almost any lifestyle.

Ready to meet your perfect gecko?
Visit our shop page and browse one-of-a-kind geckos looking for their forever home.

Passionate exotic pet breeder, educator, and founder of YetiGex. I help new pet owners discover how easy and rewarding crested geckos can be. Every gecko I raise gets personal care, and every customer gets my full support — because both matter.

YetiGex

Passionate exotic pet breeder, educator, and founder of YetiGex. I help new pet owners discover how easy and rewarding crested geckos can be. Every gecko I raise gets personal care, and every customer gets my full support — because both matter.

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