Have you ever thought of owning a reptile? This simple read will guide you through the steps needed to care for one of the reptile trade's most popular species, the New Caledonian Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus).
Their friendly demeanor is one of the reasons crested geckos make such popular pets. They tolerate regular handling given they are handled properly. Never grab a crested gecko by their tails, heads, or legs. If you grab them by the tail, they may drop their tails. Crested geckos will grab onto your fingers if you gently run your fingers under their chin and lift them once you reach their front legs. If needed, you can slide your fingers under their sides to their bellies to pick them up. Be sure never to squeeze your gecko or handle them roughly as they are delicate.
Crested geckos will jump. To reduce the chance of injury from a fall, handle your gecko close to the ground. You can also sit at a table or desk and handle your crestie over that surface, but be careful as they still may jump to the ground.
Cresties are not prone to biting, but it can happen. A crested gecko bite is never serious and will never break the skin. Usually, a crested gecko will give a quick, gentle nip and that will be the end of it. Should the gecko latch onto you (bite and not let go), which is very unlikely, do not pull the gecko off. Doing so may break the skin. Calmly run your hand under some lukewarm water to encourage the gecko to let go. Again, it is somewhat rare for a crested gecko to bite and it is even less likely for one to latch. As said before, a crested gecko bite is never serious. It is more startling than painful.
These geckos, aside from when they jump, are typically slow-moving. The adults especially are not prone to running or flightiness. Babies and young crested geckos may be more difficult to handle as they may try to run or jump away from you. While you shouldn't allow your gecko to run away and get lost, always be sure to be gentle even in stressful situations. Do not grab your gecko as you may hurt it. If you are having trouble with a flighty gecko, hold it between your thumb and pointer finger as shown below. Note that you can also hold them with their stomach facing the palm of your hand rather than your thumb. Again, be gentle! Do not squeeze your gecko.
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