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How to: Research

Research made easy. 

When I first decided that I wanted to adopt a crested gecko, I did not any idea on how to take care of one. I quickly found out that doing adequate research makes the world of the difference in adopting this type of reptile, especially if you do not own any other types of reptiles. 


So where is a good place to start?

1. Do some self reflection and determine what kind of animal best suits your situation. 

        - Crested geckos are best for people who like reptiles (not afraid of them jumping, etc), are on a low budget, able to make a 20 year commitment (their estimated life span), available space near a power outlet for the terrarium, able to maintain the humidity every morning and every night, and organized enough to keep track of when you feed them their commercial foods. 

        -If this criteria does not apply to you, then a crested gecko is probably not the best fit for you. However, if this sounds like you, then you have a lot of research a head of you. 


The main things you should research are:

a. General information: including life span, approximate size of adult, mannerisms, whether or not they shed

b. Terrariums: including appropriate sizes, tall (so they can climb), appropriate decor, effective substrate that is gecko friendly  

c. Equipment: including hygrometers and thermometers (and their ideal numbers), food/water bowls

d. Food: including commercial diet, snacks, diet supplements 

e. Morphs: decide which morph you like the best :)


Where to look for this information:

a. Blogs

    - I found most of my information on various blogs. Getting information that had personal experience was really beneficial. 

b. Websites 

    - I used websites to find the information that was mostly dependent on straight facts, not personal experience. These were things like the ideal temperature and humidity. 

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