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What Goes into the Terrarium? P1

The terrarium is the most important component (arguably). 


Your terrarium will serve as a closed and safe environment that your gecko will live in. It is important to make sure that your terrarium is an appropriate environment for your crested gecko. There are many factors that go into making sure that your terrarium is ideal for your reptile friend. A good environment is required to ensure a long and healthy life for your gecko. 


What goes into your terrarium?

1. Substrate:

    - The substrate is what will help your terrarium hold a desired humidity. Without a substrate, your terrarium will not be able to hold a steady humidity and it will drop too low. 

    - Good substrates to use are orchid bark, cypress mulch, coco bedding or any combination of the three work really well for crested geckos. I personally use coco bedding because it is the easiest to spot clean. If you have a naturally cold room, I would suggest combining orchid bark and coco bedding, with the coco bedding on the bottom and a thin layer of orchid bark on the top. This allows the terrarium to promote better humidity levels. 


2. Decor: Caves and Climbing Bards 

    - The decor is an important addition to the terrarium. 

    - In the wild, crested geckos live in tall trees and are natural climbers. In order to maintain the well being of your gecko friend it is important to include decor that allows for your crestie to climb at leisure. This could include ropes, climbing rods, etc. I personally use climbing rods, as they were given to me 

    - You should also include a variety of plants. They can be fake or real (fake are cheaper and easier to maintain). The best type of plants to have are vines with many different leaves. These big leaves and vines allow for additional climbing options but also provide them a place to tuck away and hide. Pongo has a specific spot in the leaves where he likes to sleep and hide. The leaves cover him completely (I have to move them to see him).

    - Caves or hiding places are essential for allowing your gecko to be comfortable in their space. Crested geckos like to have their own space where they seem safe, this usually ends up being in an enclosed space like a cave or tucked away in the leaves. Pongo especially likes to shed within his cave. When he is inside his cave, I never get him out as it is usually a sign that he does not want to be handled.  


Part 2 will be in the next post :)

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