What size enclosure does a crested gecko need?

Adult crested geckos require a minimum enclosure size of 2'x2'x2' (24"x24"x24"), though many keepers prefer a taller enclosure to allow for more vertical climbing space. Crested geckos are arboreal and spend most of their time off the ground, so height is more important than floor space. Front-opening doors are strongly recommended for stress-free access.

Do crested geckos need UVB lighting?

While crested geckos were historically kept without UVB and can survive without it when given proper dietary supplementation, current research strongly supports providing low-level UVB lighting for improved health, immune function, and natural behavior. A low-output UVB bulb on a 12-hour light cycle is now recommended by most reptile husbandry experts for crested geckos.

What temperature and humidity do crested geckos need?

Crested geckos thrive at temperatures between 72-78°F and should not be exposed to temperatures above 85°F for extended periods, as heat stress can be fatal. They require high humidity between 60-80%, with a daily misting cycle that allows the enclosure to partially dry out between mistings. This wet-dry cycle is important for respiratory health.

What do crested geckos eat?

Crested geckos do well on a commercial meal replacement powder (MRP) diet, which provides complete nutrition when mixed with water. Popular brands include Repashy and Pangea. Live insects such as crickets and dubia roaches should also be offered regularly to encourage natural hunting behavior and provide additional protein. Fresh fruit can be offered as an occasional treat.

Can crested geckos drop their tail and will it grow back?

Yes, crested geckos can drop their tail (autotomy) as a defense mechanism when stressed or threatened. Unlike many other lizard species, crested gecko tails do not grow back. A crested gecko without a tail is commonly called a "frog butt" in the hobby and lives a completely normal, healthy life without it. Tail loss is not a medical emergency but can be a sign of stress that should be investigated.

Crested Gecko Care Guide

Everything you need to care for a happy, thriving crested gecko — from enclosure setup to diet, lighting, and health.

Crested Gecko Care Guide

Curated by the Zen Habitats Research Team | Last updated: May 2026

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Crested Gecko: At a Glance

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are a small, arboreal gecko species native to the tropical forests of New Caledonia, an island chain east of Australia. Thought extinct until their rediscovery in 1994, they've since become one of the most popular pet geckos thanks to their manageable size, low-maintenance diet, and lack of a UVB requirement for survival. Adults reach 7-9 inches (including tail) and weigh 35-55 grams, living 15-20+ years in captivity. Crested geckos are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and are unusually heat-sensitive for a tropical species — ambient temperatures above 80°F can become dangerous within a fairly short period.

Species Quick Reference
Scientific name	Correlophus ciliatus
Adult size	7-9 inches including tail; 35-55 grams (commonly cited as 35-45g on Zen Habitats' care sheet)
Lifespan	15-20+ years in captivity
Origin	Tropical forests of New Caledonia (Grande Terre, Isle of Pines)
Activity pattern	Crepuscular -- most active at dawn and dusk
Minimum enclosure (adult)	18"x18"x24" (about 20 gallons); Zen Habitats 2x2x2 (66 gallons, 24" vertical climbing space) recommended
Basking/warm area temperature	82-85°F (28-29°C), measured at the top of the enclosure
Cool area temperature	70-75°F (21-24°C), bottom of enclosure
Nighttime low	65-72°F (18-22°C) -- no supplemental heat needed
Critical maximum	Ambient above 80°F risks dehydration/heat stress; sustained mid-80s+ can be fatal
UVB requirement	Not required to survive, but recommended -- low-output linear 5-6% T5/T8 tube (shade-dwelling species)
Photoperiod	12-14 hours light in warmer months, 10-12 hours in cooler months
Humidity	60-80% ambient, spiking to 80%+ overnight, drying to 40-50% by day
Diet	Complete crested gecko diet (Pangea, Repashy, Arcadia, etc.) as staple, plus gutloaded insects 1-2x/week
Supplementation	Calcium (with and without D3) and multivitamin dusted on feeder insects; complete CGD needs no added supplements

Preparing for Your Crested Gecko
Where to Buy a Crested Gecko
Crested Gecko Morphs
Quarantine
Shopping List
Choosing an Enclosure
Lighting, Heating & Humidity
Substrate
Bioactive Enclosures
Decorating an Enclosure
Feeding
Weighing & Body Condition
Going to the Vet
Hydration
Shedding
Enrichment
Handling
Cohabitation
Behaviors
Common Diseases/Ailments
Recommended Crested Gecko Enclosures & Accessories

Preparing for Your Crested Gecko

Crested geckos are consistently ranked among the best reptiles for beginners — but thoughtful preparation before bringing one home makes all the difference. These articles cover essential crested gecko care information, answers to the most commonly asked crested gecko questions, and guidance for first-time reptile owners navigating the hobby for the first time. You'll also find resources to help you decide if a crested gecko is the right species for your lifestyle, including comparisons of the easiest and most beginner-friendly reptiles available. Whether this is your first reptile or your first crested gecko, this chapter gives you a strong foundation to build on.

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Key Preparation Facts
Setup time before arrival	Fully assemble enclosure, run full-spectrum and UVB lights for several hours, verify ambient temperatures do not exceed 80°F, and there is a cool area (70-75°F). Verify temps several times throughout the day with an infrared temp gun and digital probe thermometer before the animal arrives.
Recommended Diet	Ask the breeder/seller about what the animal is currently eating (brand and flavor), how often they are eating, what kind of dish and where the dish is placed (on the ground, on a feeding ledge), and if the animal is being offered live insects and frequency.
Upfront supplies	Gram scale, infrared thermometer, digital probe thermometer/hygrometer, thermostat or dimmer, terrarium disinfectant (F10, chlorhexidine, or white vinegar)
Heat sensitivity note	Crested geckos are a heat-sensitive species -- confirm your temperatures do not exceed 80°F ambient before adding your animal to their enclosure.
Vet contact	Have a trusted exotic vet identified before bringing the animal home (Use arav.org "Find a Vet" tool)

January 10, 2025

Shopping List

Having the right equipment ready before your crested gecko comes home sets you up for a smooth, stress-free transition. This ultimate crested gecko shopping list covers every essential item you'll need from day one — including enclosures, lighting, misting systems, hides, substrate, food, and supplementation — so nothing important gets overlooked during setup.

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December 20, 2023

Crested Gecko Ultimate Shopping List

Whether you are a new crestie parent, or you are looking to give your crested gecko the best life - we have compiled ...

Lighting, Heating & Humidity

Getting the environment right is the single most critical factor in crested gecko husbandry. These resources cover the complete crested gecko lighting and heating guide, whether nocturnal and crepuscular reptiles benefit from UVB exposure, Ferguson zones, the full UV light spectrum explained, and what cryptic basking behavior looks like in crested geckos. Temperature guidance includes common heating myths, how to keep your crested gecko safe during summer heat spikes, and how replicating seasonal cycles can support natural behaviors and breeding. Humidity is covered in its own dedicated crested gecko humidity and hydration guide, addressing optimal humidity ranges, misting schedules, and how humidity management intersects with hydration, shedding success, and overall enclosure health.

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Temperature, Lighting & Humidity Requirements
Basking/warm area	Not exceeding 80°F
Cool area	70-75°F - bottom of enclosure
Nighttime low	65-72°F - no supplemental heat needed
Critical maximum	Ambient above 80°F risks dehydration/heat stress; consistently 85°F+ can be fatal
UVB bulb	Low-output linear 5-6% T5/T8 tube (e.g., Reptile Systems Zone 1, Arcadia ShadeDweller / 6%, ZooMed Reptisun 5.0) -- not required for survival, but beneficial
UVB replacement	Every 6-12 months per manufacturer recommendation, regardless of whether the bulb is still illuminated
Full-spectrum light	6500K LED grow light -- full-spectrum lighting does NOT give off UV and is NOT a UVB substitute
Photoperiod	12-14 hours light in warmer months, 10-12 hours in cooler months
Humidity target	60-70% ambient
Overnight humidity spike	80%+ after misting
Daytime dry-out	45-50% before re-misting
Misting frequency	Once nightly is typically sufficient; may need to adjust frequency for especially dry climates or add a whole room humidifier
Water type	Dechlorinated tap, filtered, or spring water -- never distilled
Avoid	Heat rocks, heat mats, unregulated heat sources of any kind, and colored night bulbs

December 29, 2023

Crested Gecko Complete Lighting and Heating Guide

There is not one “correct” way to set up lighting and heating for a Crested Gecko. What works for some, may not work ...

December 16, 2024

Understanding UV Light and Infrared in Reptile Husbandry | UVA/UVB/UVC & IRA/IRC

Understanding the elements of light and how they affect reptiles can help you create a more conducive environment for...

May 20, 2024

What Are Ferguson Zones? | Reptile UVB Information

Learn all about the Ferguson Zones and how they help provide a guideline for reptile's UVB lighting!

October 24, 2025

How to Replicate Seasonal Cycles for Your Pet Reptile

Creating a seasonal cycle in your reptile’s enclosure brings their environment closer to what they’d experience in na...

March 08, 2024

Should I Give My Nocturnal/Crepuscular Reptile UVB Lighting? | Zen Habitats

While UVB lighting is commonly associated with diurnal species, its importance for nocturnal and crepuscular reptiles...

December 29, 2023

Complete Humidity and Hydration Guide For Crested Geckos

Crested Geckos are a tropical species, meaning they generally appreciate high humidity. However, if a Crested Gecko's...

March 10, 2024

Myths and Misconceptions About Heating for Reptiles

Many myths and misconceptions have been passed around for many years regarding heating reptiles...

May 14, 2025

Summer Reptile Safety Tips ☀️

A little heat can be a good thing for many reptiles, but too MUCH heat can quickly turn fatal.

May 15, 2025

Cryptic Basking in Reptiles | What Is It?

Many people don't realize that nocturnal reptiles will opportunistically cryptic bask; And if you're not looking for ...

December 29, 2023

Crested Gecko Complete Substrate Guide

Whether you are creating a naturalistic, bioactive, or easy-to-clean terrarium for your Crested Gecko, we will be cov...

Bioactive Enclosures

Bioactive enclosures are a natural fit for crested geckos, whose humid, plant-rich native environment translates beautifully into a thriving bioactive setup. These articles explain what a bioactive reptile enclosure is, the benefits of going bioactive for your crested gecko's physical and psychological wellbeing, the best live plants for crested gecko bioactive enclosures, and common bioactive myths debunked — giving you everything you need to decide if a bioactive build is right for your gecko.

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Bioactive Setup Requirements
Substrate depth	4-6+ inches to support digging, plant roots, and the cleanup crew
DIY substrate mix	50% topsoil / 30% play sand / 10% peat sphagnum / 10% coarse additive (charcoal, coconut husk, orchid bark)
Drainage layer	LECA (expanded clay balls) topped with window screen or mesh barrier
Cleanup crew (CUC)	Dwarf white or powder isopods plus tropical springtails
Cleanup crew caution	Crested geckos may opportunistically eat larger isopods -- choose species accordingly
Live plants	Dracaena, sansevieria, philodendron, pothos, scindapsus
Biodegradable top layer	A generous layer of dried leaf litter -- feeds the cleanup crew and prevents accidental mouthfuls of dirt when hunting

December 08, 2023

Best Plants for Crested Gecko Bioactive Enclosures!

Curating a bioactive enclosure is not just about the aesthetic appeal, but also about creating a nearly self-sustaini...

January 12, 2025

What Is a Bioactive Reptile Enclosure?

A bioactive enclosure is a habitat designed to mimic a reptile’s native environment while promoting a self-sustaining...

December 11, 2023

Benefits of Bioactive Enclosures for Reptiles

Bioactive enclosures have taken the reptile-keeping world by storm, offering a revolutionary approach that aims to mi...

February 13, 2024

The Difference Between Bioactive and Naturalistic Reptile Enclosures

When it comes to replicating the natural habitat of your pet reptile, two popular options stand out: bioactive and na...

December 14, 2025

Debunking Bioactive Enclosure Myths!

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest myths about bioactive enclosures and what you need to know before building your eco...

December 14, 2025

Money-Saving Hacks for Building a Bioactive Enclosure!

By using these tips and tricks, you can save money while making a bioactive enclosure!

April 21, 2024

How to Quarantine Terrarium Plants for Reptile Enclosures

This guide outlines quarantining and cleaning new plants that you intend to add to your reptile’s enclosure!

Decorating an Enclosure

A well-decorated crested gecko enclosure mimics the lush, vertical environments of New Caledonia and gives your gecko the hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and visual complexity they need to feel secure. These articles cover how to build a naturalistic reptile enclosure, the pros and cons of live plants, which plants are toxic and must be avoided, how to safely source and quarantine plants before introducing them to your gecko's habitat, reptile-safe enclosure painting techniques, and why more keepers are moving away from minimalist setups in favor of richly decorated, naturalistic environments.

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November 25, 2025

Why Modern Reptile Keepers Are Ditching Minimalism!

Over the last decade, a huge shift has been happening within the herp community!

October 08, 2025

Should I Use Live Plants in My Reptile Enclosure?

Adding live plants is one of the simplest ways to elevate your reptile’s care.

June 23, 2025

Are Hardware Store Plants Safe for Reptiles?

A setup with live plants can be awesome for your reptile — just make sure you're doing it safely!

June 26, 2025

DON'T Use These Dangerous Plants in Your Reptile's Enclosure!!

Not all plants are safe to use, and some can actually harm or even kill your reptile!

April 17, 2025

Using Color to Enrich Your Reptile's Habitat!

Why Color Matters for Reptiles: Yes, color. Not just for you, but for your reptile too!

November 13, 2024

How to Paint Your Zen Habitats Reptile Enclosure | Reptile Safe Customization

With so many colors to choose from, the ability to personalize your reptile's enclosure just got so much easier!

January 26, 2025

How to Set Up A Naturalistic Reptile Enclosure

A naturalistic reptile enclosure mimics the look and feel of a reptile’s natural habitat without being fully bioactive.

Where to buy a Crested Gecko

Finding a healthy, well-started crested gecko starts with sourcing from the right place. This article explores why reptile expos are one of the best options for purchasing crested geckos, offering direct access to reputable breeders, a wide variety of morphs and traits, and the opportunity to evaluate animals in person and ask questions before making a commitment.

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July 29, 2025

Why Reptile Expos Are SO Important!

These events are hubs for education, conservation, responsible breeding, and community building.

Crested Gecko Morphs

Crested geckos are available in a stunning array of colors, patterns, and structural traits developed through decades of selective captive breeding. This comprehensive guide to crested gecko morphs, colors, and traits covers the most recognized and sought-after variations in the hobby today — helping prospective owners and experienced collectors alike understand what to look for when selecting a crested gecko based on aesthetics and genetics.

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December 05, 2023

Crested Gecko Guide to Morphs, Colors, and Traits

Crested geckos come in many different colors and patterns ranging from very light to nearly black, as well as many sh...

Quarantine

Quarantine is one of the most important and most overlooked steps in responsible crested gecko keeping. These articles walk you through how to set up an effective quarantine enclosure, how to prevent cross-contamination between reptiles in a multi-animal household, and what keepers need to know about Cryptosporidium — a serious and highly transmissible reptile pathogen — including testing protocols, quarantine timelines, and risk management strategies.

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May 11, 2025

How to Set Up a Quarantine Enclosure for Your Reptile

The first step to being a responsible reptile keeper is setting up a proper quarantine enclosure!

May 04, 2025

How to Limit Cross-Contamination Between Reptiles in the Same House

Limiting cross-contamination is one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of care in multi-reptile hou...

January 29, 2025

Understanding Cryptosporidium in Reptiles: What It Is, Testing, Quarantine, and Risks

Here's what you need to know about Cryptosporidium, including quarantine practices, testing methods, and the dangers ...

Feeding

Crested geckos have relatively straightforward dietary needs, but building a balanced, varied feeding routine takes some know-how. These resources cover the complete crested gecko food guide, the best crested gecko diet flavors and how to find what your gecko prefers, the role of live insects versus meal replacement powders, freeze-dried feeder options, fruits to avoid, toxic foods, the nutritional benefits of silkworms and bee pollen, how to gutload feeder insects for maximum nutrition, and whether crickets pose a parasite risk. If your crested gecko has gone off food, this chapter also includes targeted guidance on troubleshooting appetite loss and picky eating behavior.

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Feeding Schedule & Diet
Diet	Complete commercial crested gecko diet (Blue River Diets, Pangea, Repashy, Arcadia, etc.) as staple, plus gut loaded, calcium dusted live insects 1-2x/week
Supplementation	Dust live feeder insects with Calcium (rotating plain calcium, calcium w/D3 and multivitamin.) Commercial crested gecko diets are complete and should NOT have additional supplements added.
Juveniles (0-12 months)	CGD available daily; insects 1-2x/week
Healthy adults	CGD every 2-3 days; insects 1x/week
Overweight adults	Reduce feeding to every 5-7 days
Insect prey size rule	No larger than the space between the gecko's eyes
Good insect choices	Crickets, dubia/discoid roach nymphs, small hornworms, BSFL, silkworms, mealworms, small superworms
Fasting tolerance	Up to 2-3 weeks without food; new arrivals may take up to 10 days to start eating
Outdated/unsafe diets	Fruit baby food, yogurt, protein baby food -- replaced by complete CGD formulas

December 22, 2023

Crested Gecko Complete Food Guide

In this complete food guide, we will be covering everything you need to know to feed your pet Crested Gecko, from pre...

August 11, 2025

Best Crested Gecko Diet Flavors!

Here's the flavors that crested geckos seem to gravitate to!

September 03, 2025

Why Zen Habitats Chooses Blue River Diets for Our Reptiles

Blue River Diets is a relative newcomer to the U.S. market – but it’s already setting a new benchmark for gecko nutri...

September 15, 2025

Can I Feed My Reptile Freeze-Dried Insects?

All of the reasons that make freeze-dried insects convenient for us actually make them less ideal for your reptile.

November 30, 2024

What to Do If Your Crested Gecko Is Not Eating

If your gecko appears to ignore its food, it’s important to look at several components.

August 26, 2025

Don't Feed These Fruits to Your Reptile!!

Some fruits contain compounds that can be harmful, cause digestive issues, or lead to long-term health problems!

June 12, 2025

Why You Should Feed Your Reptile Silkworms!

One of the best feeder insects that’s often overlooked? Silkworms!

December 29, 2023

Complete Guide To Gutloading Insects For Your Reptiles | Zen Habitats

Gutloading is a process in which you feed your insects highly nutritious foods ahead of feeding them to your animals ...

February 05, 2024

All About Feeding Bee Pollen To Reptiles | Top Benefits of Bee Pollen for Reptiles

Learn all about this reptile superfood! Bee pollen is packed with several vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antiox...

March 04, 2025

Do Crickets Give Reptiles Parasites?

Crickets are frequently suspected as a common source of parasitic infestation in reptiles.

Weighing & Body Condition

Tracking your crested gecko's weight and body condition over time is one of the most practical tools available for monitoring their health. These resources cover how to weigh your crested gecko and what healthy weight progression looks like, how to assess body condition, and the serious health consequences of reptile obesity — including how overfeeding impacts long-term quality of life. Consistent monitoring gives you the data you need to catch problems early and adjust care before minor issues become major ones.

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September 23, 2025

The Dangers of Reptile Obesity

One of the most common causes for early reptile death is almost always overlooked: Obesity.

Veterinary Care Guidelines
First vet visit	Within the first few weeks home to establish a baseline
Fecal test	Recommended at intake, especially for rescued, rehomed, or unknown-origin animals
Bring to the appointment	Enclosure temps/humidity, lighting/UVB details, photoperiod, weight history, feeding log, and a fresh fecal/urate sample (refrigerated, within 12-24 hours)
Finding a vet	Use the "Find a Vet" tool at arav.org
Emergency signs	Prolonged appetite loss with weight loss, lethargy, respiratory distress, prolapse lasting beyond 30 minutes, severe/repeated stuck shed

Hydration

Despite their reputation as a low-maintenance species, crested geckos have specific hydration needs that are easy to overlook. These resources cover the complete crested gecko humidity and hydration guide, how to recognize the signs of dehydration, and why proper hydration is essential to kidney function, shedding success, and long-term health. Understanding how misting schedules, enclosure humidity, and diet all contribute to your gecko's hydration status gives you a complete picture of how to keep them healthy.

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Hydration Guidelines
Primary hydration method	Nightly misting so the gecko can lick droplets from walls/plants
Water dish	Clean, shallow water available at all times -- dechlorinated tap, filtered, or spring water, never distilled
Dehydration signs	Sunken eyes, wrinkled/creased skin, sandpaper-feeling skin, poor/patchy shed
Pinch test	Skin should spring back quickly when gently pinched
Soaking myth	Reptiles do not absorb meaningful water through skin/cloaca -- soaking (or "electrolyte soaks") does not hydrate
Severe dehydration	Requires vet-administered subcutaneous fluids (e.g., Ringer's/LRS solution)

Shedding Facts
Process speed	Very fast -- typically 15-30 minutes start to finish
Shed frequency	Young/growing geckos as often as weekly; adults every few weeks
Signs of upcoming shed	Dulling color, rough texture, reduced climbing grip, baggy/separated-looking skin
Normal behavior	Geckos eat their own shed -- may skip food the day of or after
Assisting stuck shed	Room-temperature (not warm) humidity chamber for 15-30 minutes, then gently roll off with a damp cotton swab
Never	Peel shed by hand, use warm/hot water, or expose to steam/hot showers
Risk of ignoring stuck shed	Restricted blood flow can cause permanent toe or tail loss

Handling Guidelines
Acclimation period	Avoid handling for the first 1-2 weeks after bringing the gecko home
Session length	10-15 minutes at a time to limit stress
Technique	Approach from the front (not overhead); support the full body/all four legs
"Treadmill" method	Offer your free hand in front of the holding hand so the gecko has somewhere to jump
Stress signs	Squeaking/head shaking, biting, mouth gaping, tail wagging -- all signal "leave me alone"

December 22, 2025

Are You Handling Your Reptile Too Much?

Handling is one of the most misunderstood parts of reptile keeping!

October 29, 2025

Do Pet Reptiles NEED To Be Handled?

Let’s break down when, why, and how handling benefits your reptile (and when it doesn’t).

January 29, 2026

Why Your Reptile Doesn’t Trust You (And What You Can Do About It!)

You’re not failing; You’re working with an exotic animal that evolved to survive predator attacks!

October 29, 2025

Can I Hold My Nocturnal or Crepuscular Reptile During the Day?

If your reptile is most active at night or during evening hours, you might wonder if it’s okay to interact with them ...

Cohabitation

Crested geckos have specific social needs that make cohabitation a nuanced and often risky topic. This article provides a thorough look at reptile cohabitation broadly — covering the behavioral and health-related reasons why housing crested geckos together requires careful consideration, and what keepers need to understand before attempting any multi-animal setup.

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September 22, 2025

Do Reptiles Need Friends? | Reptile Cohabitation

“Can I keep two reptiles together? Won’t they be lonely otherwise?”

Behaviors

Understanding your crested gecko's behavior is key to providing responsive, informed care. These resources cover one of the most startling crested gecko behaviors — tail dropping, or caudal autotomy — including why it happens and exactly what to do if your gecko drops their tail. You'll also find coverage of cryptic basking behavior, which is easily misread by keepers unfamiliar with it, and an exploration of the growing body of research suggesting that reptiles experience emotions in ways previously underestimated.

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December 08, 2024

Why Do Geckos Drop Their Tails? | Zen Habitats

Tail dropping may seem alarming to reptile owners, but it is a natural process and rarely a cause for worry.

May 28, 2024

What To Do If Your Gecko Drops Their Tail | Zen Habitats

When scared or startled, some geckos, like leopard geckos and crested geckos. may throw their tail in a process known...

July 07, 2025

Do Reptiles Have Emotions? New Research Says Yes

For decades, people have dismissed reptiles as emotionless and driven purely by innate instinct. But a growing body o...

May 15, 2025

Cryptic Basking in Reptiles | What Is It?

Many people don't realize that nocturnal reptiles will opportunistically cryptic bask; And if you're not looking for ...

Common Diseases/Ailments

Crested geckos are generally hardy, but they are susceptible to a range of health conditions that are largely preventable with proper husbandry. This chapter covers metabolic bone disease (MBD) — including causes, symptoms, and treatment — Cryptosporidium, tail loss and post-autotomy care, impaction prevention, the health risks of reptile obesity, and whether feeder crickets pose a parasite risk. Together, these resources give crested gecko keepers the knowledge to recognize warning signs early and take proactive steps to protect their animal's health.

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Common Health Issues
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)	Calcium/D3 deficiency or malabsorption; signs include kinky tail, tremors, rubber jaw, spine/leg kinks
Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS)	Cosmetic tail-base deformity from resting positions; not linked to health or breeding issues
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)	Usually from improper temperature/humidity; signs include open-mouth breathing, wheezing, mucus
Internal parasites	Pinworms (most common), coccidia, hookworms, roundworms -- diagnosed via fecal test; crested geckos cannot get external mites
Prolapsed hemipenis	Red bulge outside the vent for 30+ minutes -- needs prompt veterinary care
Amebiasis (Entamoeba invadens)	High-mortality protozoal infection, usually from cross-contamination with aquatic reptiles
Impaction	Hard mass blocking the intestines; usually linked to dehydration or unsuitable substrate/prey size, not loose substrate alone
Egg binding (dystocia)	A female's inability to pass eggs; linked to poor husbandry, malnutrition, dehydration, or abnormal eggs
Cryptosporidium ("Crypto")	A highly contagious protozoan infection with no cure. Causes chronic wasting, loose stools, regurgitation, and eventually death. Spreads via fecal-oral route and can spread from other reptile species and devastate an entire reptile collection.