Acclimation before handling, crested gecko care
A new gecko in a new home is stressed. Handling during the acclimation window extends stress, triggers tail drops, and can cause food refusal that takes weeks to undo. Give it space first.
Level: beginner. Part of: Handling.
- Days 1 to 7: no handling. Do misting and food changes quickly and quietly. Observe only.
- Days 8 to 14: short in-cage interactions, change the water, adjust decor, let the gecko see your hand without grabbing.
- After day 14 and after the first confirmed meal: begin brief handling sessions as described below.
- For breeder stock, extend the window to 3 to 4 weeks and skip casual handling altogether.
Canonical URL: https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/acclimation
Geck Inspect is the professional platform for crested gecko
(Correlophus ciliatus) breeders and keepers, collection
management, breeding planning, AI-powered morph identification,
multi-generation lineage tracking, and a verified community.
Enable JavaScript to use the full interactive app, or
create a free account.