The answer is NO” These creatures have very different needs, and it can be daunting to strike a balance to keep each one happy and comfortable. So, while the concept of habitat sharing by animals of different species is intriguing, in practice, it rarely works out.
This article will explain why it’s not prudent to house crested geckos with tree frogs!
Why You Should Not Keep Tree Frogs and Crested Geckos Together
You shouldn’t house these two animals in the same cage for several reasons.
Housing Requirements
When designing a mixed-species tank, you’ll need to consider the needs and preferences of the two species. For example, while crested geckos are indigenous to the New Caledonian rainforests, tree frogs inhabit tropical or semi-tropical climates in woodlands, forests, and marshes with high humidity, usually near a body of water.
For this reason, the two species might need different terrarium conditions. Both crested geckos and tree frogs need a glass terrarium as it is easier to regulate the humidity. However, while crested geckos require tanks that are at least 20 gallons in size, tree frogs can live comfortably in terrariums with a low capacity of at least 10 gallons.
Since crested geckos are sub-arboreal and tree frogs arboreal, they need tanks with different heights. Tree frogs will need a tall tank to allow you to add plants and branches for them to climb. On the other hand, crested geckos will need a tank that is a little wider than taller. This will allow them to enjoy climbing on low-hanging branches and plants and still bask when they feel like it.
Tank Conditions
Another major hindrance to keeping leopard geckos and tree frogs is the tank conditions. Since the two animals come from two distinct worlds, it can be difficult to strike a balance in various in-tank conditions.
Temperature
While tree frogs thrive in temperatures of between 72 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit, crested geckos require temperature between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can see, the temperature difference will make it difficult to create a conducive environment for both animals.
Humidity
While both animals come from humid habitats, they have distinct humidity requirements. Tree frogs typically need more moisture content in their terrariums than crested geckos. While cresties need a humidity level of 50-70%, tree frogs require around 30-80%.
Tree frogs cannot survive in a crestie tank since it’s much drier than their original rainforest habitat. If placed in such a condition, their skin might disintegrate, or they might even succumb to dehydration.
Lighting
Although both crested geckos and tree frogs need UVB light, crested geckos don’t need as much as leopard geckos. Being nocturnal creatures, these animals spend most of the day hiding. However, they might come out to bask and obtain vitamin D. Crested geckos usually won’t need powerful lighting. Therefore, when you place a tree frog in a crested gecko’s enclosure, it might suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
In-Tank Accessories
Being arboreal, tree frogs need high-rising plants, branches, and plants in their cages for climbing. On the other hand, cresties will need smaller plants and branches since they’ll also need to climb. They also need vegetation to hide during the day. When you keep the two animals in the same enclosure, it will be challenging to have indoor plants that appeal to both needs.
Diet and Nutritional Requirements
Another point of concern when you keep tree frogs with crested geckos is what to feed them. Adult tree frogs are inherently insectivorous that feed on small live insects such as ants, crickets, moths, and beetles. On the other hand, crested geckos are omnivores that feed on insects and overripe fruits. They can also survive on commercially prepared powder food.
When you keep tree frogs and crested geckos in the same terrarium, finding a perfect diet that will cater to their nutritional needs will be challenging. If you put overripe fruits in the cage, frogs might eat them and become overweight. On the other hand, if you go with an insectivorous diet, you’ll be depriving cresties of essential minerals and nutrients that they get from fruits.
Can You House Dart Frogs with Crested Geckos?
Unfortunately, keeping crested geckos with dart frogs is not ideal since they are incompatible in various areas. First, both species require different humidity levels to survive. Conversely, their diets are completely different, and it will be challenging to know what to feed them.
Additionally, dart frogs are said to be highly poisonous and might end up killing your leopard gecko. So, if you’re thinking of having the two creatures, you can put them in the same enclosure but ensure a fence separates them.
Can You House a Crested Gecko with another Member of Its Species
Are you wondering whether having a few crested geckos in a single terrarium is possible? The answer is yes and no. Essentially, the first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the probable combinations.
As a rule, you should never put two male geckos in the same cage. Since the male cresties are inherently territorial and highly aggressive, they will constantly fight and injure each other, fighting for food, space, and even water.
Housing a male and a female gecko is doable, but it’s likely to result in unwanted hatchlings. So, this combination is also not ideal if you’re not looking to add young geckos into your household.
The most common combination is usually three females and one male gecko. However, you’ll still be at risk of having unwanted hatchlings, but this is a great idea if you want to breed geckos.
Female crested geckos are socially tolerant and less aggressive. So, it’s possible to keep them in the same tank without any issues. While they might battle it out at first to establish a hierarchy, they’ll learn to coexist without any problems.
Final Verdict
As highlighted in this guide, crested geckos and tree frogs have a wide range of differences, making it daunting to try and put them in the same enclosure. The two have different housing and dietary needs. If you’re planning to bring these two species into your household, you’ll need two separate terrariums if you want them to live happily and comfortably.
