Last updated: February 23, 2026

You’re ready to bring home a crested gecko, but where do you actually find a healthy, well-bred specimen? The answer isn’t as simple as walking into the nearest pet store. Where to get a crested gecko depends on your priorities: genetic quality, morph selection, health guarantees, and ongoing support all vary dramatically between sources. In 2026, educated buyers prioritize animal welfare and quality genetics over convenience, and the best breeders are worth traveling for or receiving shipments from[1].

The crested gecko market has matured significantly, with established breeders focusing on quality over quantity and many announcing limited availability for their 2026 breeding seasons[1]. This shift means you’ll need to know exactly where to look, what to ask, and how to evaluate sources before making your purchase.

Key Takeaways

Specialized reptile breeders offer the highest quality crested geckos with documented genetics, health guarantees, and expert support
Peak availability occurs during spring and summer months (late spring through early fall), with limited winter availability due to shipping restrictions[1]
Price ranges vary by morph: basic flames cost $75–$150, intermediate pinstripes run $150–$250, and premium tricolors command $400–$600+[1]
Online reptile stores like CBReptile.com combine breeder-quality animals with convenient nationwide shipping and comprehensive care resources
Local reptile expos provide hands-on evaluation opportunities but require careful vendor vetting
Pet store quality varies dramatically; chain stores rarely match specialized breeder standards
Health documentation and breeder reputation should be your top priorities regardless of purchase source[1]
Winter shipping challenges restrict availability from November through February in most regions

Quick Answer

Where to get a crested gecko depends on your priorities and experience level. The best sources are specialized crested gecko breeders with 15+ years of experience who maintain detailed breeding records and provide comprehensive support[1]. For 2026, reputable online reptile stores like CBReptile.com offer the ideal combination of breeder-quality animals, extensive morph selection, and nationwide shipping with health guarantees. Local reptile expos and specialized pet stores can work for experienced keepers who know how to evaluate gecko health on-site, but avoid general pet chains that prioritize volume over genetics and animal welfare.

Understanding Your Options: Where to Get a Crested Gecko in 2026

The crested gecko market in 2026 offers five primary purchasing channels, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Your choice should align with your experience level, budget, and priorities regarding genetics and ongoing support.

Specialized reptile breeders represent the gold standard for crested gecko acquisition. These operations focus exclusively on crested geckos or New Caledonian species, maintaining detailed lineage records and selectively breeding for health, temperament, and desirable traits. Top-tier breeders with 15+ years of experience provide comprehensive care sheets, ongoing support, and transparent health guarantees[1].

Online reptile stores combine breeder-quality standards with convenient access. Established operations like CBReptile.com function as both breeders and retailers, offering extensive morph selections with professional photography, detailed descriptions, and nationwide shipping. These platforms typically maintain the same standards as private breeders while providing better website infrastructure and customer service systems.

Reptile expos and shows allow hands-on evaluation before purchase. You can physically inspect animals, compare multiple vendors, and negotiate pricing. However, expo quality varies dramatically by vendor, and the show environment can stress animals, making health assessment more challenging.

Local pet stores fall into two categories: specialized reptile shops and general pet chains. Specialized stores with knowledgeable staff and proper husbandry can be acceptable sources, particularly for beginners who value local support. Chain pet stores rarely meet the standards of dedicated breeders and often source from wholesale suppliers with unknown genetics[1].

Private rehoming and rescue occasionally offers crested geckos needing new homes. While this supports animal welfare, you’ll typically receive limited or no health history, unknown genetics, and potentially behavioral issues from improper previous care.

Choose specialized breeders or quality online reptile stores if: you want documented genetics, specific morphs, health guarantees, and expert support. Choose expos if: you’re experienced enough to evaluate health independently and want hands-on selection. Avoid chain pet stores if: you care about genetics, lineage, or long-term breeder support.

Why Specialized Breeders Are the Best Place to Get a Crested Gecko

Specialized crested gecko breeders consistently produce healthier animals with better genetics, temperament, and longevity compared to other sources. These operations dedicate their entire focus to crested geckos, understanding the nuances of genetics, nutrition, and husbandry that general pet retailers simply can’t match.

Professional breeders maintain detailed records for every animal, tracking lineage across multiple generations. This documentation allows them to selectively breed for desirable traits while avoiding genetic issues like kinked tails, incomplete crests, or poor body structure. When you purchase from an established breeder, you receive a complete genetic history—something impossible to obtain from pet stores or unknown expo vendors[1].

Key advantages of specialized breeders include:

Documented lineage and genetics with multi-generation tracking
Selective breeding programs focused on health, temperament, and specific morphs
Proper age and development (animals sold as well-started babies or juveniles, not fragile hatchlings)
Comprehensive care education including species-specific diet, habitat, and handling guidance
Ongoing support for the animal’s entire lifespan
Health guarantees backed by veterinary knowledge and experience
Transparent communication about any health considerations or special needs

CBReptile.com exemplifies this approach as one of the premier crested gecko breeders in the USA, combining decades of breeding experience with modern e-commerce convenience. Their breeding program focuses on producing healthy animals across the full spectrum of morphs, from basic flames to premium tricolors, with each animal photographed and described in detail.

The breeder advantage extends beyond initial purchase. When you buy from a dedicated breeder, you gain access to their expertise throughout your gecko’s 15-20 year lifespan. Questions about diet transitions, breeding your own geckos, or health concerns receive informed responses from someone who has raised thousands of animals—not a retail employee reading from a care sheet.

Common mistake: Choosing a source based solely on proximity or price. The best crested gecko for you is worth traveling for or paying shipping costs to obtain. A $50 savings on a pet store gecko can cost hundreds in veterinary bills if the animal has hidden health issues or poor genetics.

Finding Quality Crested Geckos for Sale Online

Online reptile stores have revolutionized crested gecko acquisition, offering breeder-quality animals with nationwide shipping and comprehensive support systems. The 2026 market reflects increased consumer education, with buyers prioritizing animal welfare and quality genetics over bargain pricing[1].

When searching for a crested gecko for sale online, focus on established operations that function as both breeders and retailers. These businesses maintain their own breeding colonies rather than sourcing from wholesalers, ensuring consistent quality and complete animal histories.

Evaluating online reptile stores:

Breeding credentials: Look for detailed information about their breeding program, facility, and experience level
Individual animal photos: Reputable sellers photograph each specific animal, not stock images
Detailed descriptions: Each listing should include age, sex (if determinable), feeding history, and temperament notes
Transparent pricing: Clear pricing with no hidden fees; premium morphs should cost more than basic patterns
Shipping policies: Year-round shipping with weather holds and LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee)
Care resources: Comprehensive care sheets, setup guides, and diet information
Customer reviews: Verified reviews from actual buyers with photos of received animals
Communication responsiveness: Quick, knowledgeable responses to pre-purchase questions

CBReptile.com sets the industry standard as the best online reptile store for crested geckos, offering extensive morph selection from designer crested geckos to specific patterns like harlequin, tiger, flame, dalmatian, and pinstripe varieties. Their platform combines professional photography, detailed care guides, and direct breeder support.

Shipping considerations for 2026: Peak availability occurs during spring and summer months when temperatures support safe shipping. Winter represents limited availability due to shipping challenges during extreme temperatures[1]. Reputable sellers implement weather holds, refusing to ship when temperatures fall below 45°F or exceed 85°F at origin, destination, or hub locations.

The online advantage includes:

Extensive selection across all morph categories and age groups
Detailed information with photos of the exact animal you’ll receive
Convenient comparison between multiple animals and morphs
Direct breeder access for questions and ongoing support
Home delivery with professional packaging and heat/cool packs as needed
Time to prepare your habitat before the animal arrives

Edge case: Some buyers worry about purchasing sight-unseen. Reputable online sellers provide more detailed information (photos, feeding records, behavior notes) than you’d typically get from in-person purchases at expos or pet stores. The key is choosing established operations with proven track records and comprehensive guarantees.

Crested Gecko Morphs and Pricing: What to Expect Where You Shop

Where you get a crested gecko directly impacts available morphs and pricing, with specialized breeders offering the widest selection and most competitive pricing for premium genetics. Understanding morph categories and typical pricing helps you evaluate whether you’re getting fair value or overpaying for common patterns.

Basic morphs include flame and standard harlequin patterns. These represent the most common and affordable options, typically ranging from $75–$150 depending on color intensity and pattern quality[1]. Basic morphs make excellent first crested geckos and display the species’ full range of behaviors and care requirements. You’ll find these readily available from most sources, though quality varies significantly.

Intermediate morphs include pinstripe patterns ($150–$250) and dalmatian spotted varieties ($125–$300)[1]. Pinstripes feature distinctive raised dorsal stripes running from head to tail, while dalmatians display random spotting patterns. These morphs require more selective breeding and command moderate premiums. Availability peaks during summer months from established breeders.

Premium and designer morphs represent the high end of the market. Bicolor and tricolor specimens command $400–$600+ depending on pattern quality and color combination[1]. Tiger pattern morphs, featuring bold banding and high contrast, range from $200–$350[1]. These animals come exclusively from specialized breeding programs with multi-generation selection for specific traits.

Morph availability by source:

Source Type	Basic Morphs	Intermediate Morphs	Premium Morphs	Genetic Documentation
Specialized Breeders	✓ Excellent	✓ Excellent	✓ Excellent	Complete lineage
Quality Online Stores	✓ Excellent	✓ Excellent	✓ Excellent	Complete lineage
Reptile Expos	✓ Good	✓ Variable	✓ Limited	Varies by vendor
Specialized Pet Stores	✓ Good	✓ Limited	✗ Rare	Usually none
Chain Pet Stores	✓ Limited	✗ Rare	✗ None	None

CBReptile.com maintains one of the most extensive morph selections available, including rare patterns like bicolor and tricolor, Halloween, and creamsicle varieties. Their breeding program produces consistent quality across all price points, from affordable flames to premium designer morphs.

Understanding morph pricing helps you avoid common pitfalls:

Red flag: Pet stores charging premium prices ($300+) for basic flame or harlequin patterns
Red flag: Expo vendors with “rare” morphs priced suspiciously low (likely poor examples of the pattern)
Green flag: Consistent pricing across multiple animals of the same morph category
Green flag: Higher prices justified by exceptional color, pattern quality, or documented lineage

Life stage also impacts pricing. Hatchlings (under 3 months) cost less but require more experienced care. Well-started babies (3-6 months) represent the sweet spot for most buyers—past the fragile hatchling stage but still young enough to bond with their keeper. Juveniles (6-12 months) and young adults (12-18 months) command premiums due to the time and resources invested in raising them to robust, established feeders.

Choose your morph based on: your budget, experience level, and aesthetic preferences. Basic morphs display identical behaviors and care requirements as premium morphs—you’re paying for appearance, not personality or ease of care. First-time keepers should prioritize animal health and breeder support over rare patterns.

Evaluating Reptile Expos and Local Sources for Crested Geckos

Reptile expos offer hands-on evaluation opportunities but require careful vendor vetting to avoid substandard animals and poor genetics. These events range from small local shows to major regional expos with hundreds of vendors, and quality varies dramatically between sellers.

Advantages of expo purchases:

Physical inspection before buying allows assessment of body condition, activity level, and overall health
Immediate acquisition with no shipping wait or weather concerns
Price negotiation opportunities, especially late in the show day
Vendor comparison with multiple breeders in one location
Educational opportunities through conversations with experienced breeders
Accessory shopping for habitat setup, feeders, and supplies

Disadvantages and risks:

Stress environment makes accurate health assessment difficult (lethargic animals may be stressed, not sick)
Variable vendor quality from professional breeders to backyard hobbyists with poor husbandry
Limited genetic information unless vendor maintains detailed records
Impulse purchase pressure in the exciting expo atmosphere
No return policies in most cases; sales are final
Difficult follow-up support if issues arise after the show

Vetting expo vendors effectively:

Ask about breeding experience: How long have they bred crested geckos? Do they specialize or breed multiple species?
Request lineage information: Can they tell you about the animal’s parents and genetic background?
Observe husbandry practices: Are animals housed in clean, appropriately sized containers with water access?
Evaluate animal condition: Look for clear eyes, full original tail, appropriate body weight, and alert behavior
Discuss care requirements: Knowledgeable breeders provide detailed care information without prompting
Review pricing: Compare prices across multiple vendors for similar morphs and quality
Get contact information: Legitimate breeders provide business cards, websites, or phone numbers for follow-up

Local pet stores represent another option, though quality varies more than any other source. Specialized reptile stores with dedicated staff and proper husbandry can be acceptable, particularly for beginners who value face-to-face support and local access for questions.

Evaluating local pet stores:

Staff knowledge: Can employees answer specific questions about crested gecko diet, temperature, and humidity?
Husbandry practices: Are animals housed at proper temperatures with appropriate substrate and decor?
Animal condition: Assess the same health indicators you’d check at an expo
Source transparency: Will they disclose where they obtain their animals?
Return/guarantee policies: What happens if the animal becomes sick within the first week?

Chain pet stores rarely meet the standards of specialized breeders. These operations prioritize volume and profit margins, sourcing from wholesale suppliers with unknown genetics and often substandard care. While individual employees may be passionate and knowledgeable, corporate policies and supply chains limit animal quality.

Common mistake: Purchasing an obviously sick or underweight gecko because you feel bad for it. “Rescue purchases” from poor vendors reward bad practices and ensure they’ll continue selling substandard animals. Instead, report concerns to show organizers or local animal control.

Seasonal Availability: When and Where to Get a Crested Gecko

Crested gecko availability follows distinct seasonal patterns, with peak selection during spring and summer months and limited options during winter. Understanding these cycles helps you time your purchase for the best selection and safest shipping conditions.

Peak breeding and availability season runs from late spring through early fall (May through September). This period represents peak hatching periods when breeders have the largest selection of well-started babies and juveniles available[1]. Established operations like CBReptile.com time their breeding programs to produce animals during these optimal months, ensuring buyers receive healthy, thriving geckos during safe shipping weather.

Spring (March-May):

Breeding season begins for most operations
Early hatchlings from the previous season reach well-started baby size
Good selection of juveniles and young adults
Increasing availability as temperatures stabilize
Ideal time to prepare your habitat before summer hatchlings arrive

Summer (June-August):

Peak availability across all age groups and morphs
Maximum hatchling production from breeding programs
Best selection of premium and designer morphs
Optimal shipping conditions nationwide
Competitive pricing due to increased supply
Perfect timing for new keepers to establish animals before fall

Fall (September-November):

Declining availability as breeding season ends
Remaining summer hatchlings reach well-started size
Good selection of juveniles ready for new homes
Narrowing shipping windows as temperatures drop
Last opportunity for safe shipping before winter in northern regions

Winter (December-February):

Limited availability due to shipping restrictions[1]
Reduced breeding activity in most facilities
Shipping holds during extreme temperatures
Higher prices due to limited supply
Best time to research breeders and prepare habitats for spring purchases

As of late December 2025, major breeding facilities were introducing new first-time breeders and expanding their breeding programs for the 2026 season[3], indicating strong availability expected for spring and summer 2026.

Shipping restrictions by season significantly impact where you can get a crested gecko during different times of year. Reputable breeders and online stores implement weather holds when temperatures at origin, destination, or hub cities fall below 45°F or exceed 85°F. This protects animal welfare but limits winter availability in northern states and summer availability in extreme southern regions.

Regional breeding networks offer local alternatives to shipped animals. Established Connecticut operations like Harvest Moon Geckos (Bridgeport) and Your Next Crestie (South Windsor) represent quality available in the Northeast[1], while similar operations exist in most states. Local breeders eliminate shipping concerns but may have more limited selection than national operations.

Plan your purchase timing based on:

First-time buyers: Spring or early summer provides optimal conditions for learning gecko care during forgiving weather
Experienced keepers: Any season works if you have proper quarantine and acclimation protocols
Specific morph seekers: Summer offers peak selection of premium and designer patterns
Cold climate buyers: May through September for safe shipping; local pickup during winter months
Hot climate buyers: March through May and September through November for safest shipping

Edge case: Some breeders offer local pickup year-round, eliminating shipping restrictions. If you’re within driving distance of a quality breeder, winter purchases become viable options.

Setting Up Before You Get Your Crested Gecko

Your crested gecko habitat should be completely established and running at proper parameters for at least one week before bringing your animal home. This preparation ensures a smooth transition and allows you to identify and correct any husbandry issues before your gecko arrives.

Essential habitat components:

Enclosure size and type:

Hatchlings (0-3 months): 5-10 gallon vertical enclosure or large plastic tub
Well-started babies (3-6 months): 10-12 gallon vertical terrarium
Juveniles (6-12 months): 12-18 gallon vertical terrarium
Adults (12+ months): 18x18x24 inch minimum vertical terrarium (20+ gallons)

Vertical space matters more than floor space. Crested geckos are arboreal and spend most of their time climbing. A tall, narrow enclosure suits them better than a short, wide setup. For detailed guidance, see our comprehensive crested gecko habitat setup guide.

Temperature and humidity:

Temperature range: 72-78°F during the day, 65-72°F at night
Humidity: 60-80%, with daily misting to reach peak levels
No heat lamps required for most homes (room temperature works)
Avoid temperatures above 82°F (potentially fatal)

Understanding crested gecko temperature requirements prevents the most common fatal mistake: overheating. These animals evolved in cool New Caledonian cloud forests and cannot tolerate the high temperatures many other reptiles require.

Substrate and decor:

Substrate options: Paper towel (easiest), coconut fiber, or bioactive soil mix
Live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding
Multiple branches at various heights and angles
Cork bark or bamboo for additional climbing surfaces
Water dish large enough for soaking (changed daily)

Diet preparation:

Commercial crested gecko diet (Repashy, Pangea, or similar brands)
Small feeding ledges positioned mid-height in the enclosure
Appropriately sized feeder insects (crickets, dubia roaches) if supplementing
Calcium and vitamin supplements for insect feeders

Our detailed crested gecko diet guide covers complete nutritional requirements, feeding schedules, and supplement protocols. Most crested geckos thrive on commercial powder diets alone, making them one of the easiest reptiles to feed properly.

Pre-purchase checklist:

Enclosure assembled and decorated
Temperature monitoring equipment installed and verified
Humidity gauge installed and daily misting schedule tested
Commercial diet purchased and mixing instructions reviewed
Feeding ledges installed at appropriate heights
Water dish positioned and water changed daily for one week
All habitat parameters stable for 7+ days
Backup heating plan if room temperature drops below 65°F
Quarantine area prepared if you have other reptiles
Exotic veterinarian contact information saved

Common setup mistakes to avoid:

Heat lamps or heat rocks: Crested geckos don’t need supplemental heat in most homes and can be killed by overheating
Insufficient height: Horizontal enclosures don’t provide adequate climbing space
Overcrowding with decor: Leave open climbing space between plants and branches
Substrate depth: Keep substrate shallow (1-2 inches) to prevent impaction if accidentally ingested
No temperature monitoring: Guessing at temperatures can lead to dangerous conditions

For visual examples and inspiration, browse our crested gecko photo gallery showing proper habitat setups across different enclosure sizes and styles.

The habitat preparation period also gives you time to research and select your gecko source. Use this week to compare breeders, read reviews, ask questions, and make an informed decision about where to get your crested gecko rather than rushing into an impulse purchase.

Health Guarantees and What to Ask Before You Buy

Health documentation and breeder reputation should be your top priorities regardless of where you get a crested gecko. Professional operations stand behind their animals with comprehensive guarantees and transparent communication about any health considerations.

Standard health guarantee components:

Live arrival guarantee (LAG): For shipped animals, reputable sellers guarantee the gecko arrives alive and healthy. This typically requires you to be present for delivery and document any issues with photos within 1-2 hours of arrival. The seller either refunds the purchase price or ships a replacement animal at their expense.

Short-term health guarantee: Most quality breeders offer 7-14 day health guarantees covering undisclosed pre-existing conditions. This protects you from purchasing an animal with parasites, respiratory infections, or other health issues that weren’t apparent at the time of sale. The guarantee typically requires:

Exotic veterinarian examination within 72 hours of receipt
Proper husbandry following provided care instructions
Immediate communication if health concerns arise
Veterinary documentation of any diagnosed conditions

Long-term genetic guarantees: Some breeders extend guarantees covering genetic issues that manifest over time, such as metabolic bone disease from poor genetics (not husbandry). These extended guarantees demonstrate confidence in breeding practices and genetic selection.

Questions to ask before purchasing:

How long have you been breeding crested geckos? Look for 5+ years minimum, 10-15+ years for premium morphs
Can you provide the animal’s lineage information? Professional breeders track genetics across multiple generations
What is this gecko’s feeding history? You should receive detailed information about diet, feeding schedule, and food preferences
What is your health guarantee policy? Get written documentation of what’s covered and for how long
What ongoing support do you provide? Quality breeders remain available for questions throughout the animal’s life
Can you provide references or reviews? Established operations have verifiable customer feedback
What are the gecko’s parents’ morphs? This helps predict the animal’s adult appearance and breeding potential
Has the animal had any health issues? Transparency about past problems (and their resolution) indicates honesty
What age/weight is the gecko? Younger animals require more experienced care; well-started babies (3+ months) suit most buyers
What are your shipping methods and policies? Understand packaging, carrier, timing, and weather hold procedures

Red flags that indicate poor sources:

Refusal to provide lineage or breeding information (“I don’t track that”)
No health guarantee or extremely limited coverage (24 hours only)
Defensive or evasive responses to basic questions
Pressure to purchase immediately without time to consider
Unwillingness to provide photos of the specific animal
No ongoing support after purchase
Prices significantly below market rates for claimed morphs
Multiple animals with visible health issues (underweight, tail damage, lethargy)
Poor husbandry in breeder’s own facilities or display enclosures

Green flags that indicate quality sources:

Detailed written care instructions provided with every animal
Transparent communication about any quirks or special considerations
Willingness to delay sale if you’re not fully prepared
Comprehensive website or social media with educational content
Active engagement in reptile community and industry organizations
Multi-generation facility photos showing proper husbandry practices
Specific feeding records for individual animals
Follow-up communication after purchase to ensure successful acclimation

CBReptile.com exemplifies these quality standards, providing detailed care sheets, individual animal photos and descriptions, comprehensive health guarantees, and ongoing support from experienced crested gecko breeders with decades of combined experience.

Documentation to request and retain:

Written health guarantee with specific coverage details
Care sheet with species-specific husbandry requirements
Feeding record showing diet, schedule, and acceptance
Lineage information (if available)
Breeder contact information for follow-up questions
Purchase receipt with date, animal description, and price

The health guarantee conversation reveals much about a seller’s integrity and experience. Professional breeders discuss guarantees confidently and provide written documentation without prompting. Evasive answers or reluctance to commit to written guarantees indicate potential problems.

FAQ: Common Questions About Where to Get a Crested Gecko

Where is the best place to buy a crested gecko?

The best place to buy a crested gecko is from specialized reptile breeders or quality online reptile stores like CBReptile.com that maintain their own breeding programs. These sources provide documented genetics, health guarantees, comprehensive care support, and the widest selection of morphs across all price ranges[1].

How much does a crested gecko cost in 2026?

Crested gecko prices in 2026 range from $75-$150 for basic flame and harlequin morphs, $150-$300 for intermediate patterns like pinstripes and dalmatians, and $400-$600+ for premium designer morphs like bicolors and tricolors[1]. Price varies based on morph, age, and source quality.

Can I buy a crested gecko online safely?

Yes, buying crested geckos online from reputable breeders is safe and often provides better quality than local sources. Established online reptile stores use professional packaging, overnight shipping, heat/cool packs, and live arrival guarantees. Choose sellers with extensive reviews, detailed animal photos, and comprehensive health guarantees.

What time of year is best for getting a crested gecko?

Spring and summer (May through September) offer peak availability and safest shipping conditions for crested geckos. This period represents peak hatching seasons with maximum selection across all morphs and age groups[1]. Winter availability is limited due to shipping restrictions during extreme temperatures.

Should I buy a hatchling or juvenile crested gecko?

Well-started babies (3-6 months old) or juveniles (6-12 months) are ideal for most buyers. These age groups are past the fragile hatchling stage, established on consistent feeding schedules, and robust enough to handle the stress of shipping and acclimation. Hatchlings require more experienced care and carry higher risk.

Do pet stores sell healthy crested geckos?

Pet store quality varies dramatically. Specialized reptile stores with knowledgeable staff can be acceptable sources, but chain pet stores rarely match breeder standards for genetics, health, and care. Most chain stores source from wholesalers with unknown genetics and provide minimal staff training on species-specific care[1].

What should I look for when choosing where to get a crested gecko?

Prioritize breeder experience (10+ years), documented genetics and lineage, comprehensive health guarantees, detailed care support, transparent communication, and verifiable customer reviews. The source should provide photos of the specific animal, feeding history, and ongoing support after purchase[1].

Can I find rare crested gecko morphs at reptile expos?

Reptile expos occasionally feature rare morphs, but quality varies significantly by vendor. Premium morphs like tricolors and high-quality tigers are more reliably available from specialized breeders who focus on selective breeding programs. Expo “rare” morphs are sometimes poor examples of patterns available in better quality elsewhere.

Is it better to buy locally or have a crested gecko shipped?

Quality should outweigh location convenience. The best crested gecko for you is worth traveling for or receiving via shipping from a reputable breeder. Local sources work well if they meet the same quality standards as top-tier breeders, but don’t compromise on genetics and health for convenience[1].

What health guarantee should I expect when buying a crested gecko?

Expect a live arrival guarantee for shipped animals plus a 7-14 day health guarantee covering pre-existing conditions not disclosed at sale. Quality breeders provide written guarantees requiring exotic vet examination within 72 hours and covering issues like parasites, respiratory infections, or metabolic problems from poor genetics.

How do I know if an online crested gecko seller is reputable?

Reputable online sellers photograph each individual animal, provide detailed descriptions including age and feeding history, maintain comprehensive care resources, offer transparent health guarantees, respond quickly to questions, and have extensive verifiable customer reviews. They implement weather holds and use professional shipping methods.

Can I return a crested gecko if it doesn’t work out?

Return policies vary by seller. Most breeders don’t accept returns for buyer’s remorse but will work with you if health issues arise within the guarantee period. Some may accept returns within 24-48 hours with restocking fees. Always clarify return policies before purchase and commit only when you’re fully prepared for long-term care.

Making Your Decision: Next Steps for Getting Your Crested Gecko

You now understand where to get a crested gecko and how to evaluate sources for quality, genetics, and support. The 2026 market offers unprecedented access to healthy, well-bred animals through specialized breeders and quality online reptile stores, but success requires informed decision-making and proper preparation.

Your action plan:

Step 1: Prepare your habitat completely. Set up your enclosure, establish proper temperature and humidity parameters, and let everything run for at least one week before purchasing your gecko. Use this time to finalize your source selection and ask questions. Review our crested gecko habitat guide for detailed setup instructions.

Step 2: Research and compare sources. Evaluate breeders based on experience, health guarantees, customer reviews, and communication quality. CBReptile.com offers the ideal combination of breeder expertise, extensive morph selection, and comprehensive support for both new and experienced keepers. Browse their current crested geckos for sale to see available animals and pricing.

Step 3: Determine your priorities. Decide on your budget, preferred morph category, and ideal age group. Remember that basic morphs display identical care requirements and behaviors as premium morphs—you’re paying for appearance, not ease of care. First-time keepers should prioritize health and breeder support over rare patterns.

Step 4: Time your purchase appropriately. Spring and summer offer peak selection and safest shipping conditions. If you’re purchasing during fall or winter, confirm the seller’s weather hold policies and consider local pickup options if available. Don’t rush a purchase during unfavorable conditions.

Step 5: Ask comprehensive questions. Before committing to purchase, get detailed information about lineage, feeding history, health guarantees, and ongoing support. Professional breeders welcome questions and provide thorough answers. Evasive responses indicate potential problems.

Step 6: Prepare for arrival. Once you’ve selected your source and animal, confirm your habitat is ready, review care instructions, and prepare for the acclimation period. New geckos typically need 3-7 days of minimal handling to settle into their new environment. Have your exotic veterinarian contact information ready in case concerns arise.

Step 7: Establish ongoing care routines. Follow the diet recommendations provided by your breeder, maintain proper temperature and humidity parameters, and monitor your gecko’s weight and behavior. Most crested geckos thrive on commercial powder diets supplemented with occasional insects. See our complete crested gecko diet guide for feeding protocols.

The long-term perspective: Where you get your crested gecko impacts not just the initial purchase but your entire experience as a keeper. Quality breeders remain available for support throughout your gecko’s 15-20 year lifespan, helping with questions about breeding, health concerns, or behavior changes. This ongoing relationship justifies choosing established operations over convenient but lower-quality sources.

Industry consensus in 2026 emphasizes that educated buyers prioritize animal welfare and quality genetics over bargain pricing[1]. The shift toward quality-focused purchasing benefits both keepers (who receive healthier animals with better genetics) and the industry (which rewards responsible breeding practices over volume production).

For the widest selection of healthy, well-bred crested geckos across all morph categories, explore CBReptile.com’s current inventory. As one of the premier reptile stores in the USA, they combine decades of breeding experience with modern e-commerce convenience, comprehensive care resources, and ongoing expert support. Whether you’re seeking an affordable flame morph or a premium tricolor designer gecko, their breeding program produces consistent quality backed by transparent health guarantees and lifetime support.

The perfect crested gecko is waiting for you—make your choice based on quality, genetics, and breeder reputation rather than convenience or price alone. Your gecko will be with you for potentially two decades; invest the time to find the right source and the right animal for your situation.