Crested geckos were initially expected to be extinct but it wasn’t until 1994 that a new population was found in New Caledonia. Although their exports are not permitted anymore, there are however large breeding operations taking place in the United States and Europe.
Famous for their laid-back, people-friendly personalities and now a breed that is less rare-crested geckos are now highly sought after in the pet market, especially for the variety of colors and patterns (also known as Morphs) that they come in.
Various Sizes
Crested geckos range in size according to their sex. Male crested geckos are a little bigger and weigh about 30 to 35 grams than females, which weigh about 25 grams in weight. They are sexually mature when they reach 15 to 18 months of age.
Provided with the proper care, habitat, and maintenance your crested gecko will grow very quickly. They may reach up to 40-50 grams in weight, 8-10 inches in length.
Characteristics of crested geckos
- Crested geckos, like many other lizards, drop their tails when they feel threatened in their surroundings. However, the tail never grows back once it falls off
- They are nocturnal during the daytime, which means they are inactive and are hiding during the day
- They are known for their exceptional jumping abilities, so be careful while handling them cause they might escape from your hands
- They keep their eye moistened by licking their eyeballs
- They prefer tall enclosures because they like to jump and climb
- For crested geckos eating their shed is normal
Crested gecko growth rate and size chart
| Age | Weight | Body length with Tail |
| Hatchling | 1.5-2 grams | 2.5-3 inches |
| Baby (2 months) | 3 grams | 3-4 inches |
| Juvenile (3 months) | 4 grams | 3-5 inches |
| Juvenile (4 months) | 5 grams | 4-6 inches |
| Juvenile (5 months) | 7 grams | 4-8 inches |
| Juvenile (6 months) | 9 grams | 5-7 inches |
| Juvenile (9 months) | 16-35 grams | 6-9 inches |
| Juvenile transitioning to adult | 35-50 grams | 9-16 inches |
| Adult | 55+grams | 16+ inches |
How long do crested geckos take to grow
It takes 14- 19 months for a baby gecko to fully grow into an adult. Baby crested geckos weigh 3- 5 grams and measure 3-4 inches in length whereas an adult weighs 35-50 grams and measures 9-16 inches in length.
However, in different environments, the fluctuation in humidity and temperature contributes to different growth rates.
The ideal diet for most favorable growth among crested geckos
Crested geckos that eat gut-loaded insects reach adulthood faster than other crested geckos. Make sure to give them a diet that is enriched with calcium and proteins. You could give them crickets that are lightly coated vitamin/mineral supplements that consist of calcium, vitamin D3.
Baby crested gecko diet:
Daily: Pangea crested gecko diet (A crested gecko powder food that is mixed with water)
Every other day: insects, rotten fruits.
Juvenile crested gecko diet:
Daily: Gut-loaded crickets, dobia roaches, or soldier fly larvae
2-3 times/ week: Calcium powder
Weekly: Reptile multivitamin if recommended by a veterinarian.
Adult crested gecko diet:
Daily: Fruits like raspberries, oranges, Papaya, figs
2-3 times/week: Berries, grapes, watermelons, cherries, vegetables like okra, carrots, butternut squash, calcium+ vitamin D3, gut-loaded insects
Weekly: Fruits like pomegranate, bananas, plums, pumpkins, and cantaloupe
Biweekly: Reptile multivitamins if recommended by a veterinarian.
All ages:
Daily: Pangea gecko diet or high-quality food pre-mix like Repashy crested gecko.
Supplemental: Apricots, peaches, bananas, pears, or squash foods can be given or can be mixed into pre-mix foods.
Factors that help in crested gecko growth faster
Few factors that help in crested gecko’s grow faster are mentioned below as:
Temperature:
Crested geckos are Ectotherms, that is, their body temperature varies with the environment. The temperature of the crested gecko tank should be 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit with proper humidity which may help crested geckos grow faster.
Genetics:
According to experts, genetics play an important role in the growth of crested geckos. Crested geckos from larger parents are expected to grow large in adulthood, while small parents are expected to produce small adult offspring.
Dehydration:
Their growth is largely affected by dehydration. In dehydration, they eat less, weigh less, and grow slowly. Proper humidity in the enclosure helps to maintain an accurate level of moisture and helps your crested gecko to easily access clean water.
Incubation period:
Geckos who have an incubation period of 80-100 days tend to grow faster than those with shorter incubation periods. This is because the lower the hatching weight, the more difficult it is for a hatchling to eat or chew food.
The larger the hatching weight, the easier it is for a hatchling to eat an adequate amount of food.
Reasons that your crested gecko is not growing
Several reasons may stop the growth of your crested gecko:
Nutritional deficiencies:
If your crested gecko is not receiving an adequate amount of calcium and proteins, then that may stunt its growth and lead to health problems as well. Make sure that you are giving a well-balanced diet to your gecko to ensure faster growth and to save him from diseases like tail rot.
Incorrect temperature:
Crested geckos are cold-blooded animals and need environmental warmth for energy. If the temperature of the enclosure is too cold, their body will not have much energy to eat or to perform other functions, which may stop their body growth.
Incorrect humidity:
The humidity levels for crested geckos should be 50% but try to keep the humidity level inside the enclosure up to 70%. It may help your crested gecko to stay hydrated and keep your gecko more comfortable. Dehydration or stress caused by inadequate humidity may not grow well.
Tail dropping:
The tail of an adult crested gecko is usually 4-5 inches long. If your gecko becomes stressed and his tail drops off, then there will be a noticeable change in his weight and size.
Inadequate space in the enclosure:
If your crested gecko has a small enclosure then it may be difficult for him to climb, jump and hide. An enclosure too small may stunt the growth of crested geckos.
Read more on Crested gecko enclosure.
Illness:
If you are concerned about the slow growth of your crested gecko, then it may be a sign of illness. A veterinarian might tell you if there are some underlying causes for slow or no growth at all.
Bullying by other cage mates:
When your crested gecko is stressed out by his cage mates and does not like their presence in the enclosure he will stop eating. This is why his behavior could get aggressive and refuse to eat.
Read more on crested gecko care.
Conclusion
When you make up your mind to keep crested geckos as your pet, ask yourself if you have enough space and an appropriately sized enclosure to keep them in your home. Remember that crested geckos may live up to 10-20 years in captivity therefore these pets will require attention and commitment.
Crested geckos make great pets, but it is necessary to have full knowledge of their care before bringing them into your home. Pay attention to their diet and keep tracking their growth in length after every 2 to 3 weeks. This may help you keep a close eye on your pet gecko whether he is growing healthy or not.
