how-big-do-crested-geckos-get

How Big Do Crested Geckos Get? (Weight & Growth Chart)

Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. And it’s easy to see why: they’re cute, easy to care for, and have tons of personality.

But before you get one of these little guys, you might be wondering: how big do crested geckos get? And how much room do they need to be happy and healthy?

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the size and space requirements of crested geckos, so you can make an informed decision about whether they’re the right pet for you.

Crested Gecko Growth Stages

Growth StageAgeSize (Length)Weight
Hatchling0-2 months3 inches0.07 ounces
Juvenile2-12 months4.5 to 6 inches0.28-0.53 ounces
Adult12 months and beyond7 to 9 inchesMales: 1.23-1.76 ounces, Females: 1.06-1.59 ounces

Hatchling stage (0-2 months)

At the hatchling stage, crested geckos are tiny, usually measuring about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length, including their tail, and weighing around 2 grams. Their appearance is quite delicate, with translucent skin that gradually develops patterns and colors over time.

Caring for hatchlings requires special attention due to their fragility. At this stage, it’s essential to provide a small, secure enclosure with hiding spots, proper temperature and humidity levels, and gentle handling (if necessary) to minimize stress.

Hatchlings need a diet of fruit-based crested gecko food and small insects, like pinhead crickets or fruit flies, to promote healthy growth.

Juvenile stage (2-12 months)

As your crested gecko enters the juvenile stage, you’ll notice significant growth and development. Between 2 and 12 months of age, they’ll grow to about 4.5 to 6 inches (11.4-15.2 cm) in length and weigh between 8 and 15 grams.

It’s during this stage that you’ll start to see their unique personalities and beautiful patterns and colors emerge.

As your gecko matures, you’ll need to adjust their care. Gradually increase the size of their enclosure, ensuring they have ample space to explore and climb.

You can also introduce a wider variety of insects, such as appropriately-sized crickets or small Dubia roaches, in addition to their fruit-based diet.

Adult stage (12 months and beyond)

Once your crested gecko reaches adulthood, typically around 12 months of age, you’ll see their final size and appearance. Adult crested geckos usually measure between 7 and 9 inches (17.8-22.9 cm) in length, including their tail.

Males tend to be slightly larger and bulkier than females, weighing between 35 and 50 grams, while females generally weigh between 30 and 45 grams.

As an adult, your crested gecko’s care needs will be similar to those during the juvenile stage. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet, with a mix of fruit-based crested gecko food and insects, to ensure they remain healthy and active.

Keep a close eye on their weight, as obesity can be a concern for adult crested geckos.

How Big Is A Full-Size Crested Gecko?

full-grown-crested-gecko

Male: Male crested geckos typically grow larger than their female counterparts. On average, a full-grown male crested gecko can reach a length of about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) from snout to tail tip. They can weigh anywhere from 35 to 45 grams, depending on their individual genetics and the quality of care they receive.

Female: Female crested geckos are generally a bit smaller than males. They usually grow to be around 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) in length, with a weight range of 30 to 40 grams. Just like with males, the size of your female crested gecko can vary based on genetics and the level of care they receive.

Factors Influencing Crested Gecko Growth

There are several factors that influence the growth of crested geckos, such as genetics, temperature, humidity, diet, enclosure size, stress level, and diseases. Some of these factors are:

Genetics

Just like with humans, genetics play a significant role in determining the size of a crested gecko. Some geckos may inherit genes that make them larger or smaller than average. Although we can’t control their genetic makeup, it’s helpful to know the lineage of your gecko if possible. This can give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of their growth.

Diet and Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is crucial for proper growth in crested geckos. Providing a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help your gecko reach its full potential. I’ve found that a high-quality crested gecko diet, supplemented with occasional insects like crickets or dubia roaches, works wonders for their growth. Just remember not to overfeed them, as obesity can cause health issues.

Environmental Factors

Creating a comfortable environment for your crested gecko is essential for their well-being and growth. Ensure they have a suitable enclosure with the right temperature and humidity levels.

I like to keep my gecko’s enclosure between 72-78°F (22-25°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. As for humidity, maintaining levels between 50-70% is optimal.

Additionally, providing ample climbing and hiding spots will help reduce stress, which can impact their growth. A stress-free gecko is a happy, growing gecko!

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.

By understanding these factors and ensuring proper care, you’ll be well on your way to helping your crested gecko reach its full size. Remember, a happy and healthy gecko is the ultimate goal, and every gecko is unique, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t fit the “standard” size. Just keep providing the best care possible, and enjoy the journey of raising your fascinating pet!

Crested Gecko Size and Growth Chart

AgeWeightBody Length with Tail
Hatchling1.5 – 2 grams2.5 – 3 inches
Baby (2 months)3 grams3 – 4 inches
Juvenile (3 months)4 grams3 – 5 inches
Juvenile (4 months)5 grams4 – 6 inches
Juvenile (5 months)7 grams4 – 6 inches
Juvenile (6 months)9 grams5 – 7 inches
Juvenile (9 months)16 – 35 grams6 – 9 inches
Juvenile transitioning to adult (12 months)35 – 50 grams9 – 16 inches
Adult (18-24+ months)35 – 55+ grams9 – 16+ inches

How to Measure a Crested Gecko?

Step 1: Prepare your measuring tools: You’ll need a soft measuring tape or a piece of non-stretchy string, and a ruler or another measuring device to get accurate measurements. The soft measuring tape is ideal because it easily conforms to your gecko’s body, but if you don’t have one handy, a string will work just fine.

Step 2: Gently handle your crested gecko: Before you start, make sure your gecko is calm and relaxed. Approach them slowly and gently pick them up, taking care not to grab their tail, as crested geckos can drop their tails when stressed. Support their body with your hand and let them feel secure.

Step 3: Measure from nose to tail: With your gecko comfortably resting on your hand, use the soft measuring tape or string to measure their length. Start from the tip of their nose and gently run the tape or string along their back, all the way to the end of their tail. Be careful not to press down on your gecko or cause them any discomfort.

Step 4: Record the measurement: If you’re using a soft measuring tape, note down the measurement directly. If you used a piece of string, hold the string against a ruler or another measuring device to get the accurate length. Record the measurement in your gecko’s growth journal or any other place you’re keeping track of their growth.

Why Is My Crested Gecko Not Growing?

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As a fellow crested gecko owner, I understand the concerns that come with noticing your little buddy isn’t growing as expected. There’s no need to worry, though! Together, we’ll explore some possible reasons your crested gecko might not be growing and offer practical advice on how to address these issues.

Diet-Related Issues

One of the primary reasons for slow or stunted growth in crested geckos could be an improper diet. These fascinating reptiles require a well-balanced diet that includes commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) and occasional live insects like crickets or dubia roaches. If your gecko isn’t getting the right nutrients, it could impact their growth.

To address this issue, ensure you’re providing a high-quality CGD and supplementing with gut-loaded and dusted insects. Keep a consistent feeding schedule, and remember to remove any uneaten food to maintain a clean environment.

Environmental Factors

Crested geckos need specific environmental conditions to thrive. Inadequate temperature, humidity, or lighting could hinder their growth. The ideal temperature range is 72-78°F (22-25°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. Additionally, maintaining a humidity level of 50-70% is crucial for their well-being.

To ensure optimal growth, invest in a reliable thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity. Adjust the heating and misting as needed to create the perfect environment for your gecko.

Genetics

Sometimes, a crested gecko’s growth rate is determined by its genetics. Just like humans, some crested geckos might be naturally smaller or grow at a slower pace than others. If you’ve ruled out diet and environmental factors, consider that your gecko might be smaller due to its genetic makeup.

Health Problems

If your crested gecko isn’t growing, it could be facing an underlying health issue. Parasites, infections, or metabolic bone disease can impact their growth and overall health. It’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite.

If you suspect a health issue, consult with a reptile veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Regular check-ups can also help ensure your gecko remains in good health.

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.

What To Do If Your Crested Gecko Is Overweight?

overweight-crested-gecko
Source: Reddit

Potential Causes of Weight Gain

  1. Overfeeding: One of the primary causes of weight gain in crested geckos is overfeeding. It’s important to provide the right amount of food and avoid giving too many treats.
  2. Inadequate exercise: Crested geckos are nocturnal creatures and need opportunities to climb and explore their environment. An enclosure that’s too small or lacks adequate climbing structures can contribute to weight gain.
  3. Health issues: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or parasites, can cause weight gain in crested geckos. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect a health problem.

Health Risks of Being Overweight

  1. Joint and bone problems: Excess weight can put undue stress on a crested gecko’s joints and bones, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
  2. Decreased mobility: Overweight crested geckos may have difficulty moving around their enclosure, affecting their quality of life.
  3. Reduced lifespan: Carrying excess weight can negatively impact a crested gecko’s overall health and potentially reduce their lifespan.

Practical Tips to Help Your Crested Gecko Lose Weight

  1. Adjust feeding habits: Reduce the amount of food you provide and limit high-calorie treats. Stick to a balanced diet that includes insects and a commercial crested gecko diet.
  2. Increase exercise opportunities: Ensure that your gecko’s enclosure has ample climbing structures, and consider offering them a larger space to encourage more movement.
  3. Monitor weight regularly: Keep track of your gecko’s weight and make adjustments to their diet and exercise routine as needed.
  4. Seek veterinary advice: If you’re unsure how to help your crested gecko lose weight or suspect an underlying health issue, consult a veterinarian experienced in reptile care.
When Do Crested Geckos Reach Their Full Size?

Typically, crested geckos reach their full size between 18-24 months of age. During this time, their growth rate slows down, and they achieve their adult size and weight. Males usually grow slightly larger and heavier than females, measuring around 8-9 inches, while females measure about 7-8 inches.

How Big Should A 6 Month Old Crested Gecko Be?

At around 6 months of age, your crested gecko should ideally be between 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length, including their tail. As for their weight, they typically range from 8-15 grams, depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health. Keep in mind, these numbers are just general guidelines, and individual geckos can vary.

Do Crested Geckos Have Growth Spurts?

Growth spurts in crested geckos usually happen during their first year of life. During these periods, you might notice a rapid increase in their size and weight, which can be quite astonishing! The growth spurts are influenced by various factors such as diet, genetics, and overall health.

Conclusion

As we’ve discussed, crested geckos can vary in size depending on their age, gender, and genetic factors. It’s essential to monitor their growth and adjust their diet and habitat as needed to accommodate their changing needs. We’ve also touched on some common concerns, such as what to do if your crested gecko is not growing or is overweight, and provided tips on how to address these issues.

Crested geckos make fantastic pets, and with the right knowledge and care, they can live long, happy lives. As a fellow crested gecko enthusiast, I encourage you to continue learning about these amazing creatures and sharing your experiences with others in the community. Together, we can help each other provide the best possible care for our scaly friends and enjoy the wonderful world of crested geckos.

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