How big are crested geckos? (Size + Growth Chart)

Content

• Facts about Crested Geckos
• Crested Gecko Size and Growth Chart.
• When do crested geckos reach their full size?
• Ideal diet for optimal growth.
• What other factors affect crested gecko growth?
• Why is my crested gecko not growing?
• Result

Crested geckos are listed as a vulnerable species, thought to be extinct until 1994 when a new population was found living in New Caledonia. The animals are no longer allowed to be exported, but large-scale breeding operations are now taking place in the US and Europe, meaning that crested geckos are becoming less rare and more desirable in the pet trade.

Crested geckos are highly valued for their calm personalities and comfort with being handled by people, not to mention the wide range of color patterns that the species displays. We've compiled this food and growth information so you know what to expect when you decide to bring a crested gecko into your home.

Facts about Crested Geckos

• Like other lizards, crested geckos can drop their tails if they feel threatened.
• Crested geckos are nocturnal, so you likely won't see much of your new pet during the day.
• These lizards are known for their jumping abilities, so care must be taken when handling them to ensure they do not escape or injure themselves.
• If you notice your Crested Gecko licking his eyeballs, it's because he's keeping his eyes moist!
• Crested geckos need tall walls because they like to climb and jump. Height is more important than width or floor space in their wall.
• Don't worry if you see your crested gecko eating its shed! This is completely normal.

Crested Gecko Size and Growth Chart

Age                  The weight          Length of body 

To spawn           1.5-2 grams       2.5-3 inches

Baby (2 months)      3 grams.     3-4 inches

Young (3 months)    4 grams.     3-5 inches.

Young (4 months)    5 grams      4-6 inches.

Young (5 months)    7 grams      4-6 inches.

Young (6 months)    9 grams      5-7 inches.

Adolescent (9 months) 16-35 grams  6-9 inches

Transition to Adolescence (12 months) 35-50 grams. 9-16 inches.

Adults (18-24+ months) 35-55+ grams 9-16+ inches.

When do crested geckos reach their full size?

Crested geckos usually reach their full size between 12-24 months, although it can sometimes take up to 3 years. Crested geckos are considered mature at 35 grams, which is usually around 12-18 months.

Food, temperature, and humidity have a direct effect on how quickly it takes your crested gecko to reach full size. They're all unique individuals, though, meaning they'll grow at different rates and reach different adult sizes.

Ideal diet for optimal growth

teenager:

• Daily or every other day: Gut-filled crickets, Dubia roaches, or soldier fly larvae.
• 2-3 times/week: Calcium powder.
• Weekly: Reptile multivitamin if recommended by vet.

Adult:

• Daily: Fruits like raspberries, papaya, oranges, figs.
• 2-3 times/week: fruits such as berries, apples, grapes, watermelon, pears, cherries; greens like escarole and dandelion greens; Vegetables such as okra, carrots, butternut squash calcium or calcium + vitamin D3 gut-loaded worms (if the gecko is at a healthy weight)
• Weekly: fruits such as pomegranate, plums, pumpkin, cantaloupe, bananas, peaches; Gut-filled worms (if the gecko is overweight)
• Bi-weekly: Reptile multivitamin if recommended by veterinarian.
• Note: Crested geckos fed gutted worms reach adulthood faster than juveniles. Malnutrition related to calcium and insufficient protein can inhibit growth. Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to obesity.

All ages:

• Daily: A high-quality food premix such as Rapeseed Crested Gecko Mix or Pangea Gecko Diet
• Supplements: Human baby foods such as bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, and squash can be substituted for fresh fruit or found in premix food.

What other factors affect crested gecko growth?

• Temperature : A wall temperature between 75-78°F with adequate humidity will usually result in the best growth rate.
• Genetics : It's not a guarantee, but Crested Geckos from larger parents will likely be larger in adulthood, while smaller parents may produce smaller adults.
• Dehydration : Geckos that are dehydrated will eat less, lose weight and grow more slowly. Adequate enclosure humidity will help prevent dehydration as well as ensure your crested gecko has access to clean water at all times.
• Incubation period : Geckos with an incubation period of 80-100 days grow faster than those with a shorter incubation period. This is because the lower the baby's weight, the harder it is for the baby to eat the right amount of food. This may be because they have difficulty chewing food or because older children feed the baby first.

Why is my crested gecko not growing?

• Nutritional Short comings : If your crested gecko is not getting enough dietary calcium or protein, it can significantly stunt growth as well as lead to health problems. Make sure you're feeding your gecko a well-balanced diet for their life stage. If you're not sure, ask your exotics doctor!
• Tail drop : An adult crested gecko's tail is usually 4-5 inches long. If your gecko becomes stressed and his tail falls off, weight and overall size will change significantly. Because the tail won't grow back, your gecko will likely be shorter than most for the rest of its life.
• Wrong temperature : Crested geckos are reptiles, so they are cold-blooded. This means they need atmospheric heat for energy. If your gecko's wall is too cold, they won't have the energy to eat and their body won't have the energy to perform all the functions, so it will do the most important work first, stunting growth.
• Insufficient Humidity : Crested Geckos should receive at least 50% humidity but maintaining an enclosure with a humidity level of up to 70% will prevent dehydration and keep your gecko comfortable. Dehydrated or stressed geckos will not grow well.
• Insufficient Wall Space : Placing a crested gecko in a wall that is too small can stunt its growth. Make sure your gecko has enough room to climb, jump and hide.
• Bullying. : If your crested gecko is being bullied by mates cage, they will become less interested and stressed in food. This can also happen if your gecko is being harassed by other pets such as cats and dogs, or by small children.
• Illness : If you are concerned about slow growth in your crested gecko and you have ruled out other causes, you should contact your veterinarian. They will be able to guide you and help you determine if there are underlying medical conditions that are causing the slow or absent weight gain.

Result

When considering getting a crested gecko, it's important to ask yourself if you have the space and the right size enclosure for it.

Crested geckos make great pets, but it's important to be fully educated on their care before bringing home a new family member! Tracking and planning their growth every 2-4 weeks will help you keep a close eye on whether your gecko is developing into a healthy adult.