How Big Do Crested Geckos Get?

crested geckos for sale are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. They are small, cute, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. But how big do crested geckos get, and what factors affect their growth? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with everything you need to know about crested gecko size and growth.

Key Takeaways

• crested geckos for sale can grow up to 8 inches in length and weigh up to 50 grams.
• Crested geckos reach their full size between 12 to 24 months, but some may take longer or shorter depending on their genetics, sex, diet, and health.
• Crested gecko growth can be enhanced by providing a balanced diet, a suitable enclosure, and gentle handling.
• Crested gecko growth can be inhibited by dehydration, parasites, metabolic bone disease, and other health issues.

Crested Gecko Size and Growth Chart

crested geckos for sale are relatively small reptiles, but they can vary in size and growth depending on individual factors. The table below shows the average weight and length of crested geckos at different stages of their life, from hatchling to adult.

Age	Weight (grams)	Length (inches)
Hatchling	2 – 4	2 – 3
Juvenile	5 – 15	3 – 5
Subadult	16 – 35	5 – 7
Adult	36 – 50	7 – 8

To measure and weigh a crested gecko accurately and safely, you will need a digital scale, a ruler or a measuring tape, and a small container. Follow these steps:

• Turn on the scale and place the container on it. Press the tare button to zero out the weight of the container.
• Gently pick up your crested gecko and place it inside the container. Make sure it is calm and not moving around too much.
• Read the weight of your crested gecko from the scale. Record it in grams.
• Take out your crested gecko from the container and hold it gently by its body. Do not squeeze or pull its tail.
• Use the ruler or the measuring tape to measure the length of your crested gecko from the tip of its snout to the end of its tail. Record it in inches.

Here is a photo of a crested gecko next to a ruler for reference:

As you can see, crested geckos for sale are not very big compared to other reptiles. However, there are some variations in size and growth among individual crested geckos, depending on their genetics, sex, diet, and health. We will discuss these factors in more detail in the following sections.

When Do Crested Geckos Reach Their Full Size?

crested geckos for sale grow at different rates depending on various factors. However, most crested geckos for sale reach their full size between 12 to 24 months of age. This means that they stop growing or grow very slowly after this period.

But what is considered a full size for a crested gecko? Well, there is no definitive answer to this question, as crested geckos for sale can vary in size even as adults. However, a general rule of thumb is that a crested gecko is fully grown when it reaches a weight of at least 35 grams and a length of at least 7 inches.

How can you tell if your crested gecko is fully grown or still growing? There are some signs that you can look for to determine this:

• Body shape: A fully grown crested gecko has a more robust and muscular body than a juvenile or a subadult. It also has a larger head relative to its body size.
• Skin texture: A fully grown crested gecko has smoother and softer skin than a juvenile or a subadult. It also sheds less frequently than younger ones.
• Behavior: A fully grown crested gecko is more mature and calm than a juvenile or a subadult. It also shows more interest in breeding and territorial behavior.

Here is a photo of a juvenile and an adult crested gecko for comparison:

As you can see, there are noticeable differences in size and appearance between the two stages. However, keep in mind that these are only general guidelines, and some crested geckos may grow faster or slower than others. The best way to monitor your crested gecko’s growth is to measure and weigh it regularly and record its progress.

 

Factors That Enhance Crested Gecko Growth

If you want your crested gecko to grow healthy and fast, you need to provide it with optimal conditions for its growth. This means that you need to pay attention to the following factors:

• Diet
• Enclosure
• Handling

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors and how they affect crested gecko growth.

Diet

One of the most important factors that influence crested gecko growth is diet. crested geckos for sale are omnivorous, which means that they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feed on fruits, nectar, insects, and even small vertebrates.

In captivity, you need to provide your crested gecko with a balanced and varied diet that meets its nutritional needs. This includes:

• Commercial crested gecko food: This is a specially formulated powder that contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that your crested gecko needs. You can mix it with water and offer it in a shallow dish or a bottle cap. You can also add some fresh or frozen fruits to make it more appealing. Some of the best brands of crested gecko food are [Repashy], [Pangea], and [Zoo Med].
• Live insects: These are a great source of protein and calcium for your crested gecko. You can offer them once or twice a week as a treat or a supplement. Some of the best insects for your crested gecko are crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, waxworms, and hornworms. Make sure to dust them with calcium and vitamin D3 powder before feeding them to your crested gecko.
• Supplements: These are essential for preventing nutritional deficiencies and metabolic bone disease in your crested gecko. You need to provide your crested gecko with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements regularly. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth, while vitamin D3 helps to absorb calcium and regulate phosphorus levels. You can sprinkle some calcium powder on your crested gecko’s food every other day, and some vitamin D3 powder once or twice a week.

The amount and frequency of feeding your crested gecko depend on its age, size, activity level, and appetite. However, a general guideline is to feed your crested gecko every day until it reaches its full size, and then every other day as an adult. You should also monitor your crested gecko’s weight and body condition to make sure it is not overfed or underfed.

Enclosure

Another important factor that affects crested gecko growth is enclosure. crested geckos for sale need a suitable enclosure that provides them with enough space, security, comfort, and stimulation. This includes:

• Size and type: The size and type of enclosure you choose for your crested gecko depend on how many crested geckos for sale you have and how big they are. However, a general rule of thumb is that a single adult crested gecko needs at least a 20-gallon tank, while a pair or a trio needs at least a 40-gallon tank. You can use either a glass or a plastic enclosure, as long as it has good ventilation and a secure lid.
• Substrate: The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the enclosure. It serves as a base for the plants and decorations, as well as a source of humidity and enrichment for your crested gecko. Some of the best substrates for your crested gecko are coco fiber, peat moss, orchid bark, sphagnum moss, or a mix of these. You can also use paper towels or newspaper as a cheap and easy option, but they are less natural and attractive.
• Plants: Plants are essential for creating a naturalistic and bioactive environment for your crested gecko. They provide hiding places, climbing opportunities, humidity, oxygen, and aesthetic appeal. You can use either live or artificial plants, or a combination of both. Some of the best live plants for your crested gecko are pothos, philodendron, bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and ivy. Some of the best artificial plants for your crested gecko are silk or plastic vines, leaves, flowers, and branches.
• Hides: Hides are places where your crested gecko can retreat and feel safe and secure. They also help to regulate its temperature and humidity levels. You should provide at least two hides for your crested gecko: one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure. You can use commercial hides such as caves, logs, tubes, or boxes, or you can make your own hides from coconut shells, cork bark, flower pots, or PVC pipes.
• Climbing branches: Climbing branches are important for stimulating your crested gecko’s natural behavior and exercise. They also help to create vertical space and structure in the enclosure. You should provide several climbing branches for your crested gecko, preferably of different sizes, shapes, and textures. You can use natural branches such as bamboo, grapevine, or driftwood, or you can use artificial branches such as plastic or resin ones.
• Temperature and humidity: Temperature and humidity are vital for maintaining your crested gecko’s health and metabolism. You need to keep the temperature in your crested gecko’s enclosure between 72°F and 82°F, with a slight drop at night. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust it with a heat lamp, a heat mat, or a ceramic heat emitter if needed. You need to keep the humidity in your crested gecko’s enclosure between 50% and 80%, with a spike after misting. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and maintain it with a spray bottle, a humidifier, or a fogger if needed.

Handling

The last factor that influences crested gecko growth is handling. Handling is the act of picking up and interacting with your crested gecko. It can have positive or negative effects on your crested gecko’s growth, depending on how you do it.

Handling can enhance your crested gecko’s growth by:

• Building trust and bond between you and your crested gecko
• Reducing stress and fear in your crested gecko
• Stimulating your crested gecko’s curiosity and intelligence
• Encouraging your crested gecko’s appetite and digestion

Handling can inhibit your crested gecko’s growth by:

• Causing injury or infection to your crested gecko
• Inducing stress and anxiety in your crested gecko
• Disrupting your crested gecko’s sleep and activity cycle
• Suppressing your crested gecko’s appetite and metabolism

To handle your crested gecko properly, you need to follow these tips:

• Wait until your crested gecko is at least 4 inches long and 10 grams heavy before handling it for the first time
• Wash your hands before and after handling your crested gecko to prevent the transmission of germs
• Handle your crested gecko in a quiet and dimly lit room to avoid startling it
• Handle your crested gecko gently and slowly, without squeezing or grabbing its tail
• Handle your crested gecko for no more than 15 minutes at a time, once or twice a week
• Observe your crested gecko’s body language and vocalizations to know when it is comfortable or uncomfortable with handling

Factors That Inhibit Crested Gecko Growth

While there are many factors that can enhance your crested gecko’s growth, there are also some factors that can hinder or harm it. These are some common issues that can affect your crested gecko’s growth negatively:

• Dehydration
• Parasites
• Metabolic bone disease

Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues and how to avoid or treat them.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition where your crested gecko loses more water than it takes in. This can lead to serious health problems, such as kidney failure, organ damage, and death. Dehydration can also stunt your crested gecko’s growth, as water is essential for its metabolism and cellular functions.

Some of the symptoms and causes of dehydration in crested geckos are:

• Symptoms: wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, sticky saliva, constipation
• Causes: low humidity, inadequate water sources, excessive heat, illness, stress

To prevent dehydration in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Provide adequate water sources: You should offer your crested gecko fresh water in a shallow dish or a bottle cap daily. You should also mist the enclosure twice a day to create droplets on the plants and decorations that your crested gecko can lick. You can also offer your crested gecko some juicy fruits, such as mango, papaya, or kiwi, as a source of hydration.
• Maintain proper humidity: You should keep the humidity in your crested gecko’s enclosure between 50% and 80%, with a spike after misting. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity and maintain it with a spray bottle, a humidifier, or a fogger if needed. You should also avoid using substrates that absorb moisture, such as sand or wood chips.
• Avoid excessive heat: You should keep the temperature in your crested gecko’s enclosure between 72°F and 82°F, with a slight drop at night. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust it with a heat lamp, a heat mat, or a ceramic heat emitter if needed. You should also avoid placing the enclosure near direct sunlight, radiators, or vents.

To treat dehydration in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Rehydrate your crested gecko orally: You can use a syringe or a dropper to gently squirt some water or electrolyte solution into your crested gecko’s mouth. You should do this slowly and carefully, without forcing or choking your crested gecko. You should repeat this process several times a day until your crested gecko shows signs of improvement.
• Rehydrate your crested gecko subcutaneously: This is a more invasive and risky method that should only be done by a vet or an experienced keeper. It involves injecting some fluid under your crested gecko’s skin with a needle. This can help to restore your crested gecko’s hydration level quickly and effectively.

Parasites

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside your crested gecko and feed on its blood, tissue, or nutrients. They can cause various health problems, such as anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, inflammation, infection, and death. Parasites can also stunt your crested gecko’s growth, as they deprive it of essential nutrients and energy.

Some of the types and sources of parasites that can infect crested geckos are:

• Types: external parasites (such as mites or ticks) or internal parasites (such as worms or protozoa)
• Sources: contaminated food or water, infected insects or plants, contact with other reptiles or animals

To prevent parasites in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Quarantine new arrivals: You should isolate any new crested geckos for sale near me that you acquire for at least two weeks before introducing them to your existing ones. This will allow you to observe them for any signs of parasites or other diseases and treat them accordingly.
• Keep the enclosure clean and sanitized: You should remove any uneaten food or waste from your crested gecko’s enclosure daily. You should also disinfect the enclosure and its contents regularly with a reptile-safe cleaner or bleach solution. You should also replace the substrate every few months or whenever it becomes dirty or moldy.
• Feed quality insects: You should only feed your crested gecko insects that are bred for reptile consumption and purchased from reputable sources. You should also gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your crested gecko. You should avoid feeding your crested gecko wild-caught insects, as they may carry parasites or pesticides.

To treat parasites in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Consult a vet: You should take your crested gecko to a vet as soon as you notice any signs of parasites, such as itching, scratching, shedding problems, weight loss, diarrhea, or lethargy. The vet will be able to diagnose the type and severity of the parasite infection and prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage for your crested gecko.
• Administer medication: You should follow the vet’s instructions on how to administer the medication to your crested gecko. This may involve applying a topical cream or spray, giving an oral liquid or tablet, or injecting a solution. You should also monitor your crested gecko’s condition and response to the treatment and report any changes or side effects to the vet.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease is a condition where your crested gecko’s bones become weak and brittle due to a lack of calcium, vitamin D3, or phosphorus. This can lead to serious health problems, such as fractures, deformities, seizures, paralysis, and death. Metabolic bone disease can also stunt your crested gecko’s growth, as calcium is essential for bone formation and development.

Some of the signs and consequences of metabolic bone disease in crested geckos are:

• Signs: soft or rubbery bones, bent or twisted limbs, swollen or sunken jaw, difficulty moving or climbing, tremors or spasms
• Consequences: broken or dislocated bones, curved or kinked spine, stunted or uneven growth, reduced lifespan

To prevent metabolic bone disease in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Provide adequate calcium and vitamin D3 supplements: You should provide your crested gecko with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements regularly. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth, while vitamin D3 helps to absorb calcium and regulate phosphorus levels. You can sprinkle some calcium powder on your crested gecko’s food every other day, and some vitamin D3 powder once or twice a week.
• Provide exposure to UVB light: UVB light is a type of sunlight that helps your crested gecko produce its own vitamin D3. You can provide your crested gecko with UVB light by using a special reptile bulb that emits 5% to 10% UVB. You should place the bulb at a distance of 12 inches from your crested gecko’s enclosure and leave it on for 10 to 12 hours a day. You should also replace the bulb every 6 months or whenever it loses its effectiveness.

To treat metabolic bone disease in your crested gecko, you need to:

• Correct the diet and supplementation: You should adjust your crested gecko’s diet and supplementation according to the vet’s recommendations. This may involve increasing the amount or frequency of calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, changing the type or brand of commercial food, or adding more live insects to the diet.
• Supplement with calcium gluconate injections: This is a more invasive and risky method that should only be done by a vet or an experienced keeper. It involves injecting some calcium gluconate solution into your crested gecko’s muscle or vein. This can help to restore your crested gecko’s calcium level quickly and effectively.

 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about crested gecko growth, based on the people also ask section from Bing:

• How big do crested geckos get in inches?
  • crested geckos for sale near me can grow up to 8 inches in length, including their tail. However, some female crested geckos for sale may lose their tail due to stress, injury, or predation. In that case, their length may be reduced by 2 to 4 inches. Crested geckos can regrow their tail, but it will not look the same as the original one.
• How can you tell how old a crested gecko is?
  • There is no definitive way to tell how old a crested gecko is, as they do not have any visible signs of aging. However, you can estimate their age based on their size and weight, using the chart in the previous section. You can also ask the breeder or the seller for their hatch date or purchase date, if available.
• Do female crested geckos for sale for sale near me stop growing?
  • female crested geckos for sale stop growing or grow very slowly after they reach their full size, which is between 12 to 24 months of age. However, some crested geckos for sale near me may grow faster or slower than others, depending on their genetics, sex, diet, and health.
• How long do cheap crested geckos for sale live?
  • cheap crested geckos for sale can live up to 15 to 20 years in captivity, if they are provided with proper care and conditions. However, their lifespan may vary depending on individual factors, such as genetics, environment, and disease.