How Long Do Crested Geckos Live? A Complete Guide to Crested Gecko Lifespan

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 long do crested geckos live? And what can you do to ensure that your crested gecko lives a long and healthy life?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will cover the average lifespan of crested geckos for sale in the wild and in captivity, the factors that affect their longevity, and the best practices for caring for your crested gecko. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how long do crested geckos for sale live and how to maximize their lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• crested geckos for sale are native to New Caledonia, an island country off the coast of Australia
• Their average lifespan in the wild is estimated to be around 5 to 15 years, but there is not much research on their natural history
• Their average lifespan in captivity is between 15 and 20 years, but some have been known to live up to 25 years
• Their longevity in captivity depends on several factors, such as diet, temperature, humidity, lighting, enclosure size and type, enrichment, health, and genetics
• To care for your crested gecko properly and ensure its health and happiness, you need to provide it with optimal conditions and regular check-ups

How Long Do Crested Geckos Live in the Wild?

crested geckos for sale are native to New Caledonia, an island country off the coast of Australia. They live in tropical forests and scrublands, where they hide in trees and plants during the day and come out at night to hunt for insects and fruits.

crested geckos for sale are nocturnal, arboreal, and omnivorous animals. They have sticky feet that allow them to climb on vertical surfaces and a prehensile tail that helps them balance and grip branches. They also have distinctive crests on their heads and backs that give them their name.

The average lifespan of crested geckos for sale in the wild is estimated to be around 5 to 15 years, but there is not much research on their natural history. They face many threats and challenges in their natural habitat, such as predators, parasites, diseases, competition, habitat loss, and climate change.

Some of the predators that prey on crested geckos for sale include snakes, birds, rats, cats, dogs, and even other lizards. Some of the parasites that infect crested geckos for sale include mites, ticks, worms, protozoa, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some of the diseases that affect crested geckos for sale include metabolic bone disease (MBD), mouth rot (stomatitis), respiratory infections (RI), impaction (constipation), dehydration (dystocia), egg binding (dystocia), and skin infections.

crested geckos for sale also have to compete with other animals for food and space. They may have to share their territory with other crested geckos for sale or other species of geckos. They may also have to deal with limited food resources or seasonal changes in food availability.

crested geckos for sale near me are also vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change. Their natural habitat is being destroyed by human activities such as logging, mining, agriculture, urbanization, and tourism. Their habitat is also being altered by global warming, which may affect their temperature and humidity preferences.

How Long Do Crested Geckos Live in Captivity?

crested geckos for sale near me can live longer in captivity than in the wild if they are provided with optimal care and conditions. They are relatively easy to keep as pets compared to other reptiles. They do not require UVB light or live insects as part of their diet. They can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidities as long as they are not too extreme. They are also docile and friendly animals that can be handled gently.

The average lifespan of crested geckos in captivity is between 15 and 20 years, but some have been known to live up to 25 years. However, their longevity in captivity depends on several factors that influence their health and well-being. These factors include:

• Diet: crested geckos for sale near me need a balanced diet that provides them with enough protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and water. They can eat a commercial crested gecko diet that comes in powder or paste form. This diet can be mixed with water or fruit puree and offered in a shallow dish or a squeeze bottle. They can also eat fresh or frozen fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, kiwis, peaches, and berries. They can also eat live or dried insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, and silkworms. However, insects should be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements and offered as treats or supplements, not as staples. crested geckos for sale near me should have access to fresh water at all times.
• Temperature: Crested geckos need a temperature gradient in their enclosure that allows them to thermoregulate. They prefer a daytime temperature of around 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C) and a nighttime temperature of around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). They can tolerate higher or lower temperatures for short periods of time, but they should not be exposed to temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 60°F (16°C) for long periods of time. These temperatures can cause stress, dehydration, overheating, hypothermia, or death. Crested geckos do not need a heat lamp or a heat mat as long as the room temperature is within their preferred range. However, if the room temperature is too low or too high, a low-wattage heat lamp or a heat mat can be used to create a basking spot or a warm side in the enclosure. The temperature should be monitored with a thermometer and adjusted accordingly.
• Humidity: cheap crested geckos for sale need a high humidity level in their enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. They prefer a humidity level of around 60 to 80%, but they can tolerate lower or higher levels for short periods of time. They should not be exposed to humidity levels below 50% or above 90% for long periods of time. These levels can cause dehydration, skin problems, shedding problems, respiratory problems, or fungal infections. cheap crested geckos for sale need a humid hide or a moist substrate in their enclosure that provides them with a place to hide and hydrate. They also need a daily misting of water that creates droplets on the walls and plants of the enclosure. These droplets provide them with a source of drinking water and help maintain the humidity level. The humidity should be monitored with a hygrometer and adjusted accordingly.
• Lighting: Crested geckos do not need UVB light to survive, as they can get enough vitamin D3 from their diet. However, some keepers prefer to provide low levels of UVB light to their crested geckos for extra benefits, such as improved coloration, activity, and calcium absorption. If you choose to use UVB light for your crested gecko, make sure it is appropriate for its species and enclosure size, and that it is replaced regularly. Crested geckos also need a regular day and night cycle that regulates their circadian rhythm. They need about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day. This can be achieved by using a timer or a natural light source such as a window. However, the window should not expose the crested gecko to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Enclosure size and type: Crested geckos need an enclosure that provides them with enough space, security, and enrichment. The minimum size of the enclosure should be 18 x 18 x 24 inches (45 x 45 x 60 cm) for one adult crested gecko or 24 x 18 x 24 inches (60 x 45 x 60 cm) for two adult crested geckos. However, bigger is always better, as long as the enclosure is not too crowded or cluttered. The type of the enclosure can be glass, plastic, wood, or mesh, as long as it has good ventilation, visibility, and accessibility. The enclosure should have a secure lid that prevents the crested gecko from escaping or predators from entering.

Enrichment: cheap crested geckos for sale need an enclosure that simulates their natural habitat and provides them with opportunities for exploration, exercise, hiding, climbing, and resting. The enclosure should have a substrate that is safe, clean, and absorbent. The substrate can be paper towels, reptile carpet, coco fiber, peat moss, or orchid bark. The substrate should be changed regularly and spot-cleaned daily. The enclosure should also have plants that are live, artificial, or silk. The plants should be non-toxic, sturdy, and easy to clean. The plants should provide cover, shade, and humidity for the crested gecko. The plants should also create vertical space for the crested gecko to climb on. The enclosure should also have hides that are cork bark, coconut shells, cardboard tubes, or plastic containers. The hides should provide security, privacy, and comfort for the crested gecko. The hides should also create horizontal space for the crested gecko to rest on. The enclosure should also have decorations that are branches, vines, rocks, or driftwood. The decorations should enhance the appearance and functionality of the enclosure. The decorations should also stimulate the crested gecko’s natural behaviors and instincts. The enclosure should also have a water dish that is shallow, wide, and easy to clean. The water dish should provide fresh water for the crested gecko to drink and soak in. The water dish should also help maintain the humidity level in the enclosure. The enclosure should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The enclosure should also be checked for any signs of damage, wear, or escape.

 

How to Care for Your Crested Gecko to Maximize Its Lifespan

To care for your crested gecko properly and ensure its health and happiness, you need to provide it with optimal conditions and regular check-ups. Here are some general tips and guidelines on how to care for your crested gecko and maximize its lifespan:

Diet

• Feed your crested gecko a commercial crested gecko diet every other day. This diet contains all the nutrients your crested gecko needs and is easy to prepare and offer. You can mix the powder or paste with water or fruit puree and place it in a shallow dish or a squeeze bottle. You can also add some calcium and vitamin supplements to the diet for extra benefits.
• Offer your crested gecko fresh or frozen fruits once or twice a week as treats or supplements. Fruits provide your crested gecko with natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and water. You can chop or mash the fruits and mix them with the commercial diet or offer them separately. Some of the fruits that your crested gecko can eat include bananas, mangoes, papayas, kiwis, peaches, and berries. Avoid citrus fruits, grapes, melons, and pineapple, as they are too acidic, watery, or sugary for your crested gecko.
• Offer your crested gecko live or dried insects once or twice a week as treats or supplements. Insects provide your crested gecko with animal protein, fat, and calcium. You can dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements and offer them in a shallow dish or by hand. Some of the insects that your crested gecko can eat include crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, and silkworms. Avoid superworms, butterworms, hornworms, and pinkies, as they are too large, hard, fatty, or unnatural for your crested gecko.
• Provide your crested gecko with fresh water at all times. Water is essential for your crested gecko’s hydration, digestion, and metabolism. You can place a shallow water dish in the enclosure and change the water daily. You can also mist the enclosure daily to create droplets on the walls and plants that your crested gecko can lick. Avoid using tap water, distilled water, or mineral water, as they may contain harmful chemicals or lack minerals for your crested gecko. Use filtered water, spring water, or dechlorinated water instead.

Temperature

• Maintain a temperature gradient in the enclosure that allows your crested gecko to thermoregulate. The temperature gradient should range from 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C) on the warm side to 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) on the cool side during the day and from 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) on the warm side to 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C) on the cool side during the night. You can use a low-wattage heat lamp or a heat mat to create a basking spot or a warm side in the enclosure if the room temperature is too low or too high. You can also use a fan or an air conditioner to lower the temperature if it gets too hot. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and adjust it accordingly.
• Avoid exposing your crested gecko to extreme temperatures that can cause stress, dehydration, overheating, hypothermia, or death. Do not expose your crested gecko to temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 60°F (16°C) for long periods of time. Do not place the enclosure near windows, radiators, vents, or other heat sources that can create hot spots or drafts in the enclosure. Do not expose your crested gecko to direct sunlight or artificial light that can raise the temperature in the enclosure.

Humidity

• Maintain a high humidity level in the enclosure that mimics your crested gecko’s natural habitat. The humidity level should be around 60 to 80%, but it can vary depending on the season and the time of day. You can use a humid hide or a moist substrate in the enclosure to provide your crested gecko with a place to hide and hydrate. You can also mist the enclosure daily with filtered water or spring water to create droplets on the walls and plants that help maintain the humidity level. Monitor the humidity with a hygrometer and adjust it accordingly.
• Avoid exposing your crested gecko to low or high humidity levels that can cause dehydration, skin problems, shedding problems, respiratory problems, or fungal infections. Do not expose your crested gecko to humidity levels below 50% or above 90% for long periods of time. Do not use substrates that are too dry, dusty, or moldy for your crested gecko. Do not over-mist or under-mist the enclosure that can create too wet or too dry conditions in the enclosure.

Lighting

• Provide your crested gecko with low levels of UVB light if you want to enhance its coloration, activity, and calcium absorption. UVB light is not essential for your crested gecko’s survival, as it can get enough vitamin D3 from its diet. However, some keepers prefer to use UVB light for their cheap crested geckos for sale for extra benefits. If you choose to use UVB light for your crested gecko, make sure it is appropriate for its species and enclosure size, and that it is replaced regularly. You can use a 5.0 or a 2.0 UVB bulb that covers about 30% of the enclosure and place it about 12 inches (30 cm) away from your crested gecko. You can also use a fluorescent tube or a compact bulb that fits in a standard fixture or a clamp lamp. You can turn on the UVB light for about 10 to 12 hours per day and turn it off at night.
• Provide your crested gecko with a regular day and night cycle that regulates its circadian rhythm. Your crested gecko needs about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day. This can be achieved by using a timer or a natural light source such as a window. However, the window should not expose your crested gecko to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. You can also use a low-wattage LED light or a moonlight bulb to create a dim light at night that allows you to observe your crested gecko without disturbing its sleep.

Enclosure size and type

• Provide your crested gecko with an enclosure that provides it with enough space, security, and enrichment. The minimum size of the enclosure should be 18 x 18 x 24 inches (45 x 45 x 60 cm) for one adult crested gecko or 24 x 18 x 24 inches (60 x 45 x 60 cm) for two adult cheap crested geckos for sale. However, bigger is always better, as long as the enclosure is not too crowded or cluttered. The type of the enclosure can be glass, plastic, wood, or mesh, as long as it has good ventilation, visibility, and accessibility. The enclosure should have a secure lid that prevents your crested gecko from escaping or predators from entering.
• Decorate your crested gecko’s enclosure with substrates, plants, hides, and decorations that simulate its natural habitat and provide it with opportunities for exploration, exercise, hiding, climbing, and resting. You can use paper towels, reptile carpet, coco fiber, peat moss, or orchid bark as substrates. You can use live, artificial, or silk plants as plants. You can use cork bark, coconut shells, cardboard tubes, or plastic containers as hides. You can use branches, vines, rocks, or driftwood as decorations. You can also use a water dish that provides fresh water for your crested gecko to drink and soak in. Clean and disinfect your crested gecko’s enclosure regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Check your crested gecko’s enclosure for any signs of damage, wear, or escape.

Handling

• Handle your crested gecko gently and carefully to avoid causing stress, injury, or tail loss. cheap crested geckos for sale are docile and friendly animals that can be handled occasionally for short periods of time. However, they are also delicate and sensitive animals that can get stressed or injured easily by rough or improper handling. They also have a defense mechanism that allows them to drop their tail when they feel threatened or stressed. The tail will not grow back fully once it is dropped, so it is best to avoid this situation as much as possible.
• To handle your crested gecko safely and correctly, follow these steps:
  • Wash your hands before and after handling your crested gecko to prevent the transmission of germs or chemicals
  • Choose a time when your crested gecko is awake and active, preferably in the evening or at night
  • Approach your crested gecko slowly and calmly from the front or the side, not from above or behind
  • Gently scoop up your crested gecko from underneath with one hand or two hands
  • Support its body and legs with your fingers and palm
  • Do not squeeze, pinch, pull, or twist your crested gecko
  • Do not grab or touch its tail
  • Hold your crested gecko close to your body or a soft surface
  • Do not hold your crested gecko over a hard surface or a height that can cause injury if it falls
  • Do not hold your crested gecko

 

• Do not hold your crested gecko for more than 15 minutes at a time, as it may get stressed or tired
  • Return your crested gecko to its enclosure gently and slowly
  • Observe your crested gecko for any signs of stress, injury, or illness after handling
  • If your crested gecko drops its tail, do not panic or try to reattach it
  • Clean the wound with an antiseptic solution and apply some antibiotic ointment
  • Keep the enclosure clean and dry to prevent infection
  • Monitor the healing process and consult a vet if needed

Breeding

• Breed your crested gecko only if you are prepared and experienced to do so. Breeding crested geckos can be rewarding and fun, but it can also be challenging and risky. It requires a lot of time, money, space, and knowledge to breed crested geckos near me successfully and responsibly. You need to consider the health, genetics, compatibility, and availability of the breeding pair, the incubation and hatching of the eggs, the care and feeding of the hatchlings, and the rehoming or selling of the offspring. You also need to be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved in breeding female crested geckos for sale.
• To breed your crested gecko safely and correctly, follow these steps:
  • Choose a healthy, mature, and compatible pair of female crested geckos for sale that are at least 18 months old and weigh at least 35 grams
  • Make sure they are not related or have any genetic defects or diseases
  • Provide them with optimal conditions and a balanced diet before and during the breeding season
  • Introduce them in a neutral enclosure and observe their behavior
  • If they show signs of interest, such as licking, nipping, or tail wagging, allow them to mate
  • If they show signs of aggression, such as biting, scratching, or tail dropping, separate them immediately
  • Repeat the process until you see signs of pregnancy, such as weight gain, bulging belly, or egg laying
  • Provide the female with a moist hide or a lay box filled with moist vermiculite or perlite where she can lay her eggs
  • Remove the eggs carefully and place them in an incubator with a constant temperature of around 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C) and a humidity level of around 80 to 90%
  • Mark the eggs with a pencil or a marker to indicate the top side and do not rotate them
  • Check the eggs regularly for any signs of mold, fungus, or collapse
  • Wait for about 60 to 90 days until the eggs hatch
  • Remove the hatchlings carefully and place them in separate enclosures with similar conditions as the adults
  • Feed them a commercial crested gecko diet mixed with water or fruit puree every other day
  • Offer them live or dried insects once or twice a week as treats or supplements
  • Provide them with fresh water at all times
  • Handle them gently and sparingly until they are settled and comfortable
  • Find suitable homes or buyers for your offspring that are responsible and experienced

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about crested gecko lifespan based on the people also ask section from Bing for the keyword:

• How can you tell how old a crested gecko is?
  • There is no definitive way to tell how old a crested gecko is, but you can estimate its age based on its size, weight, and appearance. Generally, a crested gecko reaches its adult size of about 8 inches long and 35 to 45 grams in weight by the time it is 18 to 24 months old. A younger crested gecko may have smoother skin, brighter colors, and less pronounced crests than an older one.
• Do crested geckos need UVB light?
  • Crested geckos do not need UVB light to survive, as they can get enough vitamin D3 from their diet. However, some keepers prefer to provide low levels of UVB light to theircrested geckos near me for extra benefits, such as improved coloration, activity, and calcium absorption. If you choose to use UVB light for your crested gecko, make sure it is appropriate for its species and enclosure size, and that it is replaced regularly.
• How often do crested geckos shed?
  • female crested geckos for sale shed their skin regularly as they grow and replace their old skin cells. The frequency of shedding depends on the age, size, and growth rate of your crested gecko. Younger and faster-growing female crested geckos for sale may shed more often than older and slower-growing ones. Typically, a crested gecko may shed once every few weeks to once every few months. You can tell when your crested gecko is about to shed by its dull and pale appearance.