Growth & Development
A crested gecko grows from a hatchling of 1.5 to 3 grams to an adult of 35 to 55 grams over roughly 18 to 24 months. Growth is uneven, and the figures below are approximate ranges, since individual geckos vary with genetics, feeding and care.
- Hatchling (0 to 3 months): about 1.5 to 5 g
- Juvenile (3 to 9 months): about 5 to 20 g
- Subadult (9 to 18 months): about 20 to 35 g
- Adult (18 months and older): about 35 to 55 g
Weigh your gecko monthly on a gram scale. Steady gain in young geckos is the clearest sign of good health. Do not rush growth with extra food, because fast growth can cause problems later.
Sexing. Males show a visible bulge below the vent and a row of pores in front of it. Most geckos can be sexed with confidence somewhere between about 10 and 20 grams, and very small geckos are listed as unsexed because the signs are not yet clear.
Shedding. Young geckos shed often, and most eat their old skin. Adequate humidity keeps sheds clean.
Breeding age. Most responsible breeders wait until females are at least 18 months old and around 40 grams, because breeding a small female drains her calcium and can shorten her life.
With good care, a crested gecko can live 15 to 20 years.