Understanding Gecko Growth: What to Expect with Your Gargoyle or Crested Gecko
I saw a post the other day where a buyer was feeling positive that the breeder lied to her about the birthdate of her gecko because her gecko was several months old and still really small. It got me thinking because some of my baby geckos are getting kind of old for the size that they are. The other reason that I wanted to write this blog post is because many people worry about the growth rate of their own geckos. In any case, this post goes over growth rates of gargoyle and crested gecko rates.
Geckos and Growth Charts
First off, let's clear something up. Geckos don't always follow a strict growth chart, and here's why:
Food Matters: High-quality gecko food, often referred to as crested gecko diet, is crucial. In the US, top brands include Repashy and Pangea. Skip the Zoomed crested gecko foods; they aren't the best choice.
Bugs Boost Growth: Offering your gecko bugs (dusted with calcium) can be a game-changer. Not all geckos will go for them, but those that do often grow faster. It's great for enrichment and protein.
Temperature Matters: Gecko comfort zones range from 70-78°F, with nighttime temps down to 65°F. Warmer temperatures can speed up growth, so keep that in mind. (Our geckos are kept at fairly low temperatures, but within the next year I hope to have them in a warmer space which should help our babies grow faster).
Genetics Play a Role: Genetics matter more than you might think. Some geckos just grow at their own pace. We've seen it firsthand with geckos of the same age but different sizes due to their genetic makeup.
Expected Growth Rates
Hatchlings: These tiny wonders start at 2-3 grams. Some hit 5 grams within a few months, while others take up to 6 months to get there.
6 Months: Around this mark, geckos can vary widely in size, with some reaching 20-25 grams.
1 Year: Most geckos are filling out by this point, with 15 grams being considered small. Some may even be chunky, especially Crested geckos.
2 Years: By the time they're 2, most geckos have reached adult sizes. This means over 35 grams for Crested geckos and 40 grams for Gargoyle geckos. Gargoyles can sometimes take a bit longer.
Breeder Size: A quick note here – don't rush your female geckos into breeding. For Crested geckos, they should be over 40 grams, and for Gargoyles, over 50 grams. It's better for their health and egg production.
Health at Any Size
The important thing isn’t how big your gecko is compared to their age, but rather that they are healthy. Here are the things to keep an eye on:
Body Shape: Geckos go through a juvenile phase where they might look long and thin, but they shouldn't appear emaciated.
Legs: Legs shouldn't look fat, but they also shouldn't resemble sticks.
Shedding: Regular, clean sheds are a good sign. Stuck shed can indicate issues with humidity or overall health.
Eyes: Healthy gecko eyes should be shiny, and pupils should react to light changes.
Activity: Geckos should be active at night and respond when you interact with them.
Eating and Pooping: It can sometimes be difficult to know if your gecko is eating or pooping, but paying attention to those things lets you know if they are healthy.
Not Losing Weight: Geckos may not put weight on that fast, but you do want to weigh them every six months or so to make sure that they aren’t losing weight. To weigh your gecko get a small container and zero a kitchen scale out with the container on it. Then add your gecko to find out how much your gecko weighs.
Remember, geckos can be healthy at various sizes. Focus on overall health indicators rather than size alone. Happy gecko raising!