Crested geckos are fascinating creatures that have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years. As a result, many people are interested in learning how to breed these unique reptiles.
Breeding crested geckos can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and understand the process before getting started. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the steps involved in breeding crested geckos and offer some tips for success along the way. So, whether you’re a seasoned reptile breeder or a beginner looking to expand your collection, read on to learn more about breeding crested geckos.
- Make sure the male and female geckos are healthy and of breeding age, typically around 18-24 months old.
- Introduce the male and female geckos in a breeding enclosure with plenty of hiding spots and a shallow water dish.
- Monitor the geckos for mating behavior such as tail vibrating and biting, and ensure they have access to a calcium supplement.
- After mating, separate the geckos and provide the female with a laying box filled with moist substrate for egg laying.
- Incubate the eggs in a separate container with a temperature range of 72-80°F and high humidity until they hatch in 60-90 days.
How to Breed Crested Geckos: A Comprehensive Guide
Breeding crested geckos can be a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. These small, arboreal lizards are known for their unique appearance and docile temperament. If you’re interested in breeding crested geckos, it’s important to understand the basics of their reproductive behavior and care. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to breed crested geckos successfully.
1. Understanding Crested Gecko Reproduction
Crested geckos reach sexual maturity at around 12 to 18 months of age. Males are typically larger and have bulges at the base of their tails, while females have smaller heads and slimmer bodies. During the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early fall, males will begin to display aggressive behavior towards other males and show interest in females.
To prepare for breeding, it’s important to ensure that your geckos are healthy and well-fed. You should also provide them with a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat. This includes a terrarium with plenty of hiding places, climbing branches, and a temperature range of 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Choosing a Breeding Pair
When selecting a breeding pair, it’s important to choose healthy, unrelated geckos with good genetic traits. You should also ensure that the male is larger than the female and that they are both in good physical condition.
It’s also recommended to introduce the pair to each other gradually, allowing them to get used to each other’s presence before attempting to mate. This can be done by placing them in separate cages that are adjacent to each other.
3. Mating Crested Geckos
Male crested geckos will typically initiate mating by approaching the female and biting her neck. This behavior is known as “necking” and is a natural part of the breeding process. Once the female has accepted the male, they will mate for several minutes.
It’s important to monitor the mating process closely to ensure that it doesn’t become too aggressive. If the male is too forceful or the female appears to be in distress, it’s best to separate them.
4. Egg Laying and Incubation
Female crested geckos will lay their eggs within 4-6 weeks after mating. They will typically lay 2 eggs at a time, with a total clutch size of 8-10 eggs. The eggs should be carefully removed from the terrarium and placed into an incubator with a temperature range of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The eggs will typically hatch after 60 to 90 days. Once they have hatched, the baby geckos should be kept in a separate enclosure with appropriate heat and humidity levels.
5. Feeding and Care for Baby Geckos
Baby crested geckos should be fed a diet of small insects, such as fruit flies and crickets, as well as a high-quality powdered diet. They should be kept in a separate enclosure with appropriate heat and humidity levels and provided with plenty of hiding places and climbing branches.
It’s important to monitor the baby geckos closely to ensure that they are growing and developing properly. If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
6. Benefits of Breeding Crested Geckos
Breeding crested geckos can be a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. It allows you to observe the natural behaviors of these fascinating lizards and contribute to their conservation efforts. Breeding also provides an opportunity to produce healthy, genetically diverse offspring that can be sold or traded with other breeders.
7. Crested Gecko Breeding Vs. Buying
While buying a crested gecko from a reputable breeder or pet store is a viable option, breeding your own geckos allows you to have more control over their genetics and temperament. It also allows you to observe the entire breeding process, from mating to hatching, and gain valuable experience in reptile care.
8. Common Mistakes in Breeding Crested Geckos
One common mistake in breeding crested geckos is attempting to breed them too early or without proper preparation. It’s important to ensure that your geckos are healthy and well-fed before attempting to breed them.
Another mistake is introducing incompatible or unhealthy breeding pairs. This can lead to aggression, injury, or poor-quality offspring. It’s important to research and choose suitable breeding pairs carefully.
9. Conclusion
Breeding crested geckos can be a challenging but rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. By understanding their reproductive behavior and providing appropriate care, you can produce healthy, genetically diverse offspring and contribute to their conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or just starting, breeding crested geckos is a fascinating and fulfilling hobby.
10. Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about breeding crested geckos, there are many resources available online and in print. Some recommended resources include:
– The Crested Gecko: Your Guide to Complete Crested Gecko Care by Philippe De Vosjoli
– The Pangea Forums: A community of crested gecko enthusiasts and breeders
– The Reptile Report: A website with articles and news about reptile breeding and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will answer some common questions about breeding crested geckos. If you’re interested in breeding these fascinating reptiles, read on for some helpful tips.
What is the best age to breed crested geckos?
Crested geckos are sexually mature at around 8 to 12 months of age, but it’s best to wait until they’re closer to a year old before breeding them. At this age, they’re more likely to produce healthy offspring. It’s also important to make sure your geckos are in good health and have reached a suitable weight before attempting to breed them.
When it comes to breeding, it’s important to remember that female crested geckos can lay eggs even if they haven’t mated with a male, so it’s important to prepare for the possibility of a clutch even if you don’t plan on breeding your geckos.
What is the ideal temperature and humidity for crested gecko breeding?
Crested geckos require a temperature of around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The humidity should be kept between 50 and 70 percent. It’s important to maintain these conditions consistently throughout the breeding process to ensure the health of your geckos and their offspring.
You can achieve the appropriate temperature and humidity levels by using a combination of heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, and misting systems. It’s also important to provide your geckos with plenty of hiding places and climbing structures to keep them comfortable and reduce stress during the breeding process.
How do you tell if a female crested gecko is gravid?
Female crested geckos can become gravid, or pregnant, without mating with a male. Signs that your female gecko is gravid include a noticeable increase in weight, a bulge in the belly area, and a decrease in appetite. You may also notice your gecko spending more time in hiding places or exhibiting other behaviors that suggest she’s preparing to lay eggs.
If you suspect your female gecko is gravid, it’s important to provide her with a suitable nesting box and substrate to lay her eggs in. You can also take her to a veterinarian for a checkup to ensure she’s healthy and to get advice on caring for her during the breeding process.
How long does it take for crested gecko eggs to hatch?
After the female lays her eggs, it usually takes around 60 to 90 days for them to hatch. During this time, it’s important to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels and to avoid disturbing the eggs as much as possible. It’s also important to keep an eye on the eggs to make sure they’re healthy and developing properly.
Once the eggs hatch, the baby geckos will require special care to ensure their health and survival. They’ll need to be housed separately from adult geckos and provided with appropriate food and environmental conditions to help them thrive.
What should you do if your crested geckos don’t breed?
If your crested geckos don’t breed, there are a few things you can try to encourage them. First, make sure they’re in good health and have reached a suitable age and weight for breeding. You can also try adjusting their environmental conditions, such as increasing the temperature or humidity, or providing more hiding places and climbing structures.
If your geckos still don’t breed, it may be best to seek advice from a veterinarian or experienced breeder. They can help you determine if there are any underlying health or environmental issues that may be preventing breeding and provide advice on how to address them.
Breeding Crested Geckos, Everything you NEED to KNOW!
In conclusion, breeding crested geckos can be a fun and rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can successfully raise healthy gecko babies and even create unique morphs. Remember to research and understand the genetics behind breeding, provide proper care and nutrition for your geckos, and be patient throughout the process.
Breeding crested geckos also has the potential to contribute to the conservation of this species. By selectively breeding for desirable traits and sharing your knowledge with other breeders, you can help maintain genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding.
However, it’s important to note that breeding should only be done responsibly and with the intention of improving the overall health and well-being of the animals. Avoid unethical practices such as overbreeding, selling to inexperienced or unprepared owners, or prioritizing profit over the welfare of the animals.
Overall, breeding crested geckos can be a fulfilling hobby and a way to contribute to the conservation of this unique and fascinating species. With careful planning and responsible practices, you can create a successful breeding program and enjoy the beauty and wonder of these amazing reptiles.
