If you have been considering getting a crested gecko for a very long time or already have one, you will want to learn how long do crested geckos live.
We all want a reptile that comes with a longer lifespan to enjoy and have fun. Like that, the lifespan of crested geckos is of much interest in reptile enthusiasts who prefer keeping small pets.
Having a pet will be a long time commitment, and we all have to prepare for the gecko’s best care. Some geckos can leave for almost 2 decades. So, through this article, I will help you learn tricks and tips to extend the lifespan of your crested geckos as well.
In this article, I will tell you the lifespan of crested geckos In the wild and captivity. We will also learn the factors that can influence its life span. Let’s first understand the answer to this fascinating question: how long does a crested gecko live?
How Long Do Crested Geckos Live?
In the wild, crested geckos can live up to 8-10 years around. Since these geckos were thought to be extinct but got rediscovered just a few decades ago, there has been no deep research done on their lifespan. In captivity, their lifespan tends to be between 15 and 20 years. Many factors can influence its lifestyle.
How Long Do Crested Geckos Live In The Wild?
In the wild, crested gecko lifespans are around 7 to 10 years because most geckos become prey in the first year. Since there has been no in-depth research done on the lifespan of crested geckos in the wild, it is almost impossible to say the actual age.
These small reptiles were thought to be extinct but were discovered just a few decades ago. Adding to that, these lizards have introduced as pets only two decades ago, making it difficult to know about the lifespan of crested geckos In The Wild.
In The Wild, many predators and diseases can affect its lifespan since they are exposed to so many. However, many sources claim this small reptile has a lifespan of around 4-5 years in the wild.
How Long Do Crested Geckos Live In Captivity?
In captivity, crested geckos can have a lifespan of around 15-20 years. However, many factors can influence its lifespans, like poor diet, lousy husbandry, stress, disease, and many such issues.
If you are planning to have a crested gecko, you will need to reconsider that they need proper care and maintenance. Whether you accept it or not, you need to be ready with the preparation already done before adopting one.
In captivity, your pet crested gecko will not be exposed to any danger of predators unless you leave uneaten live insects that hide, grow, and bite your reptile with parasites. Improper care and a bad diet will lead a gecko to a shorter lifespan.
How Long Do Crested Geckos Live As Pets?
As pets, crested geckos can leave up to 20 years depending upon the care, husbandry, lighting, and diet you provide. There are many other important factors too that determine the lifespan of crested geckos.
3 Factors That Determine The Lifespan Of A Pet Crested Gecko.
- Diet
- Care
- Genetic Predisposition
Now, let’s learn these factors in-depth to know what you can do best to extend your pet gecko lifespan.
Diet
It is a prevalent factor that influences all animal lifespans. Fortunately, you can control this factor and adjust their diet according to their needs. A well-balanced diet filled with required nutrients will keep your gecko happy, healthy, and active as long as possible.
Proper care with a good diet also helps in
Proper care with a good diet also helps in keeping away lots of diseases and infections. Being an omnivorous reptile, you can feed varieties of food to your pet crested gecko.
However, make sure to keep their diet calcium to Phosphorus ratio 2:1. Below or beyond that will invite health problems like MBD.
Care
Keeping a crested gecko in improper care will reduce its lifespan more than it deserves. Many things are needed to be done for their long life in captivity. Here are 5 main factors that must be considered, learnt, fixed, and monitored to allow your crested gecko to have the long life they need.
- Proper Humidity Balance
- Well Balanced Diet
- Right Temperature
- Occasional Visits & Checkups To The Vet
- Appropriate Habitat
Now let’s learn this factor in more detail to check your preparation or existing setup for anything wrong and to fix, before it affects your pet gecko’s life.
Proper Humidity Balance
In their enclosure, the relative humidity should be around 70 to 80%. 50% will create problems like excessive shedding and even dehydration. Humidity levels higher than 80% will also affect their health gradually. Here is a proper on how much humidity do crested geckos need.
Well Balanced Diet
When you shop for a commercial diet in nearby stores for your pet crested gecko, you will find many packed pellets and frozen insects as a meal replacement.
Some Meal replacement powders are available just for them. Some of these pellets and powders are best for your crested gecko health.
However, each needs an individual balance of nutrients depending upon age, dietary routine, and activity level.
You can even prepare their diet with live insects, fruits, pollen, and even some vegetables but the calcium to Phosphorus ratio needs to be maintained at a fixed 2:1 quantity.
It has been noticed that most of the frozen and dead insects are left uneaten by most crested geckos because they like live insects only. Here are a few great resources on what crested geckos can eat.
You can even feed them with some particular insects and fruits as a supplement and treat. However, commercial supplementation is not needed; if a home-prepared diet provides enough nutrients to fulfill its need.
Occasional Visits And Checkups To The Vet
Many genetic health issues are usually inherited by their parents and are common in their health. These health issues can be avoided easily by visiting your veterinarian for occasional checkups at least 4 times each year.
Plus, when you notice any sign of health issues, you must seek a piece of experienced veterinarian advice and guidance.
Right Temperature
You can keep a crested gecko at a very moderate temperature in which we humans ideally feel comfortable. You can keep them at an average room temperature or a vertical enclosure with around 72-78° F during the day and 69- 74° F at night.
Keeping a crested gecko at a high temperature can get them into stress and even heat stroke. When the temperature is too low, health issues like excessive lethargy occur.
Plus, keeping them at a lower temperature will also make them brumate, which you may not want if you can’t avoid them for more extended periods. Here is a good guide on what temperature a crested gecko needs and how to set a stable temperature in the tank.
Appropriate Habitat
One of the most common mistakes that a beginner crested gecko owner can make is getting a shorter tank than required. Here is a good guide on what tank size for crested gecko.
You can find brands offering different cages in different sizes to fit any reptile need. Make sure to have a large tank with lots of space to help your reptile thrive. Substrate, climbing, and hiding areas are required for them.
Genetic Predisposition
Being prone to metallic bone disease, crested geckos are also known to be prone to genetic predisposition.
However, this disease usually happens when there is calcium deficiency in your reptile. Plus, the combination of insufficient Vitamin d3 and calcium deficiency can also lead them to have a metabolic bone disease.
MBD will make the gecko’s bones bendable and soft, which needs professional treatment as soon as possible.
Must know that these small lizards are susceptible to such genetic predispositions. Try visiting your veterinarian occasionally at least four times a year and provide them with a good diet.
9 Tips for a Long Crested Gecko Lifespan
Here are 9 tips that can help you get your crested gecko a longer lifespan.
- Feed them a high-quality diet with only the required nutrients.
- Make sure to have some calcium supplements ready on hand all time in case your reptile has a calcium deficiency.
- Place a large bowl inside the enclosure for adequate hydration.
- Decor their enclosure with appropriate substrate only and avoid keeping toxic live plants.
- Treat the parasite as soon as it is observed.
- Keep their diet with insects based protein more as it is considered as healthy to eat for them. Here are best insects for crested geckos
- Keep your crested gecko weight around 40 grams all year round When adult.
- For a humid retreat, keep a lay box inside their enclosure all time.
- For breeders: you should give your female crested gecko at least a rest period of 4 months between each breeding season.
How Long Do Eyelash Crested Geckos Live?
In the wild, eyelash crested geckos can live around 4-5 years, while in low maintenance & captivity, they can live up to 15-18 rounds. In most forums, the average lifespan of eyelash crested geckos has been found between 5 to 10 years with proper care.
However, what most owners don’t know is that these lizards can live up to 20 years. The average adult size of an eyelash crested gecko tends to be between 5 to 8 inches long.
How Long Do Male Crested Geckos Live?
Male crested geckos live around 15-20 years with proper care, maintenance, and health. Their length can be upto 9 inches long, depending upon what species it is.
Male crested geckos are sexually mature at the age of 18 months and usually weigh around 35 grams.
How Long Do Female Crested Geckos Live?
Female crested geckos can live up to around 15-18 years and have a moderate size of 4-5 inches snout to vent length. They are sexually mature at the age of 15 and should weigh approximately 30-35 grams. It is recommended to keep your crested gecko at 40 grams weight.
Final Thought
Wrapping Up: So, In The Wild, crested geckos tend to live around 5-8 years whereas, in captivity, they can live up to 20 years with proper care, maintenance, diet, and many such routines. Keeping them in improper care can invite many health issues like metabolic bone disease or dehydration and even stretch them out.
I hope I’ve been able to give you all the information on how long do crested geckos live in captivity as well as in the wild. If you find this post helpful, please share this with others considering having these cute reptiles. I hope I will also get another chance to help you out through another article; till then, take care and goodbye.
94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.