Crested geckos are listed as a vulnerable species, thought to be extinct until 1994 when a new population of them was found living in New Caledonia. Export of these animals isn’t allowed anymore, but there are now large breeding operations in the United States and Europe, meaning crested geckos are becoming less rare and more sought after in the pet trade.
Crested geckos are highly prized for their laid-back personalities and comfort being handled by people, not to mention the wide range of color morphs that show up in the species. We’ve compiled this diet and growth information to help you know what to expect when you decide to bring a crested gecko into your home.
Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards in the world. Their small size easy care requirements and friendly personalities make them ideal reptile pets for beginners and experts alike.
One of the most frequently asked questions by new crested gecko owners is “How big will my gecko get?” Knowing what to expect as your adorable little hatchling grows into an adult is important for proper husbandry.
In this complete guide we will cover everything you need to know about crested gecko growth rates including
- Typical crested gecko growth timeline
- Growth factors and milestones
- How to weigh and track your gecko’s growth
- Tools to monitor your gecko’s health as it grows
- Average adult size ranges
Understanding Crested Gecko Growth Rates
Crested geckos experience the majority of their growth as juveniles, reaching full size by 18-24 months old. However, growth rates can vary quite a bit based on factors like genetics, diet, habitat, and more.
Here is an approximate timeline for crested gecko growth from hatchling to adult:
- Hatchling (0-2 months): 2-5 grams
- Juvenile (3-11 months): Gain about 1 gram per month
- Subadult (12-17 months): 25-35 grams
- Adult (18+ months): Most adults reach 30-50 grams
Of course, these numbers are averages only. The growth chart below from The Pet Enthusiast provides a more detailed overview of typical monthly weight gain:
[Crested Gecko Growth Chart from The Pet Enthusiast]
As you can see, crested geckos experience rapid growth as juveniles, putting on several grams per month. Growth begins to slow around 1 year old as they near full adult size.
Female crested geckos generally grow significantly larger than males. Most adult male crested geckos will weigh 25-35 grams while females often reach 40-60 grams.
Factors That Influence Crested Gecko Growth
While the growth timeline provides a general overview of what to expect, many factors can affect your individual gecko’s growth rate including:
Genetics
Like people, some crested geckos are simply programmed to grow faster or larger than others. Offspring will often reach sizes comparable to the parents. Larger, more robust geckos tend to produce offspring that also grow quickly.
Diet
A balanced, nutritious crested gecko diet is essential for proper growth and development. Feed a high quality powdered crested gecko diet and provide supplements like calcium and vitamins. Avoid diets too high in sugar.
Habitat
Ideal habitat parameters including temperature, humidity, and enclosure size will all support healthy growth. For baby crested geckos especially, smaller enclosures around 10 gallons help them find food easily.
Health/Parasites
Sick, stressed, or parasite-infected crested geckos often have poor appetites and slow growth. Have a vet check for parasites if growth seems stunted. Quarantine new geckos.
Maturity/Breeding
Once crested geckos reach adulthood and begin breeding, females will often slow or stop additional growth as energy goes toward developing eggs.
As you monitor your gecko’s growth, take these factors into account if you notice any significant deviation from normal rates.
Tracking Crested Gecko Growth
The best way to monitor your crested gecko’s growth is to regularly weigh them and track their progress. You should aim to weigh hatchlings and juveniles at least once per month. Follow these steps:
Purchase a Digital Kitchen Scale
You’ll need a digital kitchen scale that measures in gram increments. The precision offered by digital scales makes them ideal for weighing geckos.
Weigh Your Gecko
When your gecko is due for weighing, place them in a small bowl or deli cup and tare the scale to zero it out. Gently move your gecko onto the scale to get their weight in grams.
Record Weights
Keep an ongoing record of your gecko’s weight by date. This will allow you to track growth over time and catch any issues early. Shoot for consistent weight gain each month.
Take Pictures
Take profile pictures of your gecko each time you weigh them. Side by side comparisons will visually show growth. Include a coin in photos to demonstrate size.
Regular weight tracking provides critical insight into your gecko’s health and development. Watch for appropriate gains each month as your hatchling matures.
Growth Milestones
In addition to weight tracking, watch for these key growth milestones which indicate your crested gecko is developing properly:
- 1st Shed: Occurs within days of hatching, then weekly sheds as juveniles
- Adult Coloration: Starts between 2-4 months old as juvenile patterning fades
- Sexual Maturity: Usually 6-9 months; signified by hemipenal bulges in males
- Adult Weight Range: Full grown by 18-24 months old
- Slowed Growth Rate: Growth slows down around 12 months as adults
- 1st Brumation: Only adults brumate; none for juveniles
Is My Gecko Under or Overweight?
Use the growth timeline as a guide, but also assess your gecko’s body condition at each weigh-in. Here’s what to look for:
Underweight geckos appear thin with prominent spine and ribs. Slow growth may indicate problems.
Overweight geckos have obvious fat deposits and “rolls” along their sides and armpits.
Healthy Weight geckos should appear well-rounded but not obese, without prominent bones.
Consult an exotic vet if your gecko is rapidly losing weight, stays bony or lethargic, or becomes obese. Adjust diet and habitat as needed.
Average Adult Crested Gecko Size
Once crested geckos reach maturity around 18 months old, maximum growth has usually slowed or stopped entirely. Here are typical adult size ranges:
- Males: Most reach 25-35 grams as adults
- Females: Tend to weigh 40-60 grams at full maturity
- Length: Approximately 6-10 inches from snout to tail tip
These sizes are averages. Some bloodlines produce especially large “giant” crested geckos exceeding 70-90 grams. Others may top out at smaller sizes around 20-30 grams.
Once your gecko nears adult proportions, expect minimal weight changes unless breeding, brumating, or ill. Monitor body condition and provide optimal care.
Monitoring your crested gecko’s growth requires a basic understanding of their growth timeline as well as proper weighing and health tracking.
Provide optimal conditions and nutrition to support your gecko’s needs at each life stage. Record regular weights to ensure your gecko hits healthy milestones.
With good husbandry, you’ll enjoy watching your hatchling develop into a thriving, full grown crested gecko over their first 18 months of life and beyond.
Crested Gecko Size and Growth Chart
| Age | Weight | Body Length with Tail |
| Hatchling | 1.5 – 2 grams | 2.5 – 3 inches |
| Baby (2 months) | 3 grams | 3 – 4 inches |
| Juvenile (3 months) | 4 grams | 3 – 5 inches |
| Juvenile (4 months) | 5 grams | 4 – 6 inches |
| Juvenile (5 months) | 7 grams | 4 – 6 inches |
| Juvenile (6 months) | 9 grams | 5 – 7 inches |
| Juvenile (9 months) | 16 – 35 grams | 6 – 9 inches |
| Juvenile transitioning to adult (12 months) | 35 – 50 grams | 9 – 16 inches |
| Adult (18-24+ months) | 35 – 55+ grams | 9 – 16+ inches |
The reason for a very high discrepancy in the growth rate of crested geckos as they approach adulthood can be attributed to several factors, which we will discuss later.
It is possible for two crested geckos of the same egg batch to have different growth rates and weights despite being housed in similar environments and an identical meal plan. As a general rule though, it’s very rare for a year-old crested gecko to be under 10–12 grams in weight; such a weight for a year-old individual (regardless of their sex) is a cause for concern.
When Do Crested Geckos Reach Their Full Size?
It takes between 12-24 months to become a fully grown crested gecko, although sometimes this can take up to 3 years. Crested geckos are considered to be fit for reproduction at around 35 grams, which usually happens around 12-18 months.
As we’ll shortly explain, factors such as diet, temperature, and humidity all have a direct impact on how quickly your crested gecko takes to reach its full size. They are all unique individuals, though, meaning they will develop at different rates and reach different full adult sizes.
25 Crested Gecko Progressions From 1 Month Old To 1 Year Old!
FAQ
How quickly do crested geckos grow?
For reference, a juvenile crested gecko can be around 2 to 3 inches long when you first bring them home. It may take anywhere from 18 months to 2 years for your gecko to reach its full adult size, but this can vary based on genetics, diet, and overall care.
How big should my crested gecko be at 1 year old?
I breed cresteds and 8-12 grams is definitely the solid average for a year-old gecko if you aren’t doing insects. 4 years old is average maturity. Some on the smaller side reach 6-7 grams, larger 12-18 but not usually if you aren’t doing anything special, but genetics can play a role.
How big should a 1 year old gecko be?
| Age | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0-2 months) | 1.5-2 inches | 0.07-0.17 ounces |
| Juvenile (2-7 months) | 1.5-5 inches | 0.5-0.8 ounces |
| Sub-Adult (7-18 months) | 6-7 inches | 1.05-1.41 ounces |
| Adult (12+ months) | 7-8 inches | 3 ounces |
Is 18x18x24 good for a crested gecko?
Create an ideal habitat for your crested gecko with the 18x18x24 (33 Gallon) Premium PVC Panel Arboreal Enclosure, designed to provide a comfortable and secure environment for your arboreal pet!
When do crested geckos reach their full size?
Crested Gecko growth and development is usually described in three stages. Most Crested Geckos will reach their full size at 12-24 months. There are some Crested Geckos who appear to have their own growth schedule and may not correspond with the average pace of development.
How much weight does a crested gecko gain per month?
On average, a healthy crested gecko will gain approximately one gram of weight per month.
How big do crested geckos get?
When crested geckos hatch, they measure about 1 to 2 grams in weight and are only 2 to 3 inches in length. They are very delicate and vulnerable during this stage of life. It is best to handle hatchling geckos as little as possible. Crested geckos grow quite slowly in their first three months of life; however, they eat voraciously!
Do crested geckos fall outside weights?
Your Crested Gecko may fall outside the typical weight range. As long as it isn’t so skinny the ribs are showing, or so fat that it has a huge belly, your gecko is probably the right size for its heredity and body type. A review of weight charts on the internet shows that there is lots of misinformation available.
Do crested geckos grow faster?
Crested geckos who are fed gut-loaded insects with a calcium supplement tend to grow larger and faster than others. While there are certain factors that will help your crested gecko reach its maximum size, there are also others that can stunt their growth considerably.
What is the average size of a hatchling crested gecko?
Hatchlings are usually 3-4” long from nose to tail. My first Crested Gecko came to me at about 1 month of age. He was tiny. Some healthy adults are unusually small at less than 4” without tail and/or less than 30 grams.