The Leopard Gecko, scientifically known as Eublepharis macularius, is a magnificent reptile that boasts a leopard-like appearance.1 It has a yellow body with dark spots. It has an enormous tail to store fat, which can regenerate after it’s cut off. This reptile also uses its tail for communication, rattling it when mating and hunting and to show other geckos that they have been seen.
Although these reptiles are identified by their distinctive yellow and black markings, Leopard Geckos come in various colors, patterns, weights, and sizes. Just like with other reptiles, their sexual maturity is determined by size and weight more than age. A Leopard Gecko’s weight and size generally reach 40–80 grams and 8–11 inches.
As a proud leopard gecko owner, you want to ensure your scaly friend lives a long and healthy life. An important part of caring for your gecko is tracking its growth and development. By monitoring your gecko’s size and weight at different life stages, you can catch any potential issues early and take steps to get your pet back on track
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the leopard gecko growth chart and what to look out for at different ages.
When Do Leopard Geckos Hatch?
Leopard geckos are hatched from eggs as tiny babies weighing just 3-4.5 grams. They will be 1.5-2 inches long at this initial hatchling stage. Their patterns and colors may be dull at first but will develop vibrancy over the first couple of weeks.
For the best chance at hatching healthy leopard gecko babies, incubation temperature should be between 82-88°F with humidity around 40%. After 60-80 days, the eggs will hatch if conditions are ideal.
Once hatched, leopard gecko hatchlings are independent and can eat, drink, and move around on their own right away.
Leopard Gecko Growth Rate
Leopard geckos grow quickly within their first year of life before slowing down as they reach adulthood. Here is an overview of the average leopard gecko growth rate at different ages:
- 1 Month: 15-20 grams, 3.5-4 inches long
- 2 Months: 18-30 grams, 4-5 inches long
- 4-6 Months: 25-60 grams, 5-6 inches long
- 9-18 Months: 40-110 grams, 6-8 inches long
- Adult (12+ Months): 40+ grams, 7+ inches long
The most rapid growth occurs between 4-6 months when your leopard gecko can gain around 30 grams in just two months!
Their full adult size of 7-10 inches long won’t be reached until 12-18 months. However, their growth will slow down dramatically after reaching sexual maturity at 9-18 months.
Leopard Gecko Growth Chart
This growth chart shows the average weight range expected at each age milestone:
| Age | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Hatchling | 3-4.5 grams |
| 1 month | 15-20 grams |
| 2 months | 18-30 grams |
| 4-6 months | 25-60 grams |
| 9-18 months | 40-110 grams |
| Adult | 40-120 grams |
To track your leopard gecko’s progress, you should weigh them regularly and compare to this growth chart. Any significant deviations could signify an issue needing attention.
Weighing monthly is ideal, but every 2-3 months can work too. Use a sensitive digital kitchen scale and place your gecko in a plastic bowl on top to get an accurate reading in grams.
Is My Leopard Gecko Underweight or Overweight?
Comparing your leopard gecko’s weight to the growth chart can help you determine if they are under or overweight.
Underweight Signs
- Weighs significantly below expected range for age
- Body appears thin or bony
- Tail looks thin
- Head looks out of proportion to body
If your gecko is underweight, increase feeding frequency and amount per session. Address any husbandry issues like incorrect temperatures or habitat size. See a vet to check for parasites or illness.
Overweight Signs
- Weighs above expected range for age
- Bulging fat pads along back and base of tail
- Tail as wide as head or wider
For an overweight leopard gecko, implement an exercise and diet plan to promote weight loss. Feed smaller prey items less frequently. Ensure temperatures are correct.
Factors Affecting Leopard Gecko Growth
Many variables influence a leopard gecko’s growth and development. Here are some top factors:
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Genetics: Some morphs are predisposed to issues like neurological problems or bone disease. Get geckos from reputable breeders.
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Nutrition: Feeding a balanced, gutloaded insect diet supports proper growth. Dust with calcium/vitamins.
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Habitat: Correct temperatures, substrate, hides, and ample habitat size enable thriving.
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Lighting: Exposure to UVB lighting helps leopard geckos metabolize nutrients and calcium.
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Health Issues: Parasites, infections, and metabolic bone disease can impair growth.
When Do Leopard Geckos Reach Adulthood?
Leopard geckos are considered juveniles until they reach adulthood around 12-18 months old. Here are some milestones associated with adulthood:
- Sexual Maturity: 9-18 months old
- Full Grown Size: 12-18 months and 40+ grams
- Breeding Age: Over 50 grams and 12-18 months old
- Maximum Lifespan: 15-20 years in captivity
Once your leopard gecko is full grown, continue weighing them 1-2 times per year to monitor for weight changes signaling potential health issues. Proper care can lead to your gecko living a long and happy life with you!
Monitoring your leopard gecko’s growth rate against a standardized chart enables you to catch issues early and take corrective actions. Weigh them regularly, especially during rapid growth in the first year. Target the average weight ranges for their age to keep your gecko healthy. Be on the lookout for signs of under or overweight status. With proper nutrition and care guided by growth tracking, your leopard gecko can thrive with you for years to come!
Inaccurate Light, Humidity, and Temperatures
These reptiles are native to areas with humid subtropical climates. Therefore, a lack of similar conditions in captivity will impact a pet Leopard Gecko’s growth.
Ensure that its enclosure temperatures range between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. You should also maintain between 60% and 70% relative humidity levels to facilitate maximum growth.
Wrong Substrate
The wrong substrate will cause impaction and affect relative humidity levels that will impact your gecko’s growth. However, using correct reptile substrates like reptile carpets, shredded coconut fiber, and shredded bark will help preserve moisture and support necessary humidity for optimal growth.
When parasites infest a Leopard Gecko, you’ll start noticing diarrhea, severe weight loss, and reduced growth.
Just How Fast Do Leopard Geckos Grow?
FAQ
How quickly do leopard geckos grow?
Leopard geckos typically reach sexual maturity between 9-18 months old. This is also when their growth rate will slow down–stopping growth at around 1.5 years of age. There are over 100 different morph types of leopard geckos, so it is important to find a reputable breeder.
Can you tell how old a leopard gecko is?
Between ages 0-1 year leos are pretty easy to guesstimate the age of. After that, it’s basically impossible to tell a 20 year old from a 3 year old, especially if both geckos lived healthy lives. Also, it can be very different looking depending on morph.
Is a 36x18x12 good for a leopard gecko?
Spacious Interior: The 36x18x12 dimensions offer ample space for leopard geckos to move around comfortably and set up their preferred basking and hiding spots.
What are the life stages of a leopard gecko?
Like most other reptiles, leopard geckos go through four life stages: hatchling, juvenile, adult, and senior. Hatchling (0~2 months) – In this stage, a leopard gecko is usually about 2-3 inches long and weigh only a few grams. They are very fragile and require special care.
When does a leopard gecko reach its maximum size?
As a general rule, a juvenile leopard gecko will reach its adult size at around 12 to 18 months of age. At this point, its growth rate will slow down, and it will reach its maximum size. Consulting a leopard gecko size chart can provide a helpful visual representation of the growth rate and size progression of your gecko.
When do leopard geckos grow?
However, there is a general range of dimensions and measurements that can be used as a scale to assess the growth of your gecko. As a general rule, a juvenile leopard gecko will reach its adult size at around 12 to 18 months of age. At this point, its growth rate will slow down, and it will reach its maximum size.
Why do leopard geckos grow so big?
Parasites, infections, and other health concerns can hinder growth and size. Additionally, providing a clean and stress-free environment is important. Dirty enclosures and excessive handling can cause stress, which can negatively impact growth. Genetics also play a role in the growth and size of leopard geckos.