Key Takeaway:
- Crested geckos in the wild live for 5 to 15 years; the lifespan is highly uncertain due to survival challenges.
- Crested geckos in captivity can live comfortably for 15 to 20 years if proper care is taken.
- Godzilla, the oldest surviving pet crested gecko, has lived for 25 years!
Crested geckos are popular pets due to their unique appearance and low maintenance requirements.
However, one important factor to consider when owning a crested gecko is its lifespan.
In this article, we will discuss the average lifespan of crested geckos and what factors can impact their lifespan in today’s world.
Whether you are a current owner or considering getting a crested gecko, this article will provide valuable information on what to expect in terms of the longevity of your pet.
How Long Do Crested Gecko In The Wild Live?
In the wild, it is often difficult to predict the accurate lifespan of any creature because of the number of survival challenges they face.
The same goes for crested geckos. But, on average, a crested gecko in the wild can live for 5 to 15 years.
Factors That Affect Crested Gecko’s Lifespan In The Wild
In the wild, several factors can affect the lifespan of crested geckos, including:
- Predation: Crested geckos are prey to a variety of predators, such as snakes, birds, and larger lizards. This can significantly shorten their lifespan.
- Climate: Extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged drought or extreme heat, can also impact their lifespan.
- Disease: Wild crested geckos can be susceptible to various diseases and parasites, which can negatively impact their health and shorten their lifespan.
- Competition for resources: Competition for food, water, and shelter can also affect the longevity of crested geckos in the wild.
- Genetics: Like all living things, genetics play a role in determining the lifespan of crested geckos in the wild. Some individuals may have a natural lifespan that is shorter or longer than average.
How Long Do Crested Geckos Kept As Pets Live?
As pets in captivity, crested geckos have a much longer lifespan than that in the wild. A pet crested gecko can live for 15 to 20 years with proper care and husbandry.
So, when looking for a pet crested gecko, you should also take into consideration the fact that this pet will live with you through major phases of your life.
You need to be prepared for such a long-term commitment before you get a pet crested gecko home.
Factors That Affect Crested Gecko’s Lifespan In Captivity?
In captivity, several factors can affect the lifespan of crested geckos, including:
Diet
A well-balanced diet, including live insects and fruit puree, is important for maintaining the health and longevity of captive crested geckos.
Enclosure
The size and conditions of the enclosure, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, can impact the lifespan of captive crested geckos.
Health
Regular vet check-ups and prompt treatment for any health issues can help to maintain the health and lifespan of captive crested geckos.
Stress
Avoiding stressful situations, such as handling too frequently or inappropriate handling, can help to ensure the longevity of captive crested geckos.
Genetics
Like all living things, genetics play a role in determining the lifespan of captive crested geckos.
Some individuals may have a natural lifespan that is shorter or longer than average.
Proper care
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the enclosure, as well as providing the proper temperature and humidity levels, can also impact the lifespan of captive crested geckos.
How Old Is The Oldest Crested Gecko?
While it is common knowledge that crested geckos in captivity can comfortably live for up to 20 years, the oldest crested gecko has gone beyond that threshold and is still alive!
As of 2022, the oldest crested gecko is 25 years old!
This crested gecko, named Godzilla, was born in 1997 and lives in the United States.
Godzilla’s lifespan just goes on to show how proper caretaking of your crested gecko can make it possible for it to have a long, comfortable life.
How To Make Your Crested Gecko Live Longer As A Pet Or Captivity?
The key to a healthy, long-living pet crested gecko is proper husbandry.
Proper husbandry, or the care and maintenance of captive crested geckos, plays a crucial role in their longevity.
This includes providing a suitable diet, a suitable enclosure, and maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels.
A balanced diet consisting of live insects and fruit puree can ensure that your crested gecko receives all the necessary nutrients to maintain good health.
A suitable enclosure should be large enough, well-ventilated, and maintain proper temperature and humidity levels to meet the needs of your crested gecko.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the enclosure can also help to prevent the spread of disease and parasites.
By avoiding stressful situations, such as handling too frequently or inappropriately handling, you can help to keep your crested gecko calm and reduce the likelihood of health problems.
Overall, proper husbandry is critical in maintaining the health and lifespan of captive crested geckos.
By providing the best possible care and environment, you can help ensure that your crested gecko lives a long and healthy life.
Summary
In the wild, the average lifespan of crested geckos is 5 to 15 years and is impacted by factors such as predation, climate, disease, competition for resources, and genetics.
However, as pets, crested geckos have a much longer lifespan, with the average being 15 to 20 years, with proper care and husbandry.
Proper husbandry, which includes providing a balanced diet, a suitable enclosure, maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels, and avoiding stressful situations, is critical in maintaining the health and lifespan of captive crested geckos.
