Crested Geckos are a popular pet species known for their friendly nature and low maintenance requirements.
However, one issue that some owners encounter is their gecko not laying eggs.
This can be a frustrating and concerning experience, as it can indicate a problem with the gecko’s health or living conditions.
In this article, we will explore 7 potential reasons why your crested gecko may not be laying eggs and provide tips for correcting the issue.
Whether you are a seasoned reptile owner or just starting out, this information can help ensure that your pet is happy and healthy.
Key Takeaway:
- Lack of lay area, colder seasons, emaciation or obesity, sexual immaturity, aging, inexperience, and lack of sperm can all prevent crested geckos from laying eggs.
- Steps that can be taken to encourage egg-laying include providing a suitable lay area, maintaining a stable temperature, feeding a balanced diet, waiting until maturity, providing a supportive environment, and housing a healthy and fertile male.
7 Reasons Why Crested Gecko Is Not Laying Eggs
A female crested gecko may not lay eggs due to several reasons, including a lack of a suitable lay area, a colder season, emaciation, obesity, sexual immaturity, reproductive senescence, inexperience, or a lack of sperm.
Lack Of Lay Area
A lay area is a specific spot in the cage where the female crested gecko can lay her eggs safely.
Without a lay area, she may be unable to lay her eggs or may lay them in an insecure location, which can increase the risk of injury or infection.
Colder Seasons
The colder season can also impact egg laying, as crested geckos are ectothermic animals and their metabolism is directly influenced by temperature.
During the colder season, they may become less active and may not lay eggs.
Emaciation Or Malnourishment
Emaciation, or excessive thinness, can prevent a crested gecko from laying eggs.
This can occur due to a lack of food, illness, or other underlying health problems.
On the other hand, obesity can also prevent egg laying, as it can disrupt the gecko’s hormone balance.
Sexual Immaturity
Sexual immaturity can also play a role in a lack of egg laying, as female crested geckos typically do not begin laying eggs until they reach maturity, which occurs between 9 and 18 months of age.
Aging
Reproductive senescence, or the decline of reproductive function due to aging, can also cause a crested gecko to stop laying eggs.
This is a normal part of the aging process and is not a cause for concern unless other health issues are present.
Inexperience
Inexperience can also play a role in a lack of egg laying, as female crested geckos may require a period of acclimation or a few attempts before they are able to lay eggs successfully.
Lack Of Sperm
Finally, a lack of sperm can also prevent a crested gecko from laying eggs, as they require sperm from a male gecko to fertilize their eggs.
If a female crested gecko is not housed with a male or if the male is infertile, she will not be able to lay eggs.
7 Solutions To Make Your Crested Gecko Start Laying Eggs
To ensure that your crested gecko lays eggs, you can take the following steps to address each of the 7 reasons:
Suitable Environment
Provide a suitable lay area in your crested gecko’s cage by using materials like coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or vermiculite.
The lay area should be moist and provide a secure and stable environment for the eggs.
Stable Warm Temperature
Maintain a stable temperature range between 72°F and 80°F in your crested gecko’s cage, as this is ideal for egg laying.
Use a heat source like an under-tank heater or a heat lamp to provide additional warmth if needed.
Good Diet
Feed your crested gecko a balanced diet that includes a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Ensure that they are eating enough food and are not suffering from any underlying health problems. If you suspect illness, consult with a veterinarian.
Sexual Maturity
Wait until your crested gecko reaches maturity, which is typically between 9 and 18 months of age, before attempting to breed them.
Aging
This is a normal part of the aging process and is not a cause for concern unless other health issues are present.
If you suspect that your crested gecko is experiencing a decline in health, consult with a veterinarian.
Time
Provide a stable and comfortable environment for your crested gecko and give them time to adjust.
If you suspect that they are struggling to lay eggs, you can offer a supportive lay area like a coconut coir hide or a moist box.
Get a Male Crested Gecko
Provide a male crested gecko for breeding, and make sure that they are healthy and fertile. If you suspect that the male is infertile, consult with a veterinarian.
Remember, every crested gecko is different, and the best approach for one gecko may not work for another.
However, by taking these steps and observing your crested gecko closely, you can increase the chances of successful egg-laying.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take For A Crested Gecko To Lay Eggs?
It can take anywhere from several days to several weeks for a female crested gecko to lay eggs after mating.
How Do I Know If My Crested Gecko Is Going To Lay Eggs?
Signs that a female crested gecko is going to lay eggs include increased digging or searching for a lay area, increased appetite, and a noticeable bulge in the belly region.
Do Crested Geckos Lay Eggs Every Month?
Female crested geckos have a periodic reproductive cycle in which even if they don’t mate, they lay eggs.
But the cycle isn’t necessarily monthly. Usually, female crested geckos lay eggs every 45 days.
Summary
The lack of egg laying in a crested gecko can be due to a variety of reasons including a lack of lay area, colder season, emaciation or malnourishment, sexual immaturity, aging, inexperience, or a lack of sperm.
However, by providing a suitable lay area, maintaining a stable temperature, feeding a balanced diet, waiting for sexual maturity, observing for signs of aging, offering a supportive environment, and providing a male for breeding.
You can increase the chances of successful egg-laying in your crested gecko.
Every crested gecko is different, and it may take some time to find the best approach, but by observing your pet closely and consulting with a veterinarian if necessary, you can ensure that your pet is happy and healthy.
