Key Takeaway:
- Hatching Signs: Watch for signs of gargoyle gecko egg hatching, including condensation, shrinking, pipping, and embryo movement.
- Parthenogenesis: Female gargoyle geckos can reproduce without mating through parthenogenesis, although it’s relatively rare and may result in non-viable eggs.
- Egg Laying and Incubation: Gargoyle geckos typically lay eggs from March to September, with each clutch containing two eggs. Incubation lasts 60-90 days, with temperature influencing hatchling sex.
If you are a first-time breeder of gargoyle geckos, then this article is the ultimate guide for you.
In this article, we talk about everything – from how gargoyle geckos lay eggs to what you can do to properly take care of them.
When Do Gargoyle Geckos Lay Eggs?
Gargoyle geckos typically lay eggs from March to September. However, they can lay eggs at any time of year if the conditions are right.
Gargoyle geckos are known to be prolific breeders, and a female can lay up to 10 clutches of eggs per year.
Gargoyle geckos lay their eggs in clutches of two. The eggs are oval-shaped and white in color.
They are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. The eggs are buried in the substrate by the female gecko to help keep them warm and moist.
The eggs incubate for 60-90 days, depending on the temperature. The sex of the gargoyle gecko is determined by the temperature of the eggs during incubation.
Eggs incubated at temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) are more likely to produce females, while eggs incubated at temperatures above 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) are more likely to produce males.
Gargoyle gecko hatchlings emerge from their eggs with their eyes open and can eat and drink immediately. However, they are very delicate and should be handled with care.
How Many Eggs Do Gargoyle Geckos Lay A Year?
Gargoyle geckos can lay anywhere from 4 to 10 clutches of eggs per year, each clutch containing two eggs.
This means that a single gargoyle gecko can lay between 8 and 20 eggs per year.
The number of clutches that a gargoyle gecko lays each year depends on a number of factors, including the gecko’s age, health, and environmental conditions.
Older, healthier geckos are more likely to lay more clutches of eggs.
Can Gargoyle Geckos Lay Eggs Without Mating?
Gargoyle geckos are sometimes known as the geckos that can clone themselves!
Yes, female gargoyle geckos can lay eggs without mating. This is a process called parthenogenesis, which is a type of asexual reproduction.
Parthenogenesis is a relatively rare phenomenon in reptiles, but it is more common in gargoyle geckos than in other species.
How Long Do Gargoyle Gecko Eggs Take To Hatch?
Gargoyle gecko eggs typically take 60-90 days to hatch, depending on the temperature. Eggs incubated at lower temperatures will take longer to hatch, while eggs incubated at higher temperatures will hatch sooner.
The sex of the gargoyle gecko is also determined by the temperature of the eggs during incubation.
Eggs incubated at temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) are more likely to produce females, while eggs incubated at temperatures above 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) are more likely to produce males.
If you are incubating gargoyle gecko eggs, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature.
This will help to ensure that the eggs hatch successfully and that the hatchlings are healthy. You can use a thermostat to regulate the temperature in the incubator.
It is also important to keep the eggs moist. You can do this by misting the eggs regularly or by placing a damp sponge in the incubator.
However, be careful not to overmist the eggs, as this can cause them to mold.
Once the eggs start to hatch, it is important to leave them alone. The hatchlings will emerge from their eggs on their own.
Once the hatchlings have emerged, you can remove them from the incubator and place them in a separate enclosure.
Gargoyle Gecko Hatching Signs
There are a few signs that a gargoyle gecko egg is hatching:
- The egg will start to sweat or bead up with condensation. This is due to the embryo inside the egg generating heat.
- The egg will start to shrink. This is because the embryo is absorbing the fluid inside the egg.
- The egg will develop a dent or pip on top. This is where the embryo will break out of the egg.
- You may see the embryo moving inside the egg. This is a good sign that the embryo is healthy and getting ready to hatch.
Fertile Vs Infertile Gargoyle Gecko Eggs
There are a few ways to differentiate between fertile and infertile gargoyle gecko eggs:
- Candling: Candling is a process of shining a light through the egg to see the developing embryo. Fertile eggs will have a dark spot in the center, which is the embryo. Infertile eggs will be clear or have a faint shadow.
- Size: Fertile eggs are typically larger and plumper than infertile eggs.
- Shape: Fertile eggs are typically more oval-shaped, while infertile eggs may be more round or misshapen.
- Texture: Fertile eggs have a smooth texture, while infertile eggs may have a rough or bumpy texture.
- Weight: Fertile eggs are typically heavier than infertile eggs.
To candle a gargoyle gecko egg, you will need a dark room and a light source, such as a flashlight or a candle.
Hold the egg up to the light source and shine it through the egg. If you see a dark spot in the center, the egg is fertile. If the egg is clear or has a faint shadow, the egg is infertile.
It is important to note that it is not always possible to differentiate between fertile and infertile gargoyle gecko eggs by candling alone.
Some infertile eggs may have a dark spot in the center, and some fertile eggs may be difficult to see through.
If you are unsure whether or not a gargoyle gecko egg is fertile, you can incubate it for a few weeks and see if it hatches.
Fertile eggs will typically hatch within 60-90 days of incubation. Infertile eggs will not hatch.
Here are some additional tips for differentiating between fertile and infertile gargoyle gecko eggs:
- Compare the eggs to each other. If you have multiple gargoyle gecko eggs, compare them to each other. Fertile eggs will typically be more similar in size, shape, and texture than infertile eggs.
- Handle the eggs with care. Gargoyle gecko eggs are delicate and should be handled with care. Be careful not to drop or bump the eggs, as this could damage them.
How To Properly Care For Gargoyle Gecko Eggs
To properly care for gargoyle gecko eggs, you will need to provide them with the following:
- A warm and humid environment: Gargoyle gecko eggs need to be incubated at a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius). The humidity in the incubator should be maintained at around 60-70%.
- A moist substrate: The eggs should be placed in a moist substrate, such as vermiculite or perlite. The substrate should be moist but not soggy.
- A dark environment: Gargoyle gecko eggs should be incubated in a dark environment. This will help to prevent the eggs from drying out.
Here are some detailed and easy-to-understand guidelines on how to properly care for gargoyle gecko eggs:
- Prepare the incubator: Clean the incubator thoroughly with a disinfectant solution. Rinse the incubator with clean water and dry it with a paper towel.
- Add the substrate: Place a layer of vermiculite or perlite in the bottom of the incubator. The substrate should be at least 2 inches deep.
- Moisten the substrate: Mist the substrate with water until it is moist but not soggy.
- Place the eggs in the incubator: Place the eggs in the incubator. Make sure that the eggs are completely covered by the substrate.
- Close the incubator: Close the incubator and seal it tightly.
- Monitor the temperature and humidity: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity in the incubator. Make sure that the temperature is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) and that the humidity is between 60-70%.
- Mist the eggs regularly: Mist the eggs regularly to keep them moist. Be careful not to overmist the eggs, as this can cause them to mold.
- Leave the eggs alone: Once the eggs are in the incubator, do not touch them or move them. The eggs will hatch on their own.
Once the eggs hatch, you can remove the hatchlings from the incubator and place them in a separate enclosure.
Here are some additional tips for caring for gargoyle gecko eggs:
- Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature in the incubator. This will help to ensure that the eggs are incubated at a consistent temperature.
- Place a damp sponge in the incubator to keep the humidity high.
- Do not overmist the eggs. This can cause them to mold.
- If you notice any mold on the eggs, remove the mold immediately.
- If you are unsure whether or not an egg is fertile, you can incubate it for a few weeks and see if it hatches. Fertile eggs will typically hatch within 60-90 days of incubation. Infertile eggs will not hatch.
Summary
Breeding and caring for gargoyle gecko eggs can be a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts.
Understanding the signs of hatching, the possibility of parthenogenesis, and the optimal conditions for egg incubation is crucial for successful breeding.
Proper care involves maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and substrate for the eggs.
Distinguishing fertile from infertile eggs through candling and handling them with care is essential.
Ultimately, gargoyle gecko breeding requires patience and attention to detail to ensure the health and well-being of these fascinating reptiles.
