Key Takeaway:
- Understanding and interpreting your crested gecko’s behavior is essential for better care.
- Crested geckos can show affection through behaviors like licking, tail wagging, and calming down when handled.
- Abnormal behaviors in crested geckos may indicate illness, stress, or inadequate care.
- Crested geckos are popular pets known for their friendly and docile nature.
- It can be challenging for new owners to understand their crested gecko’s body language.
- Patiently observing and providing proper care and handling can help foster a bond with your crested gecko.
Crested geckos are a popular pet choice due to their friendly and docile nature.
However, understanding their body language can be tricky for new owners.
This guide will help you understand the different behaviors and signals that crested geckos use to communicate, so you can better understand and care for your pet.
Common Behaviors In Crested Geckos
5 common behaviors that you will observe as a pet owner of a crested gecko are listed below.
1 – Tail Twitching
Tail twitching is a common behavior in crested geckos, and is usually a sign of excitement or agitation. If your gecko is twitching its tail, it may be feeling playful or active.
This behavior can also be a sign that the gecko is hunting or exploring its surroundings.
If the tail twitching is accompanied by other signs of stress such as hiding, it could be a sign of discomfort.
2 – Tail Wagging
Tail wagging is another common behavior in crested geckos, and is often a sign of happiness or contentment.
If your gecko is wagging its tail, it is likely feeling relaxed and comfortable.
This behavior is usually seen when the gecko is interacting with its owner or when it’s in a comfortable environment.
3 – Arm Waving
Crested geckos will sometimes wave their arms as a way of communicating with others. This behavior is often a sign of aggression or territorial behavior.
This behavior can be seen when a gecko encounters another gecko or when it feels threatened. It is a way of showing dominance or assertiveness.
4 – Head Bobbing
Crested geckos will bob their head as a way of communicating with others. This behavior can be a sign of aggression or a sign of submission.
Head bobbing can be a sign of a gecko trying to assert dominance over another gecko or it can also be a sign of submission, indicating that the gecko is not a threat and does not want to fight.
5 – Hiding
Crested geckos will sometimes hide as a way of feeling safe and secure. If your gecko is hiding, it is likely to feel stressed or threatened.
Hiding can be a sign that the gecko is feeling uncomfortable or is not getting enough sleep.
It can also indicate that the gecko is feeling too hot or too cold.
Observing the gecko for a while and making sure the environment is appropriate for it can help you understand the reason for hiding.
Abnormal Behaviour In Crested Geckos
Some abnormal behaviors in crested geckos that you should know of as a pet owner are listed below.
- Lethargy: If your crested gecko is displaying signs of lethargy, such as lack of energy or not moving much, it could be a sign of illness or stress.
- Loss of Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of illness or stress.
- Mouth Breathing: If your gecko is breathing through its mouth, it could be a sign of respiratory problems or stress.
- Twitching: If your gecko is twitching or convulsing, it could be a sign of a seizure or neurological problem.
- Inactivity: If your gecko is inactive, it could be a sign of illness, stress, or lack of proper care.
- Unusual Aggression: If your gecko is displaying unusual aggression, it could be a sign of stress or hormonal imbalances.
- Unusual Licking: If your gecko is excessively licking its enclosure or skin, it could be a sign of a skin infection or parasite infestation.
- Unusual Shedding: If your gecko is shedding excessively or not shedding at all, it could be a sign of a health problem or poor husbandry.
Are Crested Geckos Affectionate?
Crested geckos can be affectionate with their owners, but this varies from gecko to gecko.
Some individuals may enjoy being handled and may even show signs of affection, such as licking their owner.
Others may be more skittish and prefer to be left alone.
With proper handling and socialization, crested geckos can become more comfortable with human interaction and may display more affection.
The key, however, is to be patient with your crested gecko and let it come to you. Rushing or forcing a bond with your pet might backfire and instead stress your crested gecko out.
How Do Crested Geckos Show Affection?
Crested geckos can show affection in a variety of ways, such as:
- Licking: Crested geckos will sometimes lick their enclosure or their owner as a way of bonding and expressing affection.
- Tail Wagging: Tail wagging is another common behavior in crested geckos, and is often a sign of happiness or contentment.
- Calming down: When a crested gecko is comfortable with its owner, it may calm down when picked up and handled.
- Following the owner: Some crested geckos may follow their owner around the enclosure, indicating interest or affection.
- Climbing: Crested geckos may climb on the owner, showing affection or seeking attention
It’s important to note that these behaviors can also be the gecko’s way of exploring its environment or seeking food.
To understand if your gecko is showing affection, it’s best to observe the gecko’s behavior over time and in different situations.
As each gecko is unique and can have different personalities, some may show more affection than others.
How Do I Know If My Crested Gecko Is Mad?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your crested gecko is mad:
- Arm Waving: Crested geckos will sometimes wave their arms as a way of communicating with others. This behavior is often a sign of aggression or territorial behavior.
- Hissing: Crested geckos may make hissing sounds when they are feeling threatened or are in a defensive state.
- Biting: If your crested gecko is biting when you try to handle it, it is a sign that it is mad or feeling threatened.
- Puffing up: Crested geckos may puff up their body when they are feeling threatened or defensive.
- Tail Twitching: Sometimes tail twitching can be a sign of excitement or agitation, but if it is accompanied by other signs of stress such as hiding, it could be a sign of discomfort.
It’s important to note that crested geckos can be shy or defensive when they are first getting used to their new environment or owner.
And may display some of these behaviors until they become more comfortable and familiar with their surroundings.
Proper handling and socialization can help them become more comfortable with human interaction and may reduce these behaviors over time.
Do Crested Geckos Like To Be Handled?
Crested geckos can be handled, but it depends on the individual animal’s personality.
Some crested geckos may enjoy being handled and may even show signs of affection, while others may be more skittish and prefer to be left alone.
With proper handling and socialization, crested geckos can become more comfortable with human interaction.
It’s important to be gentle and patient when handling crested geckos and to respect their personal space.
It’s best to start handling them gradually, allowing them to get used to your presence before attempting to pick them up.
It’s worth noting that crested geckos are nocturnal animals, and they may be more active and interactive during the night.
If you handle them during the day, they might be less inclined to interact and might want to sleep.
How Do You Tell If Your Crested Gecko Loves You?
It’s important to understand that while crested geckos can bond with their owners, they are still wild animals and may not show affection in the same way as domesticated pets.
However, some signs that may indicate that your crested gecko has formed a bond with you include licking, tail wagging, calming down when handled, following the owner around the enclosure, climbing on the owner, and being active during the day.
Every crested gecko is unique, and some may be more affectionate than others.
It’s best to observe your gecko’s behavior over time and in different situations to get a better understanding of how it feels toward you.
Summary
It’s important to remember that each crested gecko is unique and may have its behavior patterns.
Understanding and interpreting your crested gecko’s behavior will help you to better understand and care for your pet.
It’s crucial to observe your gecko’s behavior over time and in different situations to get a better understanding of how it feels and what it needs.
With proper care and understanding, you can build a strong bond with your crested gecko and create a comfortable and happy environment for it.
