Getting a rescue crested gecko and have some questions

Jennsnoopy

New member
Hello,
We are new to crested geckos but not reptiles. My daughter has had bearded dragons for the past 3 years. She does a fabulous job with them, feeds, cleans and even takes them to the vet for annual checks, We've been thinking about getting her a crested gecko and we've been reading up on them the last few months. We have been slowly gathering supplies for the habitat and researching them to make sure this is a good fit.
Recently we have been made aware of a crested gecko that needs to be rehomed. It's a female around 2 years. It's been housed with a male around 3 years old. The owner says the pair is bonded and likes to be in the same tank together. My daughter says this is a fallacy and that the female is most likely getting constantly mated to by the male and is likely getting stressed out. From the owner: 5 months ago she had a few eggs that were left in the cage. One survived although it wasn't a very healthy hatchling.

Our daughter wants to take the female and the person will split them up (even though he says they are "bonded" and separating them "could be hard"). Is this true or is our daughter correct that the female is getting "harassed" and likely stressed and will probably be better off alone?
Also, our daughter said we may need to get supplies ready if we get her as she could be storing fertile eggs or sperm. I'm skeptical that she could still have sperm. It's winter now so wouldn't the sperm or fertile eggs die inside? I've read that a drop below 68 degrees will basically make thing non viable or a female won't ovulate.
The pair are still in the same tank together until we make the decision.
She really likes the female but I'm worried about offspring. Is this a possibility? Even if the last time she had a clutch it was only 2 eggs and it was 5 months ago? The owner says he thinks one or both is now sterile.
If it is a possibility she could lay fertile eggs and what would we need to deal with that?
We would like to provide a home for this sweet girl but we want to go into it with our eyes open. The current owner cannot answer these questions.
Thank you for any help.
 
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Jennsnoopy

New member
Thanks so very much. If anyone knows of good books they would recommend for these guys I would appreciate the suggestions. My daughter is very passionate about her reptiles.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Thanks so very much. If anyone knows of good books they would recommend for these guys I would appreciate the suggestions. My daughter is very passionate about her reptiles.
You're welcome. Many gecko experiences are shared verbally by keepers.

Here are a couple crested gecko books recommended by Aliza (GU's acpart) in 2009:

  • Crested Geckos by Philippe de Vosjoli: Advanced Vivarium Systems, 2005.
  • Crested Geckos by Adam Black: T.F.H. Publications, 2005
These books provide basic care and breeding information about crested geckos with short sections at the end of the book about other Rhacodactylus/Correlophus species. De Vosjoli’s book devotes a great deal of space to crested gecko morphs and selective breeding, with a series of excellent photographs. The volume by Adam Black is most notable for a large number of sidebars with concise information about a variety of topics (e.g. “Salmonella Risks”, “The Importance of Supplements”).

Click: 7 Must Read Gecko Books - Gecko Time - Gecko Time
 

Revasius

New member
Your daughter is very correct! These geckos (and other reptiles) do NOT "enjoy" being with each other. Separating them is essential to ensure the health of the female. Be aware that she very well may be carrying eggs or holding sperm, as these geckos can hold genetic material for months after they mate. I would be ready to incubate and care for eggs if you intend on keeping them.

A great low-budget setup I've used successfully is a styrofoam cooler with a 50 watt aquarium heater in a mason jar filled with water, with the eggs on damp organic perlite (available at a Lowes or Home Depot, and you have to use pesticide-free) inside old sour cream containers.
 

Jennsnoopy

New member
Ok thanks. The owner surrendered her to a rescue place I suggested. The female is now at a rescue place away from the male. They are doing a 2 week quarantine to make sure she is ok. She had a vet check and fecal which were clean. If it's all clear in two weeks we can take her. Still wondering how many fertile eggs she could have. We like her and would never breed her but I want to be prepared if she is carrying anything.
 

Revasius

New member
These geckos will lay a pair of eggs every 30 days after mating (regardless of the eggs being fertile or not.) Watching eggs develop can be an awesome experience!
 

KattsKritters

New member
A crested female can store sperm for a full breeding season .... so count on a good 9 months or more of egg laying ... 2 each time ... they will lay even if not fertile but if she has had a room-mate its a safe bet they will be fertile ... but as has been said, it can be stressful and unhealthy for long-term roomies to be there ...
 
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