If you are a proud owner of a crested gecko, or you are interested in getting one, you might be curious about their breeding and egg-laying habits. Crested geckos are fascinating reptiles that can produce eggs with or without a male partner. But how can you tell if the eggs are fertile or not? And what should you do with them once you find them?
In this guide, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain how to identify fertile and infertile crested gecko eggs, how to incubate and care for them, and what to expect when they hatch. We will also share some tips and resources from experts and experienced breeders to help you succeed in raising healthy and happy crested geckos.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Crested gecko eggs can be fertile or infertile depending on whether they have been fertilized by a male or not.
- Fertile eggs will show signs of development, such as veins, movement, and color change, while infertile eggs will remain clear or yellowish and may collapse or mold over time.
- You can use methods such as candling, floating, and time to determine the fertility of crested gecko eggs.
- You should incubate crested gecko eggs in a suitable medium, such as vermiculite or perlite, and maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level for optimal development.
- Crested gecko eggs will hatch in 60 to 120 days, depending on the incubation temperature and other factors.
- You can discard infertile eggs, use them as a food source for other reptiles, or incubate and observe them for educational purposes.
- You should provide proper care and nutrition for the gravid female and the hatchlings to ensure their health and well-being.
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How Crested Geckos Lay Eggs
Crested geckos are oviparous animals, which means they lay eggs rather than give birth to live young. Female crested geckos can lay eggs with or without a male, but only the eggs that have been fertilized by a male will be fertile and hatch into baby geckos.
Female crested geckos reach sexual maturity at around 18 to 24 months of age, or when they weigh at least 35 to 40 grams. They can produce one or two eggs every 30 to 45 days, usually between March and October. They will lay their eggs in a moist and dark place, such as a hide box filled with moist substrate, moss, or paper towels.
You should provide a suitable lay box for your female crested gecko, as this will reduce the stress and risk of egg retention, which can be fatal for the gecko. You can use a plastic container with a hole cut on the side, and fill it with moist vermiculite, perlite, coco fiber, or sphagnum moss. You should check the lay box regularly for eggs, and remove them carefully as soon as you find them.
How To Tell If Crested Gecko Eggs Are Fertile
Once you have collected the eggs from the lay box, you might wonder if they are fertile or not. There are several ways to tell the difference between fertile and infertile crested gecko eggs, such as:
Candling
Candling is a technique that involves shining a bright but gentle light through the egg to see what's inside. You can use a flashlight, a candle, or a special egg candler for this purpose. You should do this in a dark room, and be very gentle when handling the eggs, as they are delicate and can be damaged easily.
To candle a crested gecko egg, hold it in your hand and shine the light through the bottom or the side of the egg. If the egg is fertile, you will see a network of blood vessels and possibly some movement of the embryo. You will also notice a pinkish or reddish hue to the egg, due to the blood flow. If the egg is infertile, you will see nothing but a clear or yellowish mass inside, with no veins or movement.
You can candle the eggs as soon as you find them, or wait a few days to see more development. However, you should not candle the eggs too often, as this can stress the embryo and cause deformities or death. You should also avoid candling the eggs when they are close to hatching, as this can disturb the hatchling and cause it to hatch prematurely or not at all.
Floating
Floating is another method that can help you determine the fertility of crested gecko eggs. This involves submerging the eggs in water and observing whether they sink or float. This is based on the principle that infertile eggs have a larger air cell inside, which makes them more buoyant than fertile eggs.
To float a crested gecko egg, fill a bowl or a container with lukewarm water, and gently place the egg in the water. If the egg sinks to the bottom, it is likely fertile. If the egg floats on the surface, it is likely infertile. However, this method is not very reliable, as some fertile eggs may float due to variations in the eggshell thickness or the water density. Therefore, you should use this method with caution and in conjunction with other methods.
Time
Time is another factor that can help you determine the fertility of crested gecko eggs. Fertile eggs will develop and hatch within a certain time frame, depending on the incubation temperature and other conditions. Infertile eggs will not develop or hatch, and will eventually collapse or mold over time.
The average incubation period for crested gecko eggs is around 60 to 90 days, depending on the temperature. Higher temperatures (around 80°F or 27°C) will result in faster development and shorter incubation times, while lower temperatures (around 70°F or 21°C) will result in slower development and longer incubation times. However, you should not incubate the eggs above 85°F (29°C) or below 65°F (18°C), as this can harm the embryo or prevent hatching.
If the eggs do not show any signs of development or hatching after the expected incubation period, they are probably infertile. You can confirm this by candling or floating the eggs, or by gently squeezing them. If the eggs are soft and squishy, they are infertile. If the eggs are hard and firm, they may still be fertile and need more time to hatch.
How To Incubate Crested Gecko Eggs
If you have determined that your crested gecko eggs are fertile, you will need to incubate them properly to ensure their development and hatching. Incubating crested gecko eggs is not very difficult, but it requires some preparation and care. Here are some steps and tips on how to incubate crested gecko eggs:
1. Choose an incubator
An incubator is a device that provides a controlled environment for the eggs to develop. You can use a commercial reptile incubator, or make your own using a plastic container, a heat mat, a thermostat, and a thermometer. You can also incubate the eggs in the same enclosure as the parents, as long as you provide a suitable lay box and monitor the temperature and humidity.
The incubator should have the following features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature | A consistent temperature between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C) |
| Humidity | A high humidity level between 80% and 90% |
| Air circulation and ventilation | A good air circulation and ventilation |
| Darkness and quietness | A dark and quiet place |
| Space | A sufficient space for the eggs and the hatchlings |
2. Choose an incubation medium
An incubation medium is a material that holds the eggs and provides moisture and support for them. You can use various substrates as an incubation medium, such as vermiculite, perlite, coco fiber, sphagnum moss, or hatchrite. You should moisten the medium with water until it feels damp but not wet, and squeeze out any excess water.
The incubation medium should have the following characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Water retention and drainage | A good water retention and drainage capacity |
| Texture | A fine and uniform texture |
| pH | A neutral or slightly acidic pH |
| Mold and contamination | A low risk of molding or contamination |
3. Prepare the eggs
Before placing the eggs in the incubator, you should prepare them carefully. You should mark the top of the eggs with a pencil or a marker, to avoid rotating them during incubation. Rotating the eggs can damage the embryo or cause it to drown in its own fluids. You should also weigh the eggs and record their weight, to monitor their development and hydration.
You should place the eggs in the incubation medium, burying them halfway or leaving them exposed, depending on your preference. You should space the eggs at least an inch apart, to prevent them from sticking together or overheating. You should also label the eggs with the date of laying, the parent's names, and the expected hatch date.
4. Monitor the eggs
During incubation, you should monitor the eggs regularly, but not too frequently. You should check the temperature and humidity of the incubator daily, and adjust them if needed. You should also check the moisture of the incubation medium, and mist it lightly if it feels dry. You should avoid opening the incubator too often, as this can cause fluctuations in the temperature and humidity.
You should also observe the eggs for any signs of development or problems. You can candle the eggs every few weeks, to see the veins, the embryo, and the movement. You can also weigh the eggs every few weeks, to see if they are gaining or losing weight. If the eggs are losing weight, it means they are dehydrated and need more moisture. If the eggs are gaining weight, it means they are overhydrated and need less moisture. You should aim for a steady weight gain of about 0.5 to 1 gram per egg per month.
You should also look for any signs of problems, such as mold, fungus, bacteria, or parasites. If you see any white, green, or black spots on the eggs, you should remove them carefully and treat them with a diluted solution of water and bleach, or a fungicide spray. You should also isolate the affected eggs from the healthy ones, to prevent the spread of infection.
How To Care For Crested Gecko Eggs
Caring for crested gecko eggs is not very demanding, but it requires some attention and patience. Here are some tips on how to care for crested gecko eggs:
- Do not disturb the eggs too much, as this can stress the embryo and cause deformities or death.
- Do not rotate or flip the eggs, as this can damage the embryo or cause it to drown in its own fluids.
- Do not touch the eggs with your bare hands, as this can transfer oils, bacteria, or chemicals to the eggshell. Use gloves or tissue paper when handling the eggs.
- Do not expose the eggs to direct sunlight, as this can overheat them and cause them to dry out or cook.
- Do not incubate the eggs at extreme temperatures, as this can harm the embryo or prevent hatching. Keep the incubator between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C).
- Do not incubate the eggs at a constant temperature, as this can affect the sex ratio of the hatchlings. Vary the temperature slightly between day and night, or use a temperature gradient within the incubator.
- Do not let the eggs dry out or drown, as this can kill the embryo or cause it to hatch prematurely or not at all. Keep the incubation medium moist but not wet, and mist it lightly if it feels dry.
- Do not let the eggs mold or rot, as this can infect the embryo or cause it to die. Check the eggs regularly for any signs of mold, fungus, bacteria, or parasites, and treat them accordingly.
What To Do With Infertile Crested Gecko Eggs
If you have determined that your crested gecko eggs are infertile, you might wonder what to do with them. There are several options, depending on your preference and purpose. Here are some suggestions on what to do with infertile crested gecko eggs:
- Discard them: This is the simplest and most common option. You can throw away the infertile eggs in the trash, or bury them in the ground You should not flush them down the toilet, as this can clog the pipes or harm the environment.
- Use them as a food source: This is a more practical and ecological option. You can feed the infertile eggs to other reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, or turtles, as a source of calcium and protein.
- Incubate and observe them: This is a more educational and experimental option. You can incubate the infertile eggs and observe them for changes, such as color, shape, size, weight, and texture.
How To Care For The Gravid Female And The Hatchlings
Caring for the gravid female and the hatchlings is an important part of breeding crested geckos. You should provide proper care and nutrition for the mother and the babies, to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to care for the gravid female and the hatchlings:
- Provide a suitable lay box for the gravid female, as this will reduce the stress and risk of egg retention, which can be fatal for the gecko. You can use a plastic container with a hole cut on the side, and fill it with moist vermiculite, perlite, coco fiber, or sphagnum moss.
- Provide extra calcium and protein for the gravid female, as this will help her produce healthy eggs and recover from the egg-laying process. You can dust her food with calcium powder, or offer her calcium-rich foods, such as cuttlebone, eggshell, or dairy products.
- Provide a warm and humid environment for the hatchlings, as this will help them shed their skin and digest their food. You can use a plastic container, a shoebox, or a small terrarium as a hatchling enclosure, and fill it with paper towels, moss, or coco fiber as a substrate.Â
- Provide a varied and balanced diet for the hatchlings, as this will help them grow and develop properly. You can feed them a commercial crested gecko diet, such as Repashy or Pangea, or a homemade diet, such as baby food, fruit puree, or yogurt.
- Provide gentle and gradual handling for the hatchlings, as this will help them tame and socialize with you. You can start handling them when they are at least two weeks old, and weigh at least 2 grams.
How To Buy A Crested Gecko
If you are interested in buying a crested gecko, you should do some research and preparation before making a purchase. You should learn about the crested gecko's characteristics, needs, and care, and make sure you can provide a suitable environment and diet for it. You should also consider the cost, availability, and legality of owning a crested gecko in your area.
One of the best places to buy a crested gecko is from a reputable breeder, such as CB Reptile. CB Reptile is a family-owned and operated reptile store that specializes in captive-bred crested geckos and other reptiles. They have a wide selection of crested geckos for sale, with different colors, patterns, and morphs. They also offer a live arrival and full health guarantee, as well as free shipping and customer support.
Buying a crested gecko from CB Reptile can help you get a healthy, happy, and beautiful pet, as well as support the conservation and education of reptiles. You can visit their website, to browse their inventory, read their reviews, and place your order. You can also contact them by phone, email, or social media if you have any questions or concerns.
Conclusion
Crested geckos are amazing reptiles that can lay eggs with or without a male partner. However, not all eggs are fertile and will hatch into baby geckos. You can use methods such as candling, floating, and time to determine the fertility of crested gecko eggs. You can also incubate and care for the eggs properly, to ensure their development and hatching. You can also care for the gravid female and the hatchlings, to ensure their health and well-being. And if you are interested in buying a crested gecko, you can check out CB Reptile, a reputable breeder that offers captive-bred crested geckos for sale.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to tell if crested gecko eggs are fertile, and what to do with them once you find them. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. And if you have any experience or tips on breeding or caring for crested geckos, please let us know as well. We would love to hear from you!
Do you have a crested gecko or are you planning to get one? What do you think of their egg-laying habits? Share your thoughts with us!