Crested geckos are unique reptiles that have captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts around the world. One of the most fascinating aspects of crested gecko reproduction is their ability to lay eggs even without a male present.
If you’ve noticed your female crested gecko laying eggs despite not being with a male, you likely have some questions. Read on as we provide a comprehensive look at crested geckos laying eggs without mating.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, it is perfectly normal for a female crested gecko to lay eggs even if she has not mated with a male. These unfertilized eggs are not viable and will not hatch into baby geckos.
Do Female Crested Geckos Need a Male to Lay Eggs?
Crested geckos are unique lizards that have the amazing ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, which means females can lay fertile eggs without mating with a male. Here’s an overview of what this means for female crested geckos and their egg laying abilities:
Females can lay eggs without mating
Female crested geckos do not need to mate with a male to produce and lay eggs. They are able to undergo parthenogenesis, which is a form of asexual reproduction where an embryo can develop from an unfertilized egg.
This allows females to lay clutches of 2 eggs on average every 4-6 weeks during the breeding season without ever breeding with a male.
This is an evolutionary adaption that enables crested geckos to reproduce even if there are no males present. In the wild, crested geckos can be sparse in certain areas, so this allows females to continue laying eggs to propagate the species.
In captivity, it provides breeders with a way to produce crested geckos without needing to keep, house, and breed pairs of males and females.
Eggs are not fertile without mating
While female crested geckos can go through the motions of producing and laying eggs without a male, the eggs will not be fertile. This means they will not hatch or develop into baby geckos, because they have not been fertilized by male sperm.
For the eggs to be fertile, the female must breed and mate with a male crested gecko. This allows the male to fertilize the eggs, giving the embryos the genetic material from both parents to develop into hatchlings.
Without this fertilization from a male, the eggs are only produced by the female’s genetics so they will not be viable.
Therefore, while solitary female crested geckos will continue to lay eggs due to their parthenogenetic abilities, a male is required for the eggs to be fertile and hatch into offspring. The females can reproduce alone, but need the male’s contribution for successful breeding and hatchlings.
Why Do Female Crested Geckos Lay Infertile Eggs?
Part of their natural reproductive cycle
Laying infertile eggs is a natural part of the reproductive cycle for female crested geckos. In the wild, female crested geckos will lay eggs even if they have not mated with a male. This occurs for a few key reasons:
- Egg development and laying is influenced by hormones and optimal conditions. When female crested geckos experience ideal temperatures, humidity, photoperiods, nutrition, and health, their bodies naturally produce hormones that stimulate follicles to develop and mature eggs within the ovaries.
- Since crested geckos do not need to mate to ovulate and lay eggs, the egg laying process is not dependent on mating or fertilization. It is simply part of their reproductive biology.
- In the wild, females may not always have the opportunity to mate before laying eggs. Laying infertile eggs allows them to dispose of unfertilized eggs and pave the way for potential fertile eggs in the future.
In essence, egg laying gives female crested geckos the chance to reproduce if mating occurs, but also allows them to follow their biological rhythms and reproductive cycle regardless of whether mating takes place or not.
Stimulated by optimal conditions and diet
Another key reason female crested geckos often lay infertile eggs in captivity is due to optimal husbandry conditions. In the wild, crested geckos experience fluctuations in temperatures, food availability, and humidity levels. But in captivity, owners often provide ideal conditions including:
- Warm temperatures around 70-80°F.
- High humidity between 70-80%.
- UVB lighting and optimal daylight cycles.
- Abundant feeding of fruits, insects, and crested gecko diet.
With their needs all met, female crested geckos are more likely to be in peak health and develop follicles/eggs. Additionally, well-fed females are more likely to produce larger clutch sizes of eggs.
While egg laying can sometimes signal underlying health issues, for healthy females, it is generally just a natural response to optimal husbandry and diet. Producing and laying eggs requires significant energy and resources, so it only occurs when conditions are ideal.
What to Do with Unfertilized Crested Gecko Eggs
Leave them be
Leaving unfertilized crested gecko eggs in the enclosure is an option that some owners choose. The eggs will eventually dry up and the gecko will eat them to regain lost calcium. This is a natural process that wild geckos experience.
As long as the eggs don’t become moldy, leaving them be can be perfectly fine. However, some owners prefer to remove unneeded eggs.
Remove eggs from enclosure
Many crested gecko owners opt to take unfertilized eggs out of the tank. This helps keep the enclosure clean and prevents mold from potentially growing on the eggs. To remove eggs, it’s best to wait at least 30 days after they have been laid.
Gently pick up the eggs one at a time and place them in a container outside the vivarium. Discard the eggs or freeze them (see next section).
When removing eggs from the tank, be very careful not to rotate or shake them. Unfertilized gecko eggs are prone to exploding, especially as they age. The sudden movement can cause gases and fluids inside to burst the egg open, making a big mess!
Freeze unhatched eggs after 60 days
Some owners choose to freeze unfertilized crested gecko eggs once it’s clear they won’t hatch. This is typically done 60+ days after the eggs are laid, assuming incubation temperatures have been correct. To freeze, place the eggs inside a ziplock bag or plastic container.
Allowing air exposure during freezing can cause the eggs to explode.
Freezing unhattilized eggs is a way to safely dispose of them without just throwing them away. It also gives the option to thaw them later for use in art projects or crafts. Just make sure to wash your hands after handling in case bacteria is present!
Tips for Caring for a Female Crested Gecko Laying Eggs
Provide optimal diet with calcium
A female crested gecko needs extra calcium in her diet when she is developing eggs. Make sure to provide a powdered calcium supplement a few times per week. You can dust feeder insects or the gecko’s food mix with calcium powder.
Top choices for calcium supplements include Repashy Calcium Plus or Zoo Med Repti Calcium. Having enough calcium prevents egg binding or other health issues.
It’s also important to feed your female gecko a nutritious crested gecko diet. A commercial crested gecko diet like Pangea or Repashy CGD provides balanced nutrition. You can also offer safe insects like crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms a few times per week.
A variety of foods gives nutrients for egg development.
Maintain proper enclosure conditions
Your female gecko will appreciate a temperature range of 70-80°F in her tank when gravid (carrying eggs). You can provide localized heat with an under tank heater on one side. The cooler end of the tank should be around 70°F. Stable temperatures prevent egg issues.
Humidity levels of 50-60% are ideal when a female is gravid. You can mist the enclosure 1-2 times daily and provide a humid hide. Make sure the tank has good airflow and doesn’t get too stuffy. Proper humidity prevents eggs from drying out or molding.
A clean tank is also important for a gravid gecko. Spot clean waste frequently and change substrate regularly. Having a hygienic environment reduces the chance of bacterial issues with the eggs.
Give her a suitable egg laying spot
Your female crested gecko will appreciate having a designated spot to lay her eggs. You can provide a laying box or bin with coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or vermiculite as substrate. She may choose to lay in other spots, but having options gives her a sense of security.
Once you notice egg laying behavior like digging, provide some privacy but check regularly. Don’t disturb her too much. She may lay 1-2 eggs every 3-6 weeks during breeding season. Let her do her thing and the eggs will be deposited safely.
After she lays, carefully remove the eggs and incubate them in a separate container on vermiculite or perlite. Incubate at 78-82°F and high humidity. With good care, the eggs can hatch in 4-6 months! Then you’ll have adorable baby cresties.
When to Be Concerned About Egg Laying
Eggs are laid too frequently
Crested geckos typically lay eggs every 4-6 weeks during breeding season. Laying eggs more frequently than this can cause health problems. Geckos that lay eggs too often may experience calcium deficiency, which can lead to metabolic bone disease. This causes weak and brittle bones.
To prevent this, make sure your gecko’s diet includes proper calcium supplementation.
Frequent egg laying can also deplete fat stores in crested geckos. This may cause weight loss and appetite loss. To ensure your gecko maintains a healthy weight, monitor her body condition and offer food daily. A thin tail or prominent spine protrusions signal that your gecko needs more food.
If your female crested gecko lays eggs more often than every 4 weeks, schedule a vet exam. The vet can check for health problems and offer advice on nutrition and habitat management.
Eggs appear small or malformed
Healthy crested gecko eggs are oblong in shape and about the size of a grape. Small or oddly shaped eggs may indicate health or nutrition issues in the female gecko.
Calcium deficiency can cause eggs to be small or thin-shelled. Review your gecko’s calcium supplementation regimen. Use a powdered calcium supplement 2-3 times per week. Offer a small dish of pure calcium carbonate in the habitat at all times.
Low temperatures during egg development can also cause malformation. Ensure the warm side of your crested gecko enclosure stays between 82-85°F. This provides an ideal temperature for egg incubation.
Genetic factors can sometimes produce small or irregular eggs too. But it’s still wise to double check your gecko’s husbandry and nutrition just in case. Schedule a vet visit if small eggs become a reoccurring problem.
Signs of egg binding
Egg binding happens when a female reptile has trouble passing eggs. It is a medical emergency in crested geckos. Watch for these signs of egg binding:
- Straining or abdominal contractions
- Swelling around the pelvic area
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Tail twitching
Egg binding can be fatal if not treated promptly by a vet. At the first sign of straining or swelling, place your crested gecko in a secure hospital container and head to the closest reptile vet.
To help prevent egg binding, maintain proper temperatures and humidity in your gecko’s habitat. Ensure she is well-hydrated and gets adequate calcium. Some female geckos may need oxytocin injections from the vet to help pass eggs.
Conclusion
In summary, it is perfectly natural for female crested geckos to lay infertile eggs even without ever mating with a male. This is all part of their reproductive cycle and stimulated by optimal conditions.
While the eggs won’t hatch, it’s still important to provide proper care for a female crestie laying eggs. Pay attention for any signs of concern and talk to an exotics vet if needed. With proper husbandry, female crested geckos can continue to lay healthy clutches of eggs throughout their lives.
