Crested geckos are amazing little lizards that have captured the hearts of reptile enthusiasts. With their big eyes, expressive eyebrows, and docile nature, it’s easy to see why they make great pets. However, caring for these unique geckos requires an understanding of their specific nutritional needs.
One of the most common questions new crested gecko owners have is: do crested geckos need calcium supplementation? Read on for a comprehensive look at crested geckos and calcium.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Yes, crested geckos do need calcium supplementation throughout their lives for healthy bone development and egg production.
The Role of Calcium in Crested Geckos
Healthy Bone Development
Calcium is crucial for crested geckos to develop strong and healthy bones. Without adequate calcium, they run the risk of developing metabolic bone disease which causes bones to become soft, deformed, and fracture easily.
Calcium allows crested geckos to properly absorb and utilize vitamins D3 and A which also support bone health.
Egg Production and Egg Binding
Female crested geckos need extra calcium when breeding to produce healthy eggs. Lack of calcium can cause eggs to develop improperly or lead to egg binding which is life-threatening. Providing a calcium supplement helps prevent egg binding and allows female geckos to lay multiple clutches in a breeding season.
According to ReptiFiles, 30-50% of breeding females may develop egg binding without additional calcium.
Preventing Metabolic Bone Disease
All crested geckos need calcium to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) which causes bone deformities, fractures, and disability. MBD is caused by an imbalance of calcium, low temperatures, and lack of vitamins D3 and A.
Providing a complete crested gecko diet with calcium, proper heating, and UVB lighting helps prevent this irreversible and potentially fatal disease.
The key signs of MBD in crested geckos include:
- Weak, swollen, or fractured limbs
- Rubbery or soft jaws
- Bent spine and trouble walking
- Poor appetite and slow growth
Catching MBD early improves survival odds greatly. Without calcium and immediate treatment, crested geckos severely affected by MBD often die from organ failure or infection within months according to veterinarians.
When to Start Calcium Supplementation
Hatchlings and Juveniles
Providing proper calcium supplementation is crucial for young crested geckos during their rapid growth phase. According to reptile experts, crested gecko hatchlings and juveniles under 1 year old have higher calcium demands and should receive calcium dusting at every feeding to support healthy bone development.
For the first 12 months, dust prey items (crickets, roaches, etc.) with a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D3 at each feeding. This allows optimal calcium absorption. Dusting frequency can be reduced to 2-3 times weekly after 12 months when growth begins to slow down.
It’s especially important not to overdo calcium supplements in hatchlings under 3 months old, as this can potentially cause health issues. Light dusting is sufficient for younger geckos. The key is providing calcium regularly but not excessively.
Adults and Breeding Females
Calcium demands decrease as crested geckos reach adulthood at around 18-24 months old. Their skeletal system is fully developed at this point.
For adult crested geckos not used for breeding, dusting prey with calcium supplement once or twice weekly is usually adequate to maintain health. Adult males require less calcium than females.
However, gravid female geckos have higher calcium needs when developing eggs. To support egg production, breeding females should receive calcium dusting 2-3 times per week.
Additionally, providing a small dish of pure calcium carbonate powder in the enclosure allows breeding females to self-regulate calcium intake. Always remove any uneaten calcium after 24 hours.
With proper calcium supplementation at each life stage, crested geckos can enjoy excellent bone health and avoid metabolic bone disease.
Types of Calcium Supplements
Calcium Powder
Calcium powder is one of the most commonly used calcium supplements for crested geckos. This fine powder can be easily sprinkled onto the gecko’s food. Popular options include pure calcium carbonate powder as well as powders that also contain vitamin D3, which aids calcium absorption.
According to reptile care sites like ReptiFiles, calcium powder should be provided at every feeding for growing baby geckos, and 2-3 times weekly for adults.
Calcium-Dusted Feeders
Live feeder insects like crickets can be “dusted” with calcium powder before feeding them to crested geckos. This coating of powder supplies dietary calcium when the gecko eats the insect. Calcium-dusted insects should be fed 2-3 times weekly to adult crested geckos. More frequently for juveniles.
Popular feeder insect choices include crickets, small mealworms, waxworms and dubia roaches.
Cuttlebone
Cuttlebone, which comes from cuttlefish, is commonly offered as an additional calcium source. It provides calcium in a different form that mimics what geckos may lick or gnaw on in nature to meet their nutritional demands. Having a small piece of cuttlebone continuously available in the terrarium allows geckos to self-regulate calcium intake.
However, cuttlebone should not completely replace calcium powder dusting since intake can be difficult to monitor. According to reptile veterinarians like Carolina Pet & Reptile Center, providing both cuttlebone and calcium supplements helps cover nutritional bases.
How Much and How Often to Supplement
Hatchlings and Juveniles – Daily
Young crested geckos under 1 year old have very high calcium requirements as they are growing and developing their bones rapidly. Their skeletons are not yet fully formed. Proper calcium supplementation is absolutely crucial at this stage.
Hatchling and juvenile crested geckos should receive calcium dusting on their feeder insects daily. Lightly coat prey items such as crickets, roaches, or mealworms with a high quality calcium powder supplement before feeding them to your gecko.
This ensures the gecko ingests enough elemental calcium per day to support proper bone growth and development.
In addition to dusting feeders, you can provide a small cap of calcium powder in the tank at all times. This allows the gecko to self-regulate calcium intake as needed. Just be sure to replace it regularly as it can accumulate moisture and spoil.
Adults – 2-3 Times Per Week
Once crested geckos reach adulthood at 12-18 months old, their calcium needs decrease as their skeletal system is fully developed. However, they still require calcium for proper cellular function, muscle contraction, egg production, and more.
Adult crested geckos only need supplemental calcium 2-3 times per week. Lightly dust prey items with calcium powder every 2nd or 3rd feeding. As with hatchlings, you can also offer a small cap of calcium in the enclosure at all times.
Gravid Females – Daily
When female crested geckos become reproductively mature and breed, their calcium demands increase substantially during gestation and egg development. Without proper calcium levels, females may suffer from hypocalcemia which can be fatal.
It is essential that gravid (egg-bearing) females receive daily calcium supplementation. Generously dust prey items at every feeding while a female is gravid. You may also boost overall calcium intake by providing crested gecko MRP diet mixed with calcium powder.
Maintain optimal calcium levels throughout the gestation period for healthy fertile eggs.
Once the female has laid her eggs, she can return to the normal adult dusting schedule of 2-3 times per week. Proper calcium intake ensures both the health of the mother crested gecko and the development of strong healthy offspring.
Tips for Proper Calcium Supplementation
Use Calcium Powder Without Vitamin D3
When choosing a calcium supplement for crested geckos, it’s best to use a calcium powder without vitamin D3. While vitamin D3 helps with calcium absorption, crested geckos can synthesize vitamin D3 on their own when exposed to proper UV lighting.
Providing additional vitamin D3 can lead to hypercalcemia and other health issues. A great option is Repashy’s Calcium Plus, an all-natural calcium supplement without added vitamin D3. Just a light dusting 2-3 times a week on feeder insects or CGD is sufficient.
Provide Variety of Calcium Sources
In addition to calcium supplements, provide a variety of calcium-rich feeder insects like crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and black soldier fly larvae. Gut load these insects with calcium-enriched foods 24-48 hours before feeding to boost their calcium content.
Offering a crested gecko a varied insect diet ensures they get usable calcium from natural sources. Another option is Repashy’s Crested Gecko Diet, which contains balanced calcium levels for optimal nutrition.
Avoid Over-Supplementing
While calcium is essential, avoid over-supplementing as excess calcium can cause health issues. Stick to the supplement feeding guidelines and monitor your gecko’s health. Over-supplementing can lead to calcium buildup in soft tissues, bone and joint deformities, kidney and liver damage.
Symptoms of calcium overdose include loss of appetite, lethargy, and tremors. If your crested gecko shows these signs, have a vet examine them and possibly run bloodwork. Adjustments to diet and calcium intake may be needed.
Conclusion
Providing proper calcium supplementation is crucial for crested geckos throughout every life stage. By understanding their calcium needs, you can support strong bone growth, healthy egg production, and prevent life-threatening nutritional deficiencies.
With the right balance of calcium sources, handling frequency, and careful monitoring, caring for these delightful geckos is rewarding. Your crested gecko will thrive when given appropriate amounts of calcium.
