If you’re a crested gecko owner or considering adding one to your family, you may be wondering whether these geckos can live together in the same enclosure. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of housing crested geckos together, the factors to consider before cohabitating, and tips for ensuring a safe and successful living arrangement.
Pros and Cons of Cohabitating Crested Geckos
Pros
- Socialization: Crested geckos are social animals that enjoy being around other geckos. Co-habitating can provide a stimulating and enriching environment for them.
- Space-saving: Housing multiple crested geckos in one enclosure can be a space-saving option for owners who have limited room for multiple enclosures.
- Cost-effective: Cohabitating multiple crested geckos can be a more cost-effective option than purchasing and maintaining multiple enclosures.
Cons
- Stress: Housing crested geckos together can lead to stress and aggression if the geckos are incompatible or if the enclosure is too small.
- Disease transmission: Geckos that are housed together have a higher risk of transmitting diseases and parasites to one another.
- Competition: Cohabitating geckos may compete for resources such as food, water, and hiding spots.
Factors to Consider Before Cohabitating Crested Geckos
Before deciding to house your crested geckos together, there are several factors to consider:
Gender
Crested geckos can be housed together regardless of their gender, but it’s important to monitor them for signs of aggression. Males may become territorial and aggressive towards one another, especially during breeding season.
Size and Age
Crested geckos should be similar in size and age if housed together. A larger gecko may bully a smaller gecko, and a juvenile may be at risk of being injured by an adult.
Health
Crested geckos that are housed together should be in good health and free of parasites and diseases. Quarantine any new geckos for several weeks before introducing them to your established geckos.
Enclosure
The enclosure should be large enough to accommodate multiple geckos, with plenty of hiding spots, climbing surfaces, and food and water dishes. A lack of resources can lead to stress and aggression among geckos.
Tips for Cohabitating Crested Geckos
If you decide to house your crested geckos together, here are some tips to ensure a safe and successful living arrangement:
Observation
Monitor your geckos closely for signs of stress or aggression. If one gecko is bullying another, it may be necessary to separate them.
Feeding
Feed your geckos separately to prevent competition and ensure that each gecko is getting enough food.
Cleaning
Clean the enclosure regularly to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria. Remove any geckos that are aggressive or sick.
Quarantine
Quarantine any new geckos for several weeks before introducing them to your established geckos.