Can Crested Geckos Live Together?

Crested geckos are some of the most popular pet reptiles, and for good reason! With their vibrant colors and intriguing personalities, they can be a joy to own. However, as a gecko parent, you might be wondering: Can crested geckos live together? While it’s possible, it’s not necessarily a straightforward answer.

In this blog post, we’ll explore whether crested geckos can be housed together, provide practical tips, and offer insights to help you make the best decision for your geckos.

Crested geckos are typically solitary creatures in the wild, which means they prefer living alone rather than sharing their space with others.

However, as a pet, you might be tempted to group them together, especially if you have more than one gecko and want to maximize your enclosure space.

While it’s technically possible to house two or more crested geckos together, as someone who owned crested gecko for 4-5 years I do not recommended unless you have a decent understanding or experience with crested geckos.

Theoreticals and Reality of Crested Geckos Living Together

Theoreticals:

Space Efficiency: Keeping multiple geckos can help you make better use of your tank space, especially if you have a larger enclosure.
Social Interaction: Some gecko parents argue that having other crested geckos can encourage natural behaviors, such as climbing and exploring together.
Aesthetic Appeal: Having a group of geckos can look visually appealing and can make your tank more engaging.

Realities:

Risk of Aggression: Crested geckos can be territorial, and males, in particular, can become aggressive if housed together, leading to fights or even injury.
Stress and Health Issues: Sharing an enclosure can be stressful for geckos, especially if they are of different sizes or have different temperaments. It can lead to stress-related health problems, such as weight loss, loss of tail, or suppressed immune systems.
Tank Requirements: Keeping multiple geckos requires a significantly larger tank than one would need for a solitary gecko, and even then, you must be prepared for challenges in managing behavior and space.

Practical Tips for Keeping Crested Geckos Together

If you really have to keep multiple crested geckos together, here are some practical tips to help ensure a safe and stress-free environment:

1. Choose the Right Enclosure Size

Minimum: A tank size of at least 30 gallons (preferably larger) is recommended for housing two geckos together. The Geckopia Stainless Steel Enclosure is ideal for a variety of reptiles offering a 34-gallon capacity with a sleek glass and aluminum design. Create a stunning vivarium or bioactive setup in this spacious enclosure (24"L x 18"W x 18"H) to give your geckos the perfect home.
Larger is Better: More space helps reduce territorial disputes and gives each gecko ample room to establish its own space, hide, and climb.
Separate Territories: Consider dividing the enclosure into distinct territories or setting up separate hides within the tank so each gecko can have a space they can call their own.

2. Gender Matters

Males vs. Females: Male geckos should not be housed together, as they can become aggressive and fight. Similarly, it’s best not to keep a male and female together unless you are prepared for breeding. If breeding is not the goal, keeping a male and female together should be avoided.
Females: Two females can often live together without issues, but there still might be occasional squabbles. Monitoring closely is essential, especially if one of the geckos appears stressed or injured. However, as a general rule, we do not recommend housing multiple geckos together unless breeding is involved.

3. Introduce Geckos Slowly and Carefully

It’s crucial to introduce new geckos to each other gradually. Place each gecko in separate enclosures next to each other for a week or two, allowing them to get accustomed to each other’s presence without direct interaction.
When introducing them into the same enclosure, start by introducing a neutral space where neither gecko has been before. This helps minimize territorial disputes.
Watch for signs of aggression, such as open-mouthed hissing, tail shaking, or attempts to bite. If you notice aggression, it’s best to separate the geckos and avoid housing them together immediately.

4. Consider Health and Safety First

Ensure each gecko is free of parasites and health issues before introducing them to each other. A sick gecko can transmit diseases or parasites to other geckos, leading to serious health problems.
Regularly monitor the tank for signs of injury or illness, and maintain proper temperature and humidity levels to keep all geckos happy and healthy.

Why Consider Using a Flex Bridge?

If you’re considering housing crested geckos together, you should also think about adding some essential features to the enclosure to make the living environment safer and more comfortable.

The Flex Bridge is a fantastic addition to a gecko enclosure because it provides a natural climbing area, helps reduce territorial disputes by adding vertical space, and makes it easier for geckos to navigate the tank. It’s a perfect tool to help geckos establish their own territories while providing a safe, elevated space for basking or exploring.

Can Crested Geckos Live Together?

While it’s technically possible to house crested geckos together, it’s not always the best choice for every gecko parent. If you decide to give it a try, remember to follow the tips provided above to ensure that your geckos stay happy, healthy, and stress-free.

If you’re looking to improve your gecko’s enclosure and make living together a smoother experience, consider investing in a Flex Bridge. It’s a simple but effective tool that helps promote harmony and gives your geckos the space and vertical area they need.