"Un regard attentif vaut mieux qu'un remède tardif."

Health & Wellness

Crested geckos are robust animals when housed and fed correctly. Learning to spot early warning signs allows you to act before minor issues become serious problems.

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

MBD is caused by a calcium and/or vitamin D3 deficiency. Signs include:

• Rubbery or bent limbs
• Difficulty climbing or gripping
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Jaw deformities in severe cases

Prevention: Dust feeder insects with calcium + D3 regularly and ensure UVB lighting or dietary D3 supplementation.

Stuck Shed (Dysecdysis)

Crested geckos shed their skin in one piece every 4–6 weeks. Stuck shed most commonly affects the toes and can restrict blood flow.

• Maintain humidity at 60–80% to support healthy shedding
• If stuck shed is observed, never pull it off dry — mist or soak the affected area and allow it to loosen naturally
• A damp paper towel "sauna" for 10–15 minutes can help

Floppy Tail Syndrome

FTS results from geckos habitually sleeping upside-down or in positions that stress the hip joints over time. The tail may droop to one side permanently.

• Provide plenty of angled perches and surfaces at varied heights
• FTS is cosmetic and does not affect quality of life, but prevention is straightforward

Respiratory Infections

Wheezing, mucus around the mouth or nose, and open-mouth breathing indicate a respiratory problem — often linked to excessive humidity without adequate dry-out periods or temperatures that are too cool.

Seek veterinary care promptly if these signs appear.

Quarantine Protocol

Always quarantine new geckos for a minimum of 60–90 days before introducing them to other animals. House them in a separate room, handle them last, and wash hands thoroughly between animals.

A fecal exam by a reptile veterinarian during quarantine is strongly recommended to screen for parasites.

When to See a Vet

Consult a reptile-experienced veterinarian if you observe:

1. Weight loss over 2+ weeks
2. Refusal to eat for more than 3 weeks (outside of seasonal slowdowns)
3. Swollen joints, limbs, or jaw
4. Bloody or unusual stool
5. Labored breathing or discharge from mouth/nose
6. Wounds that do not heal within a week

Early intervention is always less costly — and far kinder — than waiting.