How to Tell How Old Your Leopard Gecko is

How to Tell How Old Your Leopard Gecko is

Are you confused about how to tell leopard gecko age?

There are a few ways to tell how old your leopard gecko is. The best method is measuring the length and weight of your gecko, and comparing them to some general charts that show the average growth of leopard geckos. 

These methods only work well for young geckos, as they stop growing after about 18 months. 

The size and weight of your gecko can vary depending on its diet, health, genetics, and environment. You should use these methods as a rough guide, not as a definitive answer.

To measure the length of your gecko, you need to measure from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, not including the tail itself. This is because leopard geckos can drop their tails when they feel threatened, and the tail can grow back with a different size and shape. 

Leopard Gecko Age Size Chart

According to sources, the average length and weight of leopard geckos at different ages are as follows:

AgeLength for MalesLength for FemalesWeight for MalesWeight for Females
Birth3 inches3 inches2-5 grams2-5 grams
1 month4 inches4 inches10-20 grams10-20 grams
3 months5 inches5 inches20-30 grams20-30 grams
6 months6 inches5-6 inches30-40 grams30-40 grams
9 months7 inches6 inches40-50 grams35-45 grams
12 months8 inches7 inches55-65 grams40-50 grams
18 months10-12 inches8-10 inches60-80 grams50-70 grams

Also See : – 550+ Leopard Gecko Names

Check Colors to Know the Age of Leopard Gecko 

Another way to tell the age of a leopard gecko is by looking at its color and pattern. Young geckos tend to have brighter and more contrasting colors, while older geckos have faded and duller colors. 

This method is not very reliable, as different morphs of leopard geckos have different colors and patterns, and some may change more than others as they age. The color and pattern of your gecko can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and stress.

Use Weight to Calculate Leopard Gecko Age

While length is a good indicator, weight can also provide clues. A healthy adult leopard gecko typically weighs between 50-100 grams, but this can vary based on diet and genetics.

To get the weight of your gecko, you need a digital scale that can measure in grams. You can place your gecko in a small container and weigh it, then subtract the weight of the container.

Skin to Find Out How Old Leopard Gecko Is

A third way to tell the average age of leopard geckos is by examining its skin. Young geckos have smooth and soft skin, while older geckos have wrinkled and rough skin. However, this method is also not very accurate, as the skin of your gecko can change depending on its hydration, shedding cycle, and health conditions.

As you can see, there is no easy way to tell how old your leopard gecko is, unless you know its exact date of birth from the breeder. The best you can do is to estimate its age based on its size, weight, color, and skin, and compare it to some general charts and guidelines. However, you should keep in mind that these methods are not 100% accurate, and that every leopard gecko is unique and may grow and age differently.

How old is a 4-inch leopard gecko? 

A 4-inch leopard gecko is likely a young juvenile, possibly around 1-3 months old. Leopard geckos hatch at about 3-4 inches in length and grow rapidly during their first few months. However, growth rates can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and overall health.

Is 10 years old for a leopard gecko? 

Leopard geckos can live up to 20 years or more with proper care, so a 10-year-old leopard gecko is middle-aged. They are considered relatively long-lived for reptiles, and many maintain good health and activity levels well into their later years.

Do geckos recognize their owners? 

Leopard geckos can recognize their owners, but not in the same way mammals do. They may become familiar with the sight, smell, and routine of their owner, leading to a level of comfort and reduced stress when handled. However, their recognition is more about associating their owners with positive experiences like feeding and gentle handling rather than emotional attachment.

How old can you tell a leopard gecko’s gender? 

You can typically determine the gender of a leopard gecko when they are about 4-6 months old, as they approach sexual maturity. Male leopard geckos develop visible pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges near the base of the tail, while females have less prominent pre-anal pores and no bulges. However, sometimes it may be challenging to determine gender until they are a bit older, around 8-12 months.

How old is a 6 inch leopard gecko?

A 6-inch leopard gecko is likely around 6 months old. This estimation aligns with the average size they reach at this age, especially considering males tend to be about 6 inches and females 5-6 inches around this time.

How old is a 5 inch leopard gecko?

A 5 inch length strongly indicates a 6-9 month age range, it’s possible that an exceptionally large or small gecko could be a bit younger or older.

About Hailey Pruett

Hailey “Lex” Pruett is a nonbinary writer at YIHY primarily covering reptiles and amphibians. They have over five years of professional content writing experience. Additionally, they grew up on a hobby farm and have volunteered at animal shelters to gain further experience in animal care.

A longtime resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, Hailey has owned and cared extensively for a wide variety of animals in their lifetime, including cats, dogs, lizards, turtles, frogs and toads, fish, chickens, ducks, horses, llamas, rabbits, goats, and more!

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