RE: [Gecko] Rhacodactylus ciliatus eggs

[Mark Ernst]

Interesting … I have 3 crested this year so far. I incubate them at 78-79 degrees and fairly moist, as I do with my Goniurosaurus luii eggs. At this moment there are 2 more crested eggs in the incubator (these two are glued together, that will not often be the case I think?) Those first 3 hatched out in only 45 days. Why is the incubation time so much shorter with my animals than it should be regarding you all and the books? Are there more species of these crested ones or what?? This first hatchling is looking great to my opinion. Here he is 1 day old and rather big. Regards, Isabelle   My most successful "incubator" for Cresteds is a one-gallon plastic jar with a dozen holes in the lid. I have three inches of barely-moistened perlite as a base. I place the eggs on top of the perlite, keep the whole thing at about 75 degrees and LEAVE IT ALONE. After about 90 days--hatchlings! I have hatched 50+ Cresteds over the last two years using this method. BTW, when I tried incubating the eggs the same way I incubated my Leopards, I lost almost 100% of them (two or three may have hatched out). I think the keys to success with Cresteds are (1) don't keep the temperatures too warm, and (2) don't keep the medium too moist. Good luck with your eggs!