Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just got our first leopard gecko for our daughter about a month ago. Okay, we actually got him (or her?) for me, what can I say? LOL! I've always loved reptiles and amphibians.

They had a healthy-looking selection at a chain pet store so I got one (I named him Toon). He's a partial stripe morph (I did the research!). At the store, they are sold as babies.

Lately I've been trying to figure out how old he is. I even called the store to see if they keep a record of hatch dates or something. They do not. No big surprise. I think they thought I was crazy.

I am wondering if there's any way to estimate age other than by size. Is there a certain age that breeders usually wait before selling the babies? Kind of like how they don't recommend removing puppies from their mother's care until 8 weeks? He's about 4 or 5 inches long right now, but he has grown quite a bit since we got him a month ago. He loves to eat!

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

It's very hard to say without seeing him/her in person. Most of my hatchlings reach adult size in 6-7 months(i.e. 60-70 grams and 8"-9" long). If it is 4-5" I would guess it is somewhere around 3 months or so. Most leo morphs (and normals) go through a change in pattern as they mature and the stage at which they are at in that transformation can be a clue to age.

John Yezbak
North Coast Geckos

I just got a pair from my Dad. He got them from the neighbors, who got them from some friends. They are fully grown females. Any way to tell how old they are?