Crested geckos are perfectly adapted to climb the trees, walls and other structures. However, some crested geckos develop problems with sticking and their feet. In this post, we will discuss crested gecko not sticking issues, feet problems, why this happens and how to help solve this.
You will be able to notice that your crested gecko is not sticky if it won’t grip to various surfaces, and will slide instead of sticking. Your crested gecko might also back off and not want to climb at all.
Some crested geckos are not as sticky as the others, and there might be the periods when the crested gecko is not very sticky. Some babies also stick worse, and it tends to improve with age.
How do crested geckos stick?
Crested geckos can stick and climb almost anything, because of the pads under their toes – these are made of little sticky projections called lamellae. Lamellae are made of numbers of setae, projections that help with sticking to rough and smooth surfaces along with short claws.
Why is my crested gecko not sticking?
Your crested gecko might not be sticking or being able to climb due to retained shed on the toes, low humidity in the tank, loss of balance due to an illness, dirty surfaces, lack of energy, malnutrition, stress.
Crested gecko toes curled up
You might notice your crested gecko’s toes curled up – but this is normal. Crested geckos curl their toes up when they don’t need to be very sticky, and have a normal grip. Once a crested gecko needs more grip, it will stick the toes normally.
Crested gecko toes stuck together
If your crested gecko’s toes seem to be stuck together, make sure to clean them few times as it could be due to stepping on crested gecko diet food. Retained shed can also cause toe stuck together. Sauna and cleaning with a q-tip should help solve this issue.
A crested gecko could also be born with toe deformity and they can be stuck together. If you have just got your gecko and cleaning has not helped, contact the breeder and inquire about this.
Crested gecko not sticking
Reason #1: Your crested gecko is about to shed or has retained shed
If your crested gecko is about to shed, it won’t be able to stick properly. It should go back to normal once your crested gecko has completed the shedding. Make sure that there is not retained shed on the toes and under the feet – this will definitely cause problems with sticking.
It can take up to 3-7 days for your crested gecko to complete shedding and start climbing normally again. Retained shed on crested gecko’s feet is hard to notice, and it can take few retained sheds to see any difference.
So it’s always a good idea to make a sauna for your crested gecko after the shedding finished. You can also use a commercial reptile shedding aid like this to help with removing the old skin.
Reason #2: Crested gecko’s feet are dirty
If your crested gecko’s feet are dirty, they will lose stickiness. Dirt can accumulate under the feet – loose substrate, food and even poop can be stepped on in the tank. Make sure to regularly check under your gecko’s feet and clean them by making a sauna for your crested gecko.
Many crested geckos walk over their food, which can make the toes look stuck together and deformed.
Sauna is great for removing stuck shed and cleaning crested gecko’s feet. There is no need to bathe your crested gecko, so making a sauna is more ideal. Few saunas might be necessary if there is too much shed or food stuck on the toes.
To make a sauna for your crested gecko, choose a small plastic container and place warm (room temperature) paper towels in there. Spray the paper towels if they are dry. Put your crested gecko in the container and close the lid. Keep your crested gecko in a sauna for 10 minutes, and make sure to watch it.
Reason #3: Climbing surfaces are dirty
If your crested gecko can’t particularly climb the glass, then there might be a problem with the glass being coated with mineral deposits. If you use normal tap water, the minerals in the water will accumulate on the glass. This will make sticking harder.
Try wiping the glass few times a week if this is causing a problem, or use distilled or deinoised water instead. You can use some white vinegar and a slice of lemon to clean the residues on the glass.
Reason #4: Crested gecko’s terrarium is too humid or wet
If your crested gecko’s tank is too wet, it will have an issue with sticking and climbing.
Keep the cage humid enough for your crested gecko, but not too much. Ideal crested gecko humidity is around 50-60%, with some periods (up to few hours a day) of up to 70-75%. If after shedding the problem persists, clean your crested gecko’s feet with a cloth or cotton buds.
Reason #5: Your crested gecko is dehydrated
If your crested gecko is dehydrated, it will have issues with sticking. Most crested geckos don’t readily drink from the water cup, especially babies.
So make sure to mist the terrarium 1-2 times a day. Your crested gecko will lick off the water droplets from the foliage and other spots. And of course, have fresh water available at all times.
Reason #6: Your crested gecko is suffering from a neurological disorder
If you are noticing that your crested gecko is having issues with coordination and climbing, it could be caused by a neurological disorder. Injuries to the brain and spinal cord can cause these issues.
Reason #7: Crested gecko is sick
If your crested gecko is suffering from an illness or other issues, it will be reluctant to climb and move around. There can be different illnesses that can cause this, including metabolic bone disorder, bone and joint issues, malnutrition, parasitic infection and more. If you can notice any symptoms that could indicate an illness, see your vet.
Make sure that you are feeding your crested gecko mainly CGD and live bugs 1-2 times a week. If feeding any feeder insects, they must be gut-loaded for 24 hours first. Calcium deficiency is serious in crested geckos and can cause bone deformities and even death if untreated.
Symptoms that you should not ignore include lethargy, an open jaw and soft bones, refusing to eat for more than a week, runny stools (can be normal, too) and more.
Your crested gecko could also be stressed, and it would affect the climbing desire. Stressed crested geckos tend to hide, and be more lethargic than active.