Crested geckos have become increasingly popular as pets due to their unique appearance, ease of care, and friendly demeanor. In recent years, the breeding of crested geckos has become focused on producing a wide variety of color morphs, with little regard for functionality and longevity. This trend has raised concerns among many responsible breeders and enthusiasts, who believe that the emphasis on color at the expense of health and functionality is not in the best interest of the species. In this blog post, we will explore why breeding crested geckos for functionality and longevity is important and why it should be the primary focus of responsible breeders.
First and foremost, crested gecko breeders should automatically ensure that the animals are healthy and can live long, fulfilling lives. This means selecting breeding pairs based on their genetic health, physical characteristics, and temperament, rather than solely for their colors or patterns. Healthy crested geckos are more likely to thrive in captivity and be able to resist common diseases and health issues that can arise in captivity. This not only benefits the individual geckos but also helps to maintain the overall health of the species and the hobby. When breeders become hyper-focused on producing an extreme version of said trait, they can sometimes overlook physical or genetic faults which leads to genetic bottlenecks.
Breeding for functionality and longevity also helps to preserve the natural behaviors and characteristics of crested geckos. These animals have evolved over millions of years to survive in their native habitats, and as such, have developed a unique set of physical and behavioral traits that allow them to thrive. When breeding for color/pattern alone, there is a risk of losing these traits, which can have negative impacts on the animals’ overall health and wellbeing. By selecting breeding pairs based on their natural characteristics and behaviors, responsible breeders can help to preserve the integrity of the species.
Finally, breeding for health and sustainability helps to promote responsible pet ownership. When animals are bred solely for their appearance, it can create a market for animals that may not be well-suited to life in captivity or that may have health issues. This can result in animals being purchased by inexperienced or unprepared owners who may not be able to provide the necessary care. By breeding for functionality and longevity, responsible breeders can help to ensure that the animals they produce are healthy and well-suited to life in captivity, reducing the risk of animals being purchased by unsuitable owners.
In conclusion, breeding crested geckos correctly is essential for the health and wellbeing of these animals. While color morphs are certainly visually appealing, they should not be the primary focus of breeding programs. Instead, responsible breeders should prioritize selecting breeding pairs based on their genetic health, physical characteristics, and temperament, with the goal of producing healthy, long-lived animals that are well-suited to life in captivity. By doing so, we can ensure that these amazing animals are able to thrive both in the wild and in captivity for generations to come.
