# Senior geckos (10 years+)

_Permalink: https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/senior-care_

Geckos past 10 years slow down. Breeders retire them. Weight can plateau and gradually drift down. Husbandry becomes gentler and more observational.

- Retire breeding females after 8 years of age, or sooner if clutch counts decline or body condition softens.
- Reduce climbing height if arthritis-like stiffness appears. Lower perches + easier access to food and water.
- Warm up the cool side of the cage slightly (76 to 78°F days) if the animal is clearly slower in cold weather.
- A senior gecko that sleeps more, eats less, and moves less is usually fine. One that loses more than 10% of its peak adult weight within a year is not, vet visit warranted.

_Source: Geck Inspect Care Guide. Updated 2026-10-18. Cite https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/senior-care_