The community of reptile keepers has grown significantly in recent years. At our company, we aren’t just engineers and specialists—we are keepers, too. Last year, one of our team members had to take her Crested Gecko to the clinic for a reproductive health scare. That experience is exactly why we are sharing this today. 

Many people don't realize that female Crested Geckos are a bit like hens—they can produce and lay eggs even without mating. While usually normal, when this process doesn’t move forward as it should, it can turn into a serious medical problem. 

Because these animals are masters at hiding discomfort, understanding what is happening internally is the first step toward keeping them safe. 

(Next, we will break down the two specific types of reproductive issues that every keeper should know.) 

Stasis vs. Binding — Two Different Paths 

When reproductive issues occur, they usually fall into two categories. They may look identical from the outside, but their clinical paths are very different: 

1. Follicular Stasis (Pre-ovulatory) Follicles develop but never move into the normal egg-laying pathway. They remain trapped inside, and the body rarely resolves this on its own. The longer this continues, the higher the risk of infection. In most clinical settings, surgery is required once this stage is reached. 

2. Egg Binding (Post-ovulatory stasis) Eggs have successfully entered the oviduct but cannot be passed normally. When identified early, we may still have options beyond surgery—including supportive care and environmental adjustments to encourage natural passage. 

The Challenge: One situation allows for monitoring; the other often leads straight to the operating table. The problem? External observation alone rarely tells the full story. 

From Uncertainty to Clarity 

Why are reproductive issues so hard to recognize? Early signs are vague—abdominal changes are subtle, and behavioral shifts are easily mistaken for normal variation. 

Where Imaging Fits In: Imaging isn’t about jumping to conclusions; it’s a tool used when observation alone isn’t enough. Because the two types of stasis require such different responses, imaging helps clarify the internal reality. It reduces uncertainty and guides the decision: Is it safe to continue monitoring, or is it time to intervene? 

What changes are worth your attention?