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what to feed my leopard gecko

by Rhett Zemlak PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Regularly feed your leopard gecko any combination (the more varied, the better!) of the following:

  • Mealworms
  • Hornworms
  • Crickets
  • Roaches
  • Beetles
  • Sow Bugs
  • Silkworms
  • Phoenix Worms

Leopard geckos feed primarily on live, moving insect prey. An appropriate diet may consist of commercially-raised crickets with smaller numbers of silkworms, roaches, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and other live insects. Juveniles should be fed every 1-2 days and adults 2-3 times per week.

Full Answer

What is the best food for leopard geckos?

What is the Best Food for a Leopard Gecko?

  1. Crickets. The best food item for geckos is crickets. ...
  2. Mealworm. The mealworms are also good options for feeding geckos as they are very convenient to store and feed them.
  3. Silkworms. Silkworms are also one of the best options to include in the diet of a leopard gecko. ...
  4. Waxworms. ...
  5. Dubia Roaches. ...
  6. Phoenix Worms. ...
  7. Locusts. ...
  8. Butterworms. ...
  9. Superworms. ...
  10. Hornworms. ...

How do you care for a leopard gecko?

You'll also need to remember:

  • Basking area: this should remain between 28 and 30 degrees C during the day, and the cool end 24 to 26 degrees C.
  • At night: turn off the heat lamp, but use a heat mat or ceramic heat lamp to ensure the temperature doesn't dip below 18 degrees C.
  • Dry environment: leopard geckos need a relatively dry environment. ...

More items...

Do leopard geckos have to eat live food?

Leopard Geckos are easy to care for if you feed them the right kind of food. They are carnivores, so they require live food, whether in the wild or in captivity. Their diet primarily consists of crickets, roaches, and worms. Read on to find out more about the diet and care of this wonderful little reptile.

How many wax worms to feed leopard geckos?

  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Moisture
  • Calcium
  • Fiber

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What can I feed my leopard gecko daily?

Baby Leopard Geckos should be fed 5-7 small crickets or mealworms every day until they reach about 4 inches. Larger food should be offered every other day until they become full grown in about 10-12 months. Adults can be fed 6-7 large crickets or mealworms 2 to 3 times a week.

What human food can I feed my leopard gecko?

The fact of the matter is that leopard geckos cannot eat any human foods. They are insectivores, meaning they eat nothing but insects and drink nothing but water. The end result is that your leo could end up sick if he eats anything other than appropriate insects.

What should you not feed leopard geckos?

Leopard Geckos are insectivores and cannot eat fruit or vegetables. A Leopard Gecko's body can only digest meat, such as insects. The reason they can't eat fruit or vegetables is because their bodies aren't designed to manage or digest fruit and vegetables.

What fruits and vegetables can leopard geckos eat?

Leopard geckos will not eat fruits or vegetables of any kind. In captivity, leopard geckos thrive on a varied diet of commercially available insects: crickets, mealworms, superworms and roaches are excellent dietary staples.

Can leopard geckos eat scrambled eggs?

When it comes to a leopard gecko's diet, you can safely stick to the rule: if it's not the food the gecko would normally eat in nature, don't feed it to your pet in captivity. In other words, most leopard geckos will not eat scrambled or boiled eggs.

How long can a gecko go without eating?

ten days to two weeksMany adult leopard geckos can go without food for ten days to two weeks because of the fat storage in their tails. It is completely normal for leopard geckos to go without eating for long periods. Unlike mammals, reptiles do not require food every day to survive, particularly during the winter.

Can I feed my gecko dead crickets?

Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they only eat insects, and that too, live ones. So, if you try feeding your pet a dead roach or a dead and silent cricket, they won't eat it. Their diet is really important, and you need to be careful about their eating habits to maintain their health.

Can u feed leopard gecko fruit?

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Fruit? No, Leopard geckos are insectivores and feed primarily on insects. Since these reptiles are insectivores, their bodies are not designed to digest fruits and vegetables.

How do I know if my leopard gecko is hungry?

If your leopard gecko explores his tank, goes back and forth between the warm and cool spot, and approaches the glass whenever he is hungry or sees you, he is likely really happy. If he looks bright and alert, that is even a better sign. In contrast, an unhappy leopard gecko will be really lethargic and sluggish.

Can a leopard gecko drink tap water?

Leopard geckos can drink tap water, though not all tap water is good quality, which means you need to treat it with a water conditioner to remove the chlorine and other dangerous chemicals before offering it to your gecko.

How do you play with a leopard gecko?

2:117:41Keeping Your Leopard Gecko Entertained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut giving them a range of things to climb whether that be but hides or driftwood rocks or even fakeMoreBut giving them a range of things to climb whether that be but hides or driftwood rocks or even fake rocks. It all adds to their physical enrichment.

What do leopard geckos need in their tank?

In a Leopard gecko tank you will need substrate, a heating device, places to hide, water, a food dish, a thermometer and a hydrometer.

What do you put in a leopard gecko's food bowl?

Food Bowl (& alternatives) Most leopard gecko owners put their pet’s feeder insects in a deep bowl with smooth sides. This is especially helpful in the instance of feeding grubs and some roaches, as they are unable to escape from these bowls.

What is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in a leopard gecko feeder?

Reptiles need an equal amount of calcium to process phosphorus. The ideal calcium to phosphorus (AKA Ca:P) ratio is 2:1. Most insects have higher phosphorus than calcium, which is why we coat them in calcium powder.

Why is meat bad for leopard geckos?

Meat is generally viewed as unhealthy for leopard geckos due to low calcium and high fat levels. Raw meat can carry dangerous bacteria, and cooking meat destroys its nutritional value. Pinkie mice may be offered to sick, underweight, or breeding leopard geckos as a source of additional fat and protein.

Why is my leopard gecko overweight?

If your leopard gecko’s tail is thicker than its neck or has bubbles of fat and tissue behind its arms, it is overweight. If you find your leopard gecko to be overweight, you’ll need to cut back on the number of insects offered and the feeding frequency to help it lose weight.

How long can a leopard gecko go without food?

This situation simply requires patience. New leopard geckos can go over a week without accepting food. Avoid handling your new pet for the first week, or until it’s eating consistently. Even after the first week, some stressed-out geckos may be finicky eaters for several more weeks.

What happens if you keep a leopard gecko on substrate?

Symptoms include: Food refusal. Regurgitation. No bowel movements. This is an EMERGENCY and can be fatal if left untreated.

Where do leopard geckos live?

Leopard geckos (opens in new tab) are small, insectivorous lizards native to the deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Iran. Their cute appearance, small size, and easy husbandry requirements make them a popular pet for reptile keepers. Unlike many other lizards, which may require varied diets from different food groups ...

What do leopard geckos eat?

Feeding Your Leopard Gecko. Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means that they eat bugs. No vegetables, fruit, or meat – they’re just crazy for bugs! It’s easy to remember how much to feed your gecko: Offer 2 appropriately-sized bugs per 1 inch of your leopard gecko’s length, or however much they can eat in 15 minutes.

What is the best vitamin for leopard geckos?

Best multivitamins for leopard geckos: Repashy SuperVite. Arcadia RevitaliseD3. Since leopard geckos are insectivores and unlikely to be able to convert carotene to vitamin A, they need a supplement that contains vitamin A (retinol) rather than beta carotene .

How often should I feed my gecko?

Adults whose tail is fatter than their neck can be fed every 5 days. Do not leave feeder insects in your gecko’s enclosure all day for your gecko to eat at their leisure — crickets and other feeders nibble on geckos in their sleep, sometimes causing serious injuries.

What is the best way to keep bees fed?

If they weren’t, or you buy your feeder insects in bulk, the easiest way to keep them fed and gut-loaded is with reconstituted Repashy Grassland Grazer or Arcadia InsectFuel. Adding some bee pollen granules (I like the Stakich brand) to the gutload is a natural source of extra vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.

How to keep geckos from drowning?

If the dish spills or splashes, clean it up ASAP. PRO TIP: Don’t add vitamin drops to the water. These products are usually lower quality, and there’s no way to track how much your gecko is getting.

How often should I feed pinky mice?

These worms are very high in fat. So while they’re tasty, it’s best not to feed these more than once a week. Pinky mice should not be offered either, unless you are trying to fatten up a gecko who recently dropped its tail.

Do leopard geckos need a multivitamin?

Leopard geckos also need an occasional multivitamin. Dust insects with a multivitamin powder once a week for young geckos and once every other week for adult geckos. If you are using Repashy CalciumPlus, no additional multivitamin is necessary. Best multivitamins for leopard geckos:

How to feed a leopard gecko?

1. Cover insects in nutrient powder. Before you feed the insects to your leopard gecko, you should cover them in supplement powder. Put the amount suggested on the packaging of the supplement into a plastic bag. Then place the specific insects you are going to put in the cage into the plastic bag.

What do leopard geckos eat?

Leopard geckos in nature eat other lizards, insects, spiders, and scorpions. To make up for the difference of its diet in captivity, you need to feed it the right things, supplement its diet, and make sure it is staying healthy. Steps.

What to feed a gecko to absorb calcium?

Get a calcium supplement and a multivitamin supplement. The calcium supplement should include calcium and vitamin D3, which helps the gecko absorb the calcium. Dust insects in calcium every other feeding, and multivitamins every three feedings. Be sure to not use D3 if using UVB and do not leave D3 in the tank.

Can geckos drink tap water?

Provide tap water treated with Reptisafe, tap water left out for 24 hours, or spring water. Never distilled as this lacks minerals. If your tap water doesn’t contain chlorine (which is the case in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany)it can be given to your gecko as it is.

Do geckos need insects?

Any pet store should have the insects you will need to feed your gecko. These insects are fed to a variety of types of pets, such as frogs, iguanas, and other types of lizards. Just to be sure, however, feel free to call the pet store before you go to make sure that the insects you want are in stock.

Do you need a lid for worms?

Mealworms, on the other hand, can be kept in the refrigerator and only need a lid to keep the smell in.

Can you feed a gecko bugs?

Feeding your gecko random bugs will not give it the nutrition that it needs. Another problem with bugs from outside is that they may contain parasites, which you definitely don't want to feed your gecko. Additionally, buying bugs at a pet store will guarantee that you have enough to keep your gecko well fed.

Can geckos eat crickets?

If you feed your gecko crickets, for example, several might escape into the enclosure. While the crickets will not intention ally hurt your gecko, they may bite and potentially risk an infection. They can also spread bacteria. It is not worth the risk. Make sure all remaining feeder insects are removed from the tank once your gecko is done with his feeding.

Do geckos eat every day?

Because geckos store fat in their tails, they do not have to eat every day. You should still provide fresh food and water daily. As mentioned before, just remember to remove any uneaten food. If your gecko has not shown any appetite and is exhibiting other unusual behaviors, he may be impacted. A warm bath can help to relieve constipation and help your pet produce stool.

What do you feed a leopard gecko?

Here are some simple tips for feeding a leopard gecko properly: Provide your leopard gecko with a variety of insects – crickets, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, beetles, and cockroaches are great options. Choose your insects according to your leopard gecko’s size – baby geckos need much smaller insects than adult geckos.

What is the best insect to feed a leopard gecko?

When it comes to creating a staple diet for your leopard gecko, crickets are definitely an insect to include. These insects come in a wide range of sizes and they are one of the easiest insects to find and one of the most affordable.

How big do leopard geckos need to be?

Properly sized. As your leopard gecko grows, you can feed it larger and larger insects. Baby geckos need insects about 3/8 inches, juvenile geckos up to ¼ inch, and adults larger insects. Gut-loaded. Before feeding your gecko any insects, they should be gut-loaded, either yourself or before you purchase them.

Why are leopard geckos so popular?

Leopard geckos make very interesting pets because of their unique colorations and friendly personalities. These little reptiles are easy to find in pet stores and reptile shows, and they do quite well in moderately sized habitats as long as their basic needs are met.

What insects are good for leopards?

If you’re looking for another option for your gecko leopard that isn’t too high in fat, consider Dubai roaches. These insects are very high in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent choice for daily feeding.

Do leopard geckos eat wax worms?

Too high in fat for everyday feeding. Difficult to gut-load like other insects. Leopard geckos love wax worms, but that doesn’t mean you should feed them every day. These worms are very high in fat and fairly low in protein, so they shouldn’t make up a significant portion of your gecko’s daily diet.

Can you feed a leopard gecko fruit?

Never feed your leopard gecko fruit or vegetables – these reptiles are insectivores which means they can only digest insects. Now that you have a better understanding of the nutritional needs for leopard geckos, you’re ready to start shopping for leopard gecko food.

What to feed a gecko before feeding?

Calcium is another powder that you will need to apply to the bugs right before feeding. Some commercial powders will combine the calcium with the multivitamin for convenience. Calcium is an essential nutrient that your pet cannot get in a standard diet. It’s responsible for bone strength and several metabolic processes and will help your gecko avoid serious illnesses like metabolic bone disease ( MBD ), which is life-threatening.

How to feed a gecko?

Feed your gecko using the chart above or by following the two crickets for every inch rule to prevent your pet from becoming obese. Order your insects in advance so you can properly gut load them before feeding and remember to dust them with calcium and a multivitamin each time.

What can a leopard gecko not eat?

There are also quite few foods that your Leopard Gecko should not eat that might surprise you. At the top of the list are fruits and vegetables, which are safe to feed other Geckos because the Leopard Gecko cannot break down the cellulose in plant fibers. This inability to process plant material also means you need to be careful when shopping for commercial food because many reptile foods contain these fibers. Here are a few other common foods your pet should avoid.

Where do leopard geckos live?

Leopard Geckos are popular pets in North America and around the world. It’s native to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nepal s it enjoys a hot and dry aquarium with a sandy substrate. If this is your first Leopard Gecko, it’s natural to be confused about what they eat as well as how much you should feed them for each serving. If these sound-like questions that you need answering, keep reading while we take a closer look at the Leopard Gecko diet to help you understand what to feed them to keep them healthy and maximize your pets’ lifespan.

What are the best insects to keep leopard geckos healthy?

Silkworms. Phoenix worms / calci worms. Waxworms (occasionally) Superworms / morio worms. Nutrients. Some insects (such as mealworms, and waxworms) have a really low nutritional content and lack the essential vitamins required to keep leopard geckos healthy. It is important to “gutload” the majority of insects at least 24 hours before feeding them ...

Can you feed a leopard gecko?

Leopard geckos are easy to feed, as long as you don’t mind feeding them live insects only. Here are some things you will need to know if you need to understand the basics of feeding a leopard gecko.

Do leopard geckos eat insects?

Leopard geckos will not eat any dead insects (many seem to not bother with insects unless they are wriggling and moving) and will not eat a plant-based diet. Some of the most popular insects fed to leopard geckos are: Crickets. Mealworms. Locusts.

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