Jeffrey Salazar
Leopard geckos are insectivores, and in the wild, they eat a variety of insects and invertebrates. In captivity, their diet should be carefully managed to avoid overfeeding and obesity. Their diet should include a variety of insects, including crickets, roaches, and worms, with some insects being fed sparingly due to their high-fat content. The frequency of feeding will depend on the age of the gecko, with juveniles requiring daily feedings and adults being fed every other day or every two to three days. It is important to provide a balanced diet and ensure the insects are no bigger than the space between the gecko's eyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet in the wild | Invertebrates, small mammals, seasonal flowers |
| Diet in captivity | Crickets, calciworms, locusts, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, silkworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sow bugs, cockroaches, dubia roaches |
| Feeding schedule | Babies: daily; juveniles: daily; adults: every 2-3 days |
| Number of insects | 5-7 for babies; a set amount for geckos that tend to overeat; as much as they can eat in 15-20 minutes for healthy-weight geckos |
| Insect size | No bigger than the size of the gecko's head; no wider than the space between the gecko's eyes |
| Vitamins | Gut-load feeder insects with vitamins and minerals 24-48 hours prior to feeding |
| Water | Dehydration may cause loss of appetite |
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What You'll Learn
Insects to feed your leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they only eat insects. In the wild, their diet consists of a large variety of invertebrates and the occasional small mammal and seasonal flower. In captivity, it is recommended to feed your gecko a varied diet of live invertebrates, also known as live food.
The best insects to feed your leopard gecko are crickets and mealworms. Crickets, such as brown house crickets, are a great option for a staple food source, but they can be difficult to keep. Mealworms are also a good staple and can be tricked into looking like active prey by dragging them across the floor of the cage. However, they should be fed sparingly as they are high in fat, and too many may lead to obesity in your gecko.
Other insects that can be fed to leopard geckos include waxworms, butterworms, silkworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sow bugs, cockroaches, and superworms. Waxworms and superworms should be fed as a treat as they are high in fat. Butterworms should also be kept as a treat as they are fatty, contain bad calcium, and some geckos have been known to get addicted to them and refuse all other food.
It is important to ensure that the insects you feed your gecko are no bigger than the size of its head to prevent choking or regurgitation. Additionally, the feeder insects should be gut-loaded with vitamins and minerals by offering them an appropriate formulated gut-loading diet 24-48 hours prior to feeding them to your gecko. This can be done by feeding the insects a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can be supplemented with oats. The insects can also be supplemented with a powder containing calcium without D3, calcium with D3, and a multivitamin supplement.
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Insects to avoid
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they only eat bugs. Their bodies are not designed to digest fruits, vegetables, or any other kind of meat. Their diet should consist of a variety of insects, also known as live food or live feeders, to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
It is important to avoid overfeeding your gecko to prevent obesity. You should also avoid feeding them dead bugs, including feeders that have died and freeze-dried insects, as these do not have the same nutritional value as live bugs. In addition, dead bugs do not stimulate the gecko's natural urge to hunt. Pellet foods found in pet stores should also be avoided for the same reason.
Lightning bugs and fireflies should be avoided as they are poisonous to geckos. Wild insects, or any insects found outside or in your home, should not be fed to your gecko as there is no way of knowing what chemicals they may have been exposed to.
Some insects, like crickets, may become aggressive and gang up on your gecko, so it is important to monitor their behaviour and remove any leftover bugs from the enclosure after feeding.
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How to feed your leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are insectivores and in the wild, they eat a variety of invertebrates and the occasional small mammal and seasonal flower. In captivity, their diet should consist of a variety of live invertebrates, also known as live food.
The most common feeder insects for leopard geckos include crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, hornworms, and calciworms. You can also feed them silkworms, butterworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sow bugs, and cockroaches. Waxworms, butterworms, and superworms should be fed sparingly as they are high in fat and may lead to obesity.
The size of the insects you feed your gecko should change with age. Insects should not be bigger than the space between their eyes or wider than the space between their gecko's eyes. As a general guideline, baby geckos can be fed between 5 and 7 insects every day, while adult geckos should be fed every two to three days.
It is important to create a feeding schedule for your gecko to ensure they get the nutrition they need. Geckos that tend to overeat should be fed a predetermined amount to prevent excessive eating and weight gain. Geckos that are a healthy weight can be fed as much as they can eat in a 15-20 minute period. If your gecko is a picky eater, you can leave a food dish with worms in their tank so they can eat later if they get hungry.
It is also important to note that leopard geckos may stop eating due to stress or dehydration. If your gecko is not eating, ensure that their tank has plenty of hides for them to retreat to and that they have enough water. If your gecko still refuses to eat, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian.
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How often to feed your leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are insectivores, and their diet should consist primarily of live insects. In the wild, they feed on a large variety of invertebrates and the occasional small mammal and seasonal flower. In captivity, their diet should include a variety of different live insects, such as crickets, calciworms, locusts, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, butterworms, silkworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sow bugs, and cockroaches. It is important to ensure that the insects are no bigger than the size of the gecko's head.
Waxworms and superworms should be fed sparingly as a treat, as they are high in fat and can lead to obesity. Butterworms should also be treated as a treat, as they are fatty and contain bad calcium, and some geckos have been known to get addicted to them. It is recommended to provide a shallow dish of calcium powder so that your gecko can always access this essential mineral. Additionally, insects should be lightly dusted with a phosphorus-free calcium powder before being fed to the gecko.
The feeding schedule for leopard geckos can vary depending on their age and metabolism. Generally, juveniles should be fed every one to two days, while adults should be fed every two to three days or every other day. It is important to monitor the gecko's weight and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. The thickness of the tail is a good indicator of whether the gecko is receiving enough food; it should be plump but not overly so.
It is also important to note that leopard geckos may eat less during the colder winter months, but they should always be offered food even if they do not show interest. If a gecko is refusing food and losing weight, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as it could indicate an underlying health issue. Dehydration may also cause a gecko to stop eating, so it is essential to ensure they have access to clean, fresh drinking water.
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What to do if your leopard gecko isn't eating
Leopard geckos might stop eating due to a variety of reasons. It is important to identify the cause and take appropriate action to resolve the issue. Here are some things to do and consider if your leopard gecko is not eating:
Check for Environmental Factors:
Firstly, examine your gecko's environment. Ensure that the temperature is suitable, as low temperatures can cause a decrease in metabolic rate, leading to a loss of appetite. Leopard geckos are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Maintain a temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the room, and consider using a heat mat or a heat light on the enclosure to provide supplemental heat.
Evaluate for Stress and Dehydration:
Leopard geckos may stop eating if they are stressed due to changes in their environment or dehydration. Provide your gecko with plenty of hides and ensure access to water to alleviate stress and promote hydration.
Observe for Signs of Illness or Injury:
Loss of appetite in leopard geckos can also be a sign of illness or injury. Look out for any wounds, abscesses, eye injuries, or other health issues. If you suspect your gecko is unwell or injured, a visit to an exotic or reptile veterinarian is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.
Monitor for Ovulation and Breeding:
If your gecko is female, consider the possibility of ovulation or breeding. Monitor for signs such as pink abdominal spots, visible eggs, or weight changes. Provide extra calcium and food during breeding, and separate males and females if you do not intend to breed them.
Offer a Variety of Food:
Leopard geckos are insectivores and have varied diets in the wild. Offer a range of insects and worms, such as crickets, mealworms, calciworms, locusts, and waxworms (sparingly due to their high-fat content). Avoid overfeeding and provide a diet that meets their nutritional needs.
If you have addressed the potential issues mentioned above and your leopard gecko still refuses to eat, consult a veterinarian for further advice and to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Leopard geckos are insectivores and mainly feed on invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, you should feed your gecko a varied diet of live invertebrates, also known as live food. These include crickets, calciworms, locusts, mealworms, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms.
It is easy to overfeed leopard geckos in captivity as they are not as active as their wild counterparts. The amount of food they need depends on their age and health. Baby geckos should be fed around 5-7 bugs every day. Juvenile geckos should be fed daily and adults should be fed every 2-3 days.
If your gecko is gaining unnecessary weight, you may be overfeeding it. Geckos that tend to overeat should be fed a set amount predetermined by you to reduce excessive eating and prevent them from gaining additional weight.
It is important to remove any uneaten bugs from your gecko's enclosure to prevent them from biting your gecko. You should also ensure your gecko is well-hydrated, as dehydration may cause it to stop eating.
