Crested geckos are known for their unique appearance and easy maintenance. But a diet of crested geckos plays a crucial role in their health and longevity. A well-balanced diet ensures your gecko remains active, healthy, and happy. It is necessary for you to understand the proper diet of crested geckos and what time you should feed them.
What Do Crested Geckos Eat?
Crested geckos are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet includes ripe fruits, small insects, and flower nectar. At home, you can replicate this with a mix of commercially available gecko food, live insects, and occasional fruits. A balanced diet ensures they receive all the essential nutrients for proper growth and development.
Diet of Crested Gecko in Captivity
A commercial diet for crested geckos is a popular choice for pet owners. These commercial diets are powdered meals that are mixed with water to create a paste. Paste can easily be taken by your geckos and have nutrients. Brands like Pangea and Repashy are excellent options, offering a variety of flavors to suit your gecko’s taste.
Except for commercial diets, you can also offer live insects, like crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms, which are good for their health. These insects should be gut-loaded, meaning fed nutritious food before offering it to your gecko. It would be best if you dusted with calcium powder to promote strong bones and prevent deficiencies. Additionally, you can occasionally offer fruits like mango, papaya, or blueberries as a treat, but ensure they are mashed or pureed for easy consumption.
Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes
The frequency and quantity of feeding depend on the age of your gecko.
- Juveniles (under 18 months) require daily feeding to support their rapid growth. You should offer insects 3-2 times a week.
- Adults can be fed 3–4 times a week. You should offer them insects 2-3 times a week.
Always provide a small portion of food in a shallow dish to prevent overheating and to keep the enclosure clean. Dusting live insects with calcium powder is essential, as it prevents metabolic bone disease (MBD) and supports overall health. It’s also important to provide a shallow dish of fresh water daily to keep your gecko hydrated.
Foods to Avoid for Diet of Crested Gecko
Not all foods are safe for crested geckos; some are toxic for their health.
- Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Citrus fruits are highly acidic and can irritate their digestive system.
- Wild-caught insects like grasshoppers, ants, and spiders.
- These insects may carry pesticides, parasites, or diseases.
- Human Food like bread, candy, chips, and any processed food. Human food lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive issues.
- Toxic food like avocado (contains persin, toxic to reptiles) and rhubarb (contains oxalic acid, harmful to geckos.)
- Hard Fruits or Vegetables
- Insects with Hard Shell. The hard exoskeletons can cause impaction.
- Dairy Products
- Anything Spicy or seasoned foods
What insects and worms can be given in crested geckos’ diet?
- Locust
- Black, Brown, and banded crickets
- Snails
- Blue-bottles
- Stick insects
- Dubia,lobster, domino, banana, discoid roaches
- Silkworms
- Butterworms
- Calcium worms
- Wax-worms
Tips for Feeding Crested Geckos
- Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
- Remove uneaten food after 24 hours.
- Avoid offering the same food repeatedly to prevent boredom.
- Give CGD in a paste form. The consistency can be varied as liked by your pet.
- As Geckos are nocturnal, feed them during the night.
- Spray the enclosure daily so that they can lick water droplets. Hydration is a must for them.
- Cover their shallow food dish with a leaf to replicate their eating pattern in the wild.
- Offer live insects and worms to revive their natural hunting instincts.
Factors Affecting Crested Gecko Diet
- Crested geckos may stop feeding if they become too hot or too cold because they are unable to digest their food adequately.
- They may enter a “winter sleep” in response to reduced light and colder temperatures. Their appetite decreases and their metabolism slows down throughout this period.
- Their appetite is also affected by the reproductive cycle.
- The reptile counterpart of hibernation is called brumation, during which they slow down, cease eating, and sleep for weeks at a time.
- To conserve energy during shedding, crested geckos may abstain from food for a few days.
Signs of a Healthy Crested Gecko Diet
A healthy crested gecko will display active behavior. They will explore their enclosure and show interest in food. Their body should look well-fed but not overweight. Their shedding process should be smooth without any stuck skin. If your gecko stops eating or appears lethargic, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
Homemade Gecko Food Recipe: a Perfect Blend of Nutrients
Homemade food for your crested geckos can be a fun task. You can give them treats occasionally, but you should not replace commercial diets as the primary food source. If you want to provide your gecko with a homemade meal, here’s a simple recipe:
- Mash half a ripe banana and mix it with one teaspoon of mango puree.
- Add a pinch of calcium powder and blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
- Serve it in a shallow dish and remove any leftovers after 12 hours.
- Provide them with fresh water, also in a shallow dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
A proper diet of crested geckos is essential for their health and happiness. By providing a balanced mix of commercial diets, live insects, and occasional fruits, you can ensure your pet stays active and healthy. You should avoid harmful foods, stick to a regular feeding schedule, and always include calcium supplements. With these simple steps, your crested gecko will thrive for years to come.
