What Should You Feed Your Crested Gecko? A Guide to the Best Gecko Diets.

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Crested geckos are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They require a balance of nutrients to maintain their health, including protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In the wild, crested geckos eat fruit, insects, and nectar. However, in captivity, it can be challenging to provide a diet that mimics their natural diet.

Feeder Insects and Their Nutritional Content

Feeder insects are an essential part of a crested gecko’s diet. They provide protein and other essential nutrients that crested geckos need to thrive. Some of the best feeder insects for crested geckos include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. However, it’s crucial to gut-load and dust these insects with calcium and other essential vitamins before feeding them to your crested gecko.

Supplements and Vitamins for Crested Geckos

Supplements and vitamins are another critical aspect of a crested gecko’s diet. Calcium is the most important supplement for crested geckos. It helps maintain their bone health and prevents metabolic bone disease. Other essential supplements include multivitamins, vitamin D3, and probiotics.

The Best Foods for Crested Geckos

Commercial Gecko Diets: Are They a Good Option?

Commercial gecko diets are a convenient and easy way to provide a balanced diet for your crested gecko. They are formulated to provide all the essential nutrients that crested geckos need. Some of the most popular commercial gecko diets include Pangea, Repashy, and Zoo Med.

Making Your Own Gecko Food

You can also make your own crested gecko food at home. This can be a more cost-effective option and allows you to control the ingredients in your gecko’s diet. Some of the best ingredients for homemade gecko food include baby food, fruit puree, and protein sources like chicken or turkey baby food.

Feeder Insects: Which Ones Are Safe and Nutritious?

Feeder insects are an important part of a crested gecko’s diet. However, not all insects are safe or nutritious for your gecko. Some insects like fireflies and beetles are toxic and should never be fed to your crested gecko. Other insects like superworms and waxworms are high in fat and should only be fed as an occasional treat.

Wild-Caught Insects: A Good Idea or Not?

While it may be tempting to catch insects for your crested gecko, it’s not a good idea. Wild-caught insects can carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to your gecko. It’s best to stick to captive-bred insects or commercially available insects that have been raised specifically for feeding to reptiles.

Feeding Your Crested Gecko

Frequency and Quantity of Food

Crested geckos should be fed every other day. They should be offered enough food to eat in about 10-15 minutes. It’s important not to overfeed your gecko as obesity can lead to health problems.

Feeding Techniques and Tips

When feeding your crested gecko, it’s important to use a shallow dish or plate to prevent the food from getting stuck in their nostrils. You can also hand-feed your gecko by offering food on your finger or using feeding tongs. It’s important to monitor your gecko while they are eating to ensure they are not choking or having difficulty swallowing.

What to Avoid When Feeding Your Crested Gecko

There are several things to avoid when feeding your crested gecko. Never feed your gecko wild-caught insects or insects that have been sprayed with pesticides. Also, avoid feeding your gecko fruits high in acid like citrus fruits. Finally, never feed your gecko insects that are too large or too hard to digest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeding your crested gecko a balanced diet is essential for their health and happiness. A diet that includes a variety of feeder insects, commercial gecko food, and supplements can provide all the essential nutrients your gecko needs. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can ensure your crested gecko is getting the best possible diet.

ThePetFaq Team
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