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What Do Geckos Eat? Geckos primarily eat a diet of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches, making them insectivores, although some species also consume fruits or nectar.
Understanding what geckos eat is crucial for providing proper care and ensuring they receive the nutrition they need to thrive in captivity.
The Diet of Geckos
Geckos are a diverse group of reptiles, and their diets can vary depending on the species. Most geckos are insectivores, feeding mainly on live insects, while a few species, such as crested geckos, are omnivorous and enjoy a mix of insects and fruit.
Insect-Based Diet: The Core of Gecko Nutrition
For the majority of geckos, insects make up the primary portion of their diet. Whether in the wild or as pets, geckos thrive on a variety of insects, which provide them with protein, fats, and other essential nutrients.
- Crickets: Crickets are a staple in the diet of many pet geckos. They are easy to digest, widely available, and provide the right amount of protein and fats. It’s important to dust crickets with a calcium supplement to ensure geckos receive the nutrients they need for bone health.
- Mealworms: Another popular feeder insect, mealworms offer a higher fat content than crickets. These are ideal for geckos that need to gain weight or maintain energy levels.
- Dubia roaches: Dubia roaches are a nutritious option that many gecko owners prefer because they are high in protein and easier to digest than other insects. They are also a good alternative to crickets for a varied diet.
Fruits and Nectar for Omnivorous Geckos
Soft fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and papayas provide essential vitamins, natural sugars, and fiber.
Additionally, commercial gecko food blends, designed for species like crested and day geckos, offer a balanced mix of fruits, proteins, and nutrients, making them a convenient and nutritious option for gecko owners.
According to reptile nutritionist Dr. Sarah Michaels, “Providing a well-rounded diet that includes both live insects and fruit-based meals for omnivorous gecko species ensures that they get a balanced intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This helps maintain their health and supports growth.”
Learn more about gecko feeding habits and nutritional needs on the gecko Wikipedia page.
Feeding Pet Geckos
When feeding pet geckos, it’s crucial to mimic their natural diet by offering appropriate food, ensuring hydration, and monitoring portions.
Adult geckos typically eat every two to three days, while juveniles need more frequent meals to support growth.
Gut-loading feeder insects with a nutritious diet and dusting them with calcium and vitamin D3 is vital for their health, particularly to prevent bone issues.
Geckos also require a regular water source, with species like crested geckos needing daily misting to maintain humidity and provide extra hydration.
According to Reptile Magazine, maintaining proper hydration and a varied diet is key to preventing common health issues in pet geckos.
What Do Geckos Drink?
Geckos, like humans, need water to stay hydrated.
They also enjoy soaking in water, which helps with shedding their skin.
To keep your gecko comfortable, provide a shallow water dish in their terrarium for drinking and bathing.
Be sure to change the water daily to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.
Creating a moist area in their habitat is also beneficial. A water-misted area with sphagnum peat moss inside a hideout offers a perfect spot for your gecko to relax.
Foods to Avoid
While geckos can eat a variety of insects and some species enjoy fruits, there are certain foods that should be avoided as they can be harmful to their health.
- Insects caught in the wild: Avoid feeding geckos insects caught in the wild, as these may carry pesticides or parasites that can harm your pet.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons should be avoided as they are too acidic for geckos and can upset their digestive system.
- Processed Foods: Geckos should never be fed processed human foods. Their digestive systems are not equipped to handle foods high in salt, sugar, or fat, which can lead to serious health issues.
Conclusion
Geckos primarily eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches, but some species also enjoy fruits and commercial food blends.
It’s essential to feed them a varied and balanced diet, ensure they receive proper supplementation, and provide clean water to keep them healthy and thriving.
Understanding the specific dietary needs of your gecko species is key to ensuring their long-term well-being.
FAQs
Juvenile geckos should be fed daily or every other day, while adults need feeding every two to three days, depending on species.
Only certain species, like crested geckos, can eat fruit, so check before adding it to their diet.
It’s also important to dust feeder insects with calcium every other feeding for adults and more often for juveniles to support healthy bone development.
