Crested Geckos are a fascinating species of geckos that are both easy to care for and entertaining to watch. They are unique creatures that have specific dietary needs. Despite being omnivorous, they thrive on a diet of insects, fruits, and commercially prepared food. In this blog post, we’ll dive further into what Crested Geckos eat and when to feed them.
Insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, and other insect prey, are essential for a Crested Gecko’s diet. Offer them 1-2 insects per meal, depending on the Gecko’s size. Be sure to remove any excess uneaten insects from the enclosure to prevent them from biting or bothering your pet. It's also essential to gut-load and dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure your gecko is receiving all the necessary nutrients.
Fruits and nectar play a significant role in a Crested Gecko’s diet. These fruits can be anything sweet, juicy, and fleshy, including mashed bananas, diced mango, and pureed peach. You may offer your gecko fruit either sliced or pureed. Nectar, such as baby food or pollen, is also a great source of nutrition. Be mindful that any fruit you feed your gecko should be fresh and not overripe.
Crested Geckos love the soft-textured commercial food that is made for them, making it a great supplement to their diets. They help your gecko maintain a healthy weight and have all necessary nutrients mixed into the food mix. Commercial food can be offered as a primary food source, but it is essential to keep a good balance between commercial food, insects, and fruit.
Water consumption is essential for Crested Geckos; therefore, they should always have access to clean water. Use a small, shallow dish to ensure that your gecko can’t drown. Misting the enclosure with water twice a day, to create a humid environment, will help your gecko to drink water and keep itself hydrated.
It’s also essential to be mindful of feeding times for your Crested Geckos. They are primarily nocturnal, so they tend to be most active and feeding during the night. Be consistent with their feeding schedule, and avoid offering food to them while they are shedding. As with any pet, keep an eye on feeding your Crested Gecko; obesity can result if overfed or under-exercised.
Live Feeders For Crested Gecko
f you are a proud owner of a crested gecko, you know how vital it is to feed them the best and most nutritious foods. Choosing the right feeder insect is just as important as providing a suitable environment for your gecko to live in. One of the best live feeders for crested geckos is the Dubia roach. These insects are highly nutritious and safe to feed to your gecko, making them an excellent choice as a primary feeder. In this blog post, we'll deep-dive into why Dubia roaches are the best live feeders for your crested gecko- read on to find out more.
Dubia roaches are nutrient-dense feeders, meaning they are an excellent source of protein and fiber. They contain 36% protein, 33% fat, and 4% fiber, making them a perfect feed option for your gecko. Not only are Dubia roaches high in protein and fiber, but they also have an excellent calcium to phosphorus ratio. This ratio is important because it plays a crucial role in the development and growth of your crested gecko. Feeding Dubia roaches as a primary feeder will ensure that your gecko gets all the essential nutrients they need.
Besides Dubia roaches, other live feeders you can give your gecko include crickets, super worms, nutrigrubs, mealworms, wax worms, and silkworms. However, it's essential to note that not all insects are suitable for your gecko. For instance, feeding insects with high amounts of chitin, like superworms and mealworms, that are too big can lead to impaction. It's crucial to feed appropriately-sized insects that your gecko can digest easily. For softer feeders like hornworms and wax worms, you can feed insects a little bigger than their eye space.
When choosing the right feeder, it's important to consider the nutrition each insect provides. Feeder insects can be categorized into staple bugs and treats. As the name suggests, staple bugs should make up the bulk of your gecko's diet and can be fed every meal. On the other hand, treats should be given once or twice a week. Dubia roaches are an excellent choice as a staple bug for your gecko as they provide all the essential nutrients your gecko needs for proper growth and development.
Gecko Diet
Geckos are a popular choice for many pet lovers because of their beautiful appearance and easy maintenance. However, not everyone knows that feeding them properly is essential in keeping them healthy. One of the most nutritious and convenient options for gecko food is the Pangea Fruit Mix. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of Pangea Fruit Mix, specifically the Pangea Fruit Mix w/Insects, Pangea Apricot Fruit Mix, Pangea Fruit Mix Watermelon Mango, and Pangea Fruit Mix Banana Papaya.
The first type of Pangea Fruit Mix is the Pangea Fruit Mix w/Insects. As its name suggests, this mix includes insects such as crickets and mealworms, which provide protein and other vital nutrients needed by your gecko. In addition to the insects, this mix also includes fruits like banana, papaya, fig, and coconut, which are all great sources of fiber and vitamins. This mix is perfect for geckos that need more protein in their diet, such as crested geckos.
The second type of Pangea Fruit Mix is the Pangea Apricot Fruit Mix. This mix is formulated with apricots, which are rich in vitamins A and C, and calcium. It also includes banana, Papaya, and figs, which are great sources of antioxidants. This mix is great for geckos that are experiencing issues with shedding or need a boost of nutrients for their immune system.
The third type of Pangea Fruit Mix is the Pangea Fruit Mix Watermelon Mango. This mix includes diced watermelon and mangoes, both of which are excellent sources of vitamin C and potassium. It also contains coconut, which provides a good source of fiber and healthy fats to your geckos. This mix is perfect for geckos that are in need of additional hydration, providing not only hydration but also vitamins.
The fourth and final type of Pangea Fruit Mix is the Pangea Fruit Mix Banana Papaya. This mix is a balanced blend of several fruits such as Papaya, banana, and figs. It is rich in vitamins A and C, ensuring that your gecko is getting all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. This mix is excellent for geckos that are in need of a balanced diet.
Gut-Loading
Reptiles are fascinating creatures that require a balanced diet to live healthy lives. One dietary method that can greatly enhance their nutrition is gut-loading. Gut-loading is the process of feeding insects or other prey items nutritious and fibre-rich food so that they, in turn, provide reptiles with high-quality nutrition. Whether you are a seasoned reptile keeper or a beginner, gut-loading is a dietary technique you should consider. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of gut-loading, different kinds of gut-loading bites for roaches, nature bites, hornworm food and total bites with Spirulina for your reptiles.
Benefits of Gut-Loading: By gut-loading, reptiles are exposed to a richer variety of nutrients that they may not get from eating plain prey items alone. The insects they eat become densely fortified with vitamins, minerals and proteins, which transfer to the reptile digestive system. Research indicates that gut-loaded insects are richer in calcium, carotenoids, and amino acids. This process is essential for species like chameleons that need a varied diet to thrive. In addition, gut-loaded prey contributes to superior growth rates, better resistance to infection and a more robust immune system.
Bites for Roaches: Roaches are one type of feeder insect that is commonly used for gut-loading. Insects like Dubia or Madagascar Hissing Cockroach are great for gut-loading because they are hardy species that can survive for weeks without food. The most common gut-loading feed for roaches is fruits like bananas and berries, vegetables like carrots, spinach, kale and arugula, and grains like oats or wheat bran. Some pet owners also like to give their roaches a higher-protein diet, with foods like fish flakes, bee pollen, and nutritional yeast.
Nature Bites: Nature Bites is a brand that produces gut-loading products in powdered form. With an ingredient list that reads like a berry patch, this product line includes Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Elderberry flavours. These little feeders ensure that your reptiles get a taste of fresh berries, which are vital sources of antioxidants. Not only does Nature Bites make roaches more nutritious, but they also give them a fruity aroma that reptiles find irresistible.
Hornworm Food: Hornworms are another important feeder insect that can be gut-loaded. Hornworms are high in calcium and have a very soft cuticle, making them easy to digest. Hornworm food is a powder specially formulated to provide these insects with high levels of calcium and other trace minerals. By gut-loading hornworms with this product, your reptiles can receive a supercharged source of calcium that is beneficial for their bones, teeth, and overall health.
Total Bites With Spirulina: Total Bites with Spirulina is an all-in-one supplement that can be added to the feeder's diet. It includes a blend of nutritional yeasts, spirulina algae, and vitamin C. When sprinkled on gut-loading food, this supplement boosts the nutritional content of the feeders, and ultimately, the reptiles that consume them. Spirulina is an excellent source of protein and contains all the essential amino acids found in meat.
Supplements
Keeping reptiles as pets can be quite challenging, but the reward of witnessing their unique habits and behaviors is worth it. It is essential to ensure that your reptile is getting the right amount of nutrition for good health. While a proper diet can go a long way, sometimes, dietary supplements are necessary to meet nutritional requirements. This article will be discussing three popular supplements for reptiles: Zoo Med Calcium plus D3, Ultra Premium Reptile Calcium Guava with out D3, and Rep Cal Phosphorus Free Calcium with Vitamin D3.
This supplement is ideal for reptiles that do not get adequate sunlight exposure. It is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists due to its availability in most pet stores. Zoo Med Calcium plus D3 contains Calcium and Vitamin D3 for strong bones and healthy metabolism. However, excessive D3 consumption can be toxic to reptiles, so it is necessary to use it only as directed and in moderation.
This supplement is a great choice for reptiles that get adequate exposure to sunlight. The Ultra Premium Reptile Calcium Guava with out D3 is made from pure, finely ground oyster shells, ensuring that it is a healthy and cost-effective option for your pets. It is also free from harmful additives, making it an excellent choice for owners who are environmentally conscious.
Reptiles need a high-calcium diet to maintain healthy bones and teeth. This supplement is a great choice for those who are looking for phosphorus-free supplements that are safe for reptiles with kidney disease. Rep Cal Phosphorus Free Calcium with Vitamin D3 is perfect for bearded dragons, iguanas, and other herbivorous lizards.
In addition to calcium and Vitamin D3, reptiles need other nutrients to thrive. These nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B2. One of the best natural sources of these nutrients is leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, and spinach. You can also provide your reptile with supplements that include these essential nutrients.
Feeding Crested Geckos isn't a difficult task if you don't bombard their diet with one specific food. Their diets should consist of a balanced mix of insects, fruits, and commercial food. It would help if you also considered the size and age of your gecko to determine the proper feeding amounts and times. Always offer your gecko fresh, clean water and keep their feeding schedule consistent. Keep your Crested Gecko healthy, happy, and beautiful by giving them the nutritious and balanced dietary plan they need.
