Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and patterns. One question that many leopard gecko owners have is whether or not their pets can eat cicadas. In this blog post, we will answer that question and also provide some information on the nutritional value of cicadas.
Can leopard geckos eat cicadas?
Yes, leopard geckos can eat cicadas. In fact, they may even enjoy them! Cicadas are a nutritious and protein-rich food that can help keep your leopard gecko healthy and happy.
Cicadas are not the only thing that leopard geckos can eat though. Be sure to provide a variety of fruits and vegetables in addition to cicadas. This will give your pet lizard the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to feed your leopard gecko cicadas, consider using a live cricket feeder. These small cages allow you to place several cicadas inside without having to worry about them escaping. When the cricket feeder is placed in the leopard gecko’s tank, the lizard will instinctively climb up to eat the cicadas.
If you are not comfortable feeding your leopard gecko live cicadas, you can also purchase frozen cicadas from online reptile stores. Just be sure to thaw them completely before giving them to your pet.
5 other insects to feed a Leopard Gecko
While cicadas make a great meal for leopard geckos, they are not the only insect that these lizards can eat. Here are five other insects that you can feed your leopard gecko:
Mealworms: Mealworms are an excellent source of protein and fat for leopard geckos. They are also easy to find and purchase online or at pet stores.
Crickets: Crickets are another popular food for leopard geckos. Like mealworms, they are high in protein and fat. Crickets can also be purchased online or at pet stores.
Waxworms: Waxworms are a fatty treat that should only be given to leopard geckos occasionally. They are high in calories and can cause obesity if fed too often. Waxworms can be purchased online or at pet stores.
Butterworms: Butterworms are a high-protein treat that leopard geckos love. They are not as widely available as other insects but can be purchased online from some reptile specialty stores.
Hornworms: Hornworms are another fatty treat that should only be given to leopard geckos on occasion. Like waxworms, they are high in calories and can cause obesity if fed too often. Hornworms can be purchased online or at some pet stores.
What to look for in insects to feed my gecko?
When choosing insects to feed your leopard gecko, it is important to select those that are high in protein and low in fat. Insects that are high in fat can lead to obesity and other health problems in these lizards. You should also avoid feeding your leopard gecko insects that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Wild-caught insects are the best option, but you can also purchase live or frozen insects from reptile specialty stores.
What other foods to feed geckos
In addition to insects, leopard geckos also need to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. These lizards are omnivores, so they require both plant and animal matter to stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep leopard geckos healthy. Some good options include kale, carrots, apples, bananas, and berries. Be sure to chop or puree these foods before feeding them to your lizard as they cannot chew their food properly.
Leopard geckos also require calcium to stay healthy. This mineral helps with bone growth and development and can be found in most commercial reptile calcium supplements. You can dust live insects with calcium powder before feeding them to your leopard gecko. Alternatively, you can purchase calcium-enriched live insects from some reptile specialty stores.
By providing a variety of nutritious foods, you can help your leopard gecko stay healthy and happy for many years to come!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of different insects that leopard geckos can eat. Each one offers something slightly different in terms of nutrition, so it’s important to mix things up and offer a variety of options. In addition to insects, leopard geckos also need to eat fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. By offering a variety of nutritious foods, you can help your leopard gecko stay healthy and happy for many years to come.
FAQ’s
Below are some common questions about feeding leopard geckos:
Q: What do I do if my leopard gecko won’t eat insects?
A: If your leopard gecko refuses to eat insects, you can try offering him different types of food such as fruits and vegetables. You can also try dusting the insects with calcium powder before feeding them to your lizard. If none of these methods work, you may need to take your gecko to a veterinarian for a check-up.
Q: How often should I feed my leopard gecko?
A: Leopard geckos should be fed every day. In addition to insects, they should also be given a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Q: What happens if I overfeed my leopard gecko?
A: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems in leopard geckos. It is important to only feed your lizard as much food as he can eat in one sitting. If you are unsure how much to feed him, you should consult with a veterinarian or reptile specialist.