If you’re new to crested gecko care, you may wonder whether crickets are a necessary part of the diet. The answer is… it depends. In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of feeding your gecko crickets and some other food options you may want to consider.
Do I have to feed my crested gecko crickets?
No, you do not have to feed your crested gecko crickets.
Many keepers include insects in their geckos’ diets, such as mealworms, wax worms, and small roaches.
However, these supplementary foods should never make up most of a crested gecko’s diet.
A good staple diet for crested geckos is prepared powdered food, such as Repashy Crested Gecko Diet or Pangea Fruit Mix with Insects.
These diets provide all the necessary nutrients and vitamins that your Gecko needs to live a long, healthy life.
It’s important to supplement these diets with occasional feeder insects for variety, but these should never exceed 10-20% of the total diet.
Additionally, always dust any feeder insects with a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement before feeding them to your Gecko.
It’s important to remember that providing a varied and balanced diet is essential for your crestie’s long-term health and wellness, so constantly research.
Whatever you decide to feed your Gecko, make sure it is high quality and nutritious.
Monitor your Gecko’s eating habits and weight regularly to ensure they get the proper nutrition. Then, your crested Gecko will be around for many years with a healthy diet, plenty of love, and attention.
Pros of Feeding Geckos Crickets:
-Crickets are an excellent protein source, essential for growth and development.
-They also contain other vital nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and D.
-Crickets are relatively cheap and easy to find.
-They’re a familiar food item for many geckos, making it easy to transition to a new diet.
Cons of Feeding Geckos Crickets:
-Crickets can be messy and escape their enclosure if not adequately secured.
-They can also be noisy, which may not be ideal if you have other pets or young children.
-Some geckos may be allergic to crickets, so it’s essential to observe your Gecko closely for any signs of discomfort after eating them.
If you decide that you don’t want to feed your gecko crickets, there are some other food options that you can consider. These include:
Mealworms: Mealworms are another excellent source of protein for geckos. They’re also relatively easy to find and care for. However, like crickets, they can be messy and escape their enclosure if not adequately secured.
Dubia roaches: Dubia roaches are a popular alternative to crickets. They’re cleaner and quieter than crickets and less likely to escape from their enclosure. However, they are more expensive than crickets, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision-making process.
Some people feed their geckos a mix of food items, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. This can give your Gecko the best of both worlds, and it allows you to tailor the diet to your Gecko’s individual needs.
It’s up to you whether or not you want to feed your crested gecko crickets. However, they are a good source of protein and other nutrients, so if you can tolerate their quirks, they may be worth considering.
A list of vegetables to feed a Crested Gecko. And the reasons why:
-Butternut squash: Butternut squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, essential for healthy skin and immune system function.
-Zucchini: Like butternut squash, zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C. It’s also high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for geckos who need to bulk up their diet.
-Bell peppers: Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help protect your Gecko’s cells from damage.
-Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune system function.
-Spinach: Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as other nutrients like iron and magnesium. It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for geckos who need to watch their weight.
-Broccoli: Broccoli is high in fiber and vitamin C, essential for healthy digestion. It’s also a good source of antioxidants that can help protect your Gecko’s cells from damage.
-Green beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. They’re also relatively low in calories, making them a good choice for geckos who need to watch their weight.
-Cucumber: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins A and C and water, which can help your Gecko stay hydrated. They’re also low in calories, making them a good choice for geckos who need to watch their weight.
-Pineapple: Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for geckos who need to bulk up their diet.
-Apple: Apple is an excellent dietary fiber and vitamin C source. It’s also relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for geckos who need to watch their weight.
-Banana: Banana is an excellent dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C source. It’s also relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for geckos who need to watch their weight.
-Mango: Mango is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants. Like pineapple, it’s also high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for geckos who need to bulk up their diet.
Each of these vegetables provides your Crested Gecko with different benefits essential to its overall health and well-being. So mix things up every once in a while and give them a variety of other fruits and veggies to choose from!
Should I add any supplements to a Gecko Diet?
You can add several different supplements to your Gecko’s diet, depending on their individual needs. Some common supplements include:
-Calcium carbonate: Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Geckos who don’t get enough calcium in their diet may develop health problems like metabolic bone disease.
-Multivitamins: Multivitamins provide your Gecko with a variety of essential nutrients that they may not be getting from their food.
-Iron: Iron is necessary for red blood cell formation and helps keep your Gecko’s immune system functioning correctly.
-Zinc: Zinc is essential for wound healing, metabolism, and the immune system.
-Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It’s also necessary for the absorption of calcium and other minerals.
Suppose you’re not sure what supplements your gecko needs; consult a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets. They’ll be able to recommend the best supplements for your Gecko’s specific dietary needs.
What should I avoid feeding my Gecko?
There are a few things you should avoid feeding your Gecko, as they can be harmful to their health. Some of the most common things to avoid include the following:
-Insects that are poisonous or contain high levels of toxins: These can be hazardous for your Gecko and should be avoided at all costs.
-Insects that are too large: Large insects can be a choking hazard for your Gecko. They may also cause internal injuries if they’re not adequately chewed before swallowing.
-Insects with hard exoskeletons: Hard exoskeletons can damage your Gecko’s teeth and digestive tract.
-Mealworms: Mealworms contain high-fat levels and can make your Gecko overweight. They should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian.
-Tomatoes are high in sugar and can cause weight gain if fed in large quantities.
-Grapes: Grapes contain high sugar levels and can cause weight gain if fed in large quantities.
-Avocados: Avocados are high in fat and can lead to obesity if fed in large quantities.
-Rhubarb: Rhubarb is poisonous to geckos and should never
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various foods you can feed your crested Gecko. Each has its own unique set of benefits that can help your Gecko stay healthy and happy. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and give them various fruits and vegetables.
FAQ’s
-Q. Do I have to feed my crested gecko crickets?
A. No, you don’t have to feed your crested gecko crickets. There are a variety of different fruits and vegetables that you can feed them that will provide them with the nutrients they need.
Q. Should I add any supplements to a Gecko Diet?
A. It depends on your Gecko’s individual needs. If you’re unsure what supplements they need, consult a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets.
Q. What is the best food for a Crested Gecko?
A. There is no one “best” food for a crested gecko. Each has its own unique set of benefits that can help your Gecko stay healthy and happy. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and give them various fruits and vegetables!
