Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards. They are known for being friendly, easy to care for, and relatively small. However, one thing that many people don’t know about crested geckos is that they can overeat if not adequately monitored. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of overeating and what you need to do to prevent it from happening.
Will Crested Geckos Overeat?
Crested geckos are relatively small when it comes to size, and their appetites are correspondingly small.
They do not overeat, as a matter of course, so you should ensure they receive the appropriate amount of food for their size. On the other hand, too much food can cause digestive upset or even obesity in crested, so moderation is key.
Crested geckos should be offered food no more than once a day. They are typically active at night, so feeding them is the best time.
You can provide small portions of the Crested Gecko diet or insects such as crickets, mealworms, and wax worms. When offering live food, make sure it is of an appropriate size that the gecko can consume without difficulty.
It is essential to remove any uneaten prey before it has a chance to harm your gecko.
It’s also important not to feed your Crested Gecko too often. If you notice that your gecko isn’t eating as much as usual, or is leaving food uneaten, then it’s likely that it has been overfed, and you should reduce the amount of food you offer.
The dangers of overeating
One of the main reasons why cresties should not overeat is because they can quickly become obese. Just like any other animal, carrying extra weight can strain their organs and lead to health problems down the road.
Obesity in cresties can also make it difficult for them to move around and climb, impacting their quality of life.
What can I do?
If you think your crested gecko may be overeating, you can do a few things to help them slim down.
- First, look at their diet and ensure they are getting the right mix of food. They should have a good balance of protein, fat, and veggies. Then, you can adjust their diet accordingly if they are overeating one thing.
- Second, ensure they have plenty of space to move around and climb. A larger enclosure will give them more room to exercise and stay active.
- Finally, consider giving them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal. This will help them better regulate their food intake and prevent overeating.
Five ways to feed a gecko healthily
-A crested gecko’s diet should consist of a balanced mix of protein, fat, and vegetables, such as :
– insects (crickets, mealworms, wax worms),
– fruits (papaya, mango, figs) and
– vegetables (collard greens, squash, sweet potato).
A good rule of thumb is to offer your gecko food approximately the same size as its head.
-You can feed your crested gecko live food, frozen/thawed food, or powdered food.
Live food should only make up a portion of their diet as it can sometimes carry parasites that can make your gecko sick. If feeding live food, dust it with calcium powder to ensure your gecko gets enough calcium in its diet.
Frozen/thawed food is an easy and convenient way to feed your gecko; just be sure to thaw it completely before offering it to them.
Powdered food is an excellent option if you’re traveling or on the go. Simply mix it with water according to the directions on the package and offer it to your gecko.
-It is essential to closely monitor your gecko’s weight and diet to prevent them from overeating.
If you think your gecko may be overweight, consult with a veterinarian for advice on how to help them lose weight.
A daily diet plan for weight loss in a gecko
- -In the morning, give your crested gecko a small serving of fresh fruit or vegetables, such as a slice of papaya or a few figs.
- -For lunch, feed them a mix of protein and fat, such as crickets or mealworms. You can also give them a small piece of cooked chicken or fish
- -In the evening, offer them a second helping of fruit or veggies
- -Make sure they always have access to clean water. In addition, Geckos should never go more than 12 hours without eating.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with a diet plan to help your pet lose weight, consult your veterinarian for help. They may be able to create a specific diet plan tailored just for your gecko’s needs. Crested geckos and overeating don’t have to be a problem. You can help your pet slim down and live a happy, healthy life with a little effort!
