8 Essential Tips for Feeding Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are fascinating creatures that make great pets. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are some specific things you need to know about their diet in order to keep them healthy and happy. In this article, we will discuss what leopard geckos eat, how often to feed them, and what to do if they stop eating.

Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means that they eat insects. In the wild, they primarily eat crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. In captivity, you can feed your leopard gecko a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and even silkworms. It is important to vary the insects that you feed your leopard gecko so that they get a well-rounded diet.

The frequency with which you feed your leopard gecko will depend on its age and size. Younger leopard geckos need to be fed more often than older leopard geckos. Generally speaking, you should feed your leopard gecko every day or every other day. However, if your leopard gecko is not eating as much, you can reduce the frequency of feeding to once or twice a week. It is important to monitor your leopard gecko’s weight to make sure that it is not losing or gaining too much weight.

Selecting Appropriate Prey

Choosing the right prey for your leopard gecko is essential for ensuring their health and well-being. Live feeder insects are the most commonly offered food, as they provide a natural and stimulating diet. It is crucial to select prey of an appropriate size, as too small or large prey can present feeding difficulties or health risks.

As a general rule, the prey should be no wider than the gecko’s head and no longer than the distance between its eyes. For hatchling geckos, this means fruit flies (Drosophila), springtails (Collembola), or pinhead crickets (Acheta domesticus). As the gecko grows, you can gradually increase the size of the prey, offering small crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus), dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia), or mealworms (Tenebrio molitor).

It is important to note that leopard geckos have specific nutritional requirements. Mealworms, while often popular due to their availability and easy handling, are relatively low in calcium and high in fat. Therefore, they should not be the sole prey item and should be supplemented with other insects, such as crickets and dubia roaches.

Determining Feeding Frequency

Determining the optimal feeding frequency for your leopard gecko depends on several factors, including age, weight, and activity level. Here are some general guidelines:

Young Leopard Geckos (Under 6 Months)

Young leopard geckos are rapidly growing and require more frequent feedings. They should be offered food daily, with smaller prey items such as small crickets or mealworms. The number of insects offered per feeding should be approximately 2-3 for every inch of the gecko’s body length.

Adult Leopard Geckos (6 Months or Older)

Adult leopard geckos can be fed less frequently, typically 2-3 times per week. The amount of food offered should be adjusted based on the gecko’s weight and activity level. The following table provides a general guideline for feeding adult leopard geckos:

Weight (Grams)	Number of Insects per Feeding	Frequency
10-20	2-3	2-3 times per week
20-30	3-4	2-3 times per week
30-40	4-5	2-3 times per week
40+	5-6	2-3 times per week

Proper Feeding Techniques

Leopard geckos require specialized feeding techniques to ensure their health and well-being. Proper feeding practices include:

Offer Appropriate Prey

Leopard geckos are insectivores, and their primary diet should consist of live feeder insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. It’s crucial to offer insects of an appropriate size for the gecko’s age and size. Avoid feeding insects that are too large or too small, as they can cause digestive issues.

Gut-loading

Gut-loading refers to feeding the feeder insects with nutritious food before offering them to the gecko. This process ensures that the insects are packed with vitamins, minerals, and calcium, which are essential for the gecko’s growth and development. Ideal gut-loading materials include leafy greens, fruit, and special gut-loading supplements.

Dusting with Calcium Supplements

To provide additional calcium, it’s recommended to dust feeder insects with calcium supplements. Calcium is crucial for bone development and preventing metabolic bone disease. Dusting should be done immediately before feeding to ensure maximum absorption by the gecko.

Feed in a Separate Enclosure

Avoid feeding leopard geckos in their regular enclosure. This practice reduces the risk of substrate ingestion and prevents the gecko from associating their feeding space with their living space, which can lead to stress.

Feeding Frequency

The feeding frequency for leopard geckos varies depending on their age and appetite. Juveniles typically require daily feedings, while adults can be fed every other day or less frequently. It’s important to monitor the gecko’s body condition and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly.

Water Availability

Fresh water should always be available to leopard geckos, even though they primarily obtain hydration from their prey. A shallow water dish should be placed in the enclosure at all times.

Monitoring Food Intake

Monitoring your leopard gecko’s food intake is crucial to ensure their well-being. Here are some tips:

1. Observe Feeding Habits

Pay attention to your gecko’s feeding habits. Notice how often they eat, the amount they consume, and any signs of reluctance to feed.

2. Track Food Intake

Keep a record of your gecko’s food intake, including the date, amount consumed, and any feeder insects offered. This helps spot feeding patterns and irregularities.

3. Check for Undigested Food

Occasionally examine your gecko’s droppings for undigested insect parts. This can indicate potential digestion issues or a feeding amount that is too large.

4. Adjust Feeding Frequency and Amount

Based on your observations and tracking, adjust your feeding frequency and amount accordingly. Consider the gecko’s age, size, and activity level when determining the appropriate feeding schedule.

Here is a standard feeding schedule for leopard geckos based on their age:

Age	Feeding Frequency	Feeding Amount
0-3 months	Daily	~10 mealworms
3-6 months	Every other day	~15 mealworms
6 months+	2-3 times per week	~20 mealworms

Recognizing Signs of Malnutrition

Physical Appearance

Weight loss: Leopard geckos that are not getting enough nutrients may lose weight or appear emaciated.
Shrinkage in tail size: The tail is a fat storage area for leopard geckos, and malnutrition can cause it to become thin or wrinkled.
Sunken eyes: Dehydration and malnutrition can lead to sunken eyes.
Dull or faded colors: Healthy leopard geckos have vibrant colors, but malnutrition can make them appear dull or faded.

Behavior

Lethargy: Malnourished leopard geckos may be slow-moving or disinterested in their surroundings.
Loss of appetite: A leopard gecko that is not eating enough may refuse food or eat less frequently.
Difficulty shedding: Malnutrition can interfere with the shedding process, causing the gecko to retain old skin.
Tail shaking: Tail shaking is a sign of stress or discomfort that can be associated with malnutrition.

Other Signs

Vitamin A deficiency: A lack of vitamin A can lead to eye problems such as cloudiness or swelling.
Calcium deficiency: Insufficient calcium intake can cause metabolic bone disease, which makes bones weak and brittle.
Kidney stones: Malnutrition can increase the risk of kidney stones by altering the gecko’s electrolyte balance.

Tailoring Prey Size and Variety

Determining Appropriate Prey Size

Leopard geckos, like all reptiles, have specific dietary needs that vary based on their size and age. To ensure optimal nutrition and prevent health issues, it’s crucial to tailor the prey size accordingly.

As a general rule of thumb, the prey should be no wider than the width of the gecko’s head between the eyes. For hatchlings, prey such as small crickets or dubia roaches is ideal. As they grow, gradually increase the prey size to include larger crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.

Ensuring Prey Variety

In addition to meeting the appropriate size requirements, it’s equally important to provide a varied diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Leopard geckos are omnivorous and will eat a variety of live insects, calcium-dusted pinky mice, and leafy greens.

A balanced diet should include a combination of different prey items, such as crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, waxworms, butterworms, and silkworms. To ensure a healthy blend of nutrients, offer different prey options regularly.

Recommended Prey Variety

Prey Item	Nutritional Value
Crickets	High in protein, low in fat
Mealworms	High in fat, moderate in protein
Dubia Roaches	High in protein, calcium, and vitamins
Waxworms	High in fat, low in protein
Butterworms	High in fat, low in protein
Silkworms	Moderately high in protein

Supplementing with Vitamins and Calcium

Leopard geckos require a balanced diet to stay healthy. In addition to live insects, it’s essential to provide them with appropriate vitamin and calcium supplements.

Use a calcium supplement with D3 on every feeding.

Vitamin Supplements

Leopard geckos benefit from a multivitamin supplement that contains vitamins A, D3, E, and B12. These vitamins support immune function, vision, and growth.

Calcium Supplements

Calcium Powder

Calcium powder is the most common form of calcium supplement and should be used at every feeding. Look for a calcium powder that contains both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate for optimal absorption.

Calcium Blocks

Calcium blocks provide a continuous source of calcium and can be useful for providing enrichment to the enclosure. However, they should not be relied upon as the sole source of calcium.

Calcium Injections

Calcium injections are typically used only in cases of severe calcium deficiency. They should only be administered by a qualified veterinarian.

It’s important to follow the recommended guidelines for vitamin and calcium supplementation to ensure your leopard gecko receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and well-being.

Providing a balanced diet, including live insects, and appropriate vitamin and calcium supplements, is essential for maintaining a healthy leopard gecko. Regular monitoring and veterinary check-ups will help to ensure that your gecko is receiving the proper care.

Dealing with Feeding Resistance

Leopard geckos can sometimes become resistant to eating, which can be frustrating for owners. There are a few reasons why this might happen, and it’s crucial to address them promptly to prevent malnutrition and health problems.

1. Improper diet

Ensure that you are offering your gecko a nutritionally complete diet that includes live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches.

2. Lack of hydration

Dehydration can make your gecko less inclined to eat. Provide a shallow dish of clean water at all times.

3. Poor cage conditions

An unhygienic or cluttered cage environment can stress your gecko and affect its appetite.

4. Shedding

When leopard geckos are shedding, they may not eat as much for a few days.

5. Illness or injury

Underlying health issues can also cause feeding resistance. Consult a veterinarian promptly if you suspect your gecko may be ill or injured.

6. Seasonality

Leopard geckos may eat less during the cooler months as their metabolism slows down.

7. Impaction

If your gecko has ingested a foreign object, it may cause impaction, leading to feeding resistance.

8. Overfeeding

Offering too much food too frequently can make your gecko finicky and less likely to eat.

The following table provides a recommended feeding schedule for leopard geckos based on their age:

Age	Frequency	Amount
0-3 months	Daily	5-10 small insects
3-6 months	Every other day	10-15 small insects
6-12 months	2-3 times per week	15-20 medium insects
12+ months	1-2 times per week	20-25 large insects

Establishing a Regular Feeding Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to feeding your leopard gecko. Establishing a regular feeding schedule will help regulate their metabolism, digestive system, and overall health. Here are some tips for creating a feeding routine:

1. Frequency

The frequency of feeding depends on the gecko’s age and size. Juveniles and young adults should be fed daily or every other day, while adults can be fed every two or three days.

2. Timing

Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so it’s best to feed them at night. This aligns with their natural feeding habits and reduces the likelihood of daytime regurgitation.

3. Amount

The amount of food to offer should be based on the gecko’s size. A good rule of thumb is to offer 2-3 appropriately sized insects at each feeding.

4. Type of Insects

The most common insects fed to leopard geckos are crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. Variety is important to ensure a balanced diet, so rotate different types of insects throughout the week.

5. Feeding Tool

Use a pair of tongs or tweezers to offer insects to your gecko. This prevents them from associating your hand with food and becoming defensive.

6. Gut Loading

Gut loading is a process of feeding live insects a nutritious diet before offering them to the gecko. This ensures that the gecko receives essential vitamins and minerals from the insects.

7. Supplementation

In addition to live insects, it’s important to supplement your leopard gecko’s diet with calcium powder. Sprinkle the powder on insects before feeding to prevent metabolic bone disease.

8. Water

Provide your gecko with a shallow water dish filled with fresh, clean water at all times. They may not drink daily, but they need access to water for hydration.

9. Monitoring

Monitor your gecko’s weight and growth to ensure they are eating enough and maintaining a healthy weight. If your gecko shows signs of weight loss or gain, adjust the feeding schedule or amount of food accordingly. It’s also important to observe your gecko’s behavior during and after feeding. If they hesitate to eat, try offering different insects or adjust the feeding time.

Age	Frequency
Juvenile (0-6 months)	Daily or every other day
Young Adult (6-12 months)	Every other day or every two days
Adult (over 12 months)	Every two or three days

…

Tips for Troubled Feeders

Leopard geckos may occasionally refuse meals, which can be a source of concern for their owners. Here are some suggestions to encourage a troubled eater to start eating again:

1. Check for Underlying Health Issues

Consult a veterinarian if your gecko exhibits any signs of illness, such as lethargy, weight loss, or respiratory distress. Underlying health problems can affect appetite.

2. Offer Different Prey

Variety is key. Offer various live insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms, in different sizes to cater to the gecko’s preference.

3. Switch to Scrambled Eggs

As a temporary alternative, offer scrambled eggs seasoned with calcium powder. Eggs provide essential nutrients and may stimulate appetite.

4. Assist Feeding

Physically grasp the food item with tongs and gently touch the gecko’s snout or prey drive. This may initiate feeding behavior.

5. Offer Warm Prey

Warming insects to room temperature or slightly higher can enhance their movement and attract the gecko’s attention.

6. Lower Lighting Levels

Provide a dimly lit environment during feeding time, as bright lights can inhibit feeding behavior.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Avoid loud noises or sudden movements near the feeding area to minimize distractions.

8. Avoid Overhandling

Excessive handling can stress the gecko and impact its appetite. Avoid frequent handling during feeding.

9. Patience and Persistence

Be patient and persistent in encouraging your gecko to eat. Offer food regularly, even if it’s not immediately accepted.

10. Offer a Variety of Feeding Locations

Change the feeding location or substrate to provide a different sensory experience that may trigger feeding behavior. Consider offering food on a shallow dish or in a hide.

Food Type	Pros	Cons
Crickets	– Easy to obtain – Nutritional value	– Can escape – Can bite
Dubia Roaches	– Less smelly – Can’t climb glass	– Harder to find – May be more expensive
Mealworms	– High in fat – Can be used as a treat	– Low nutritional value – Can burrow

How to Feed Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means that they eat insects. Their diet should consist mainly of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Occasional treats of hard-boiled eggs, baby food, and live bugs like waxworms or black soldier flies can be offered, but they should not make up the majority of the gecko’s diet.

Feeder insects should be gut-loaded before being fed to the gecko. Gut-loading means feeding the insects a nutritious diet that will pass on the nutrients to the gecko. A good gut-loading diet for feeder insects includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercial gut-loading formulas.

Leopard geckos should be fed 2-3 times per week when they are young and growing. As they get older, they can be fed less frequently, such as once or twice per week.

It is important to make sure that the gecko is not overfed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as heart disease and liver disease.