A leopard gecko is a gorgeous animal. Its name is self-explanatory. The leopard gecko has black marks on its bright yellow or orange skin, very much like a leopard. And yet, they are quite docile and make for great pets. If you have a penchant for exotic animals and consider taking a leopard gecko as a pet, you already must have questions relating to what do leopard geckos eat. Read on to find out.
Why Is a Suitable Diet Plan Essential for Your Leopard Gecko's Health?
Leopard Geckos bred in captivity have to be fed the same diet as their wild counterparts, who are native to Southern Asia's deserts. They should get their recommended diet during the period of growth so that they grow up to be healthy adults capable of living their complete lifespan. Feeding a leopard gecko food unsuitable for it will result in poor immunity and a weak digestive system.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Leopard Geckos Are Carnivorous
While some reptiles are omnivorous and may feed on leafy greens or fruits, leopard geckos do not feed on greens at all and are strictly carnivorous. Their diet consists of insects like moths, dubia roaches, crickets, and worms. They should be fed live and not dead. Some leopard geckos will not even touch dead insects.
Know When To Feed
After you know what do leopard geckos eat, it’s time to determine their bite sizes. The diet quantity is essential, and overeating is not suitable for your pet. A baby gecko should be fed daily. Once it becomes an adult, feed it every alternate day. Leopard geckos are slower reptiles than many other animals of the lizard family, so their diet should be somewhat restricted in comparison to others.
What Is the Right Quantity?
You have to know about the right quantity to feed your leopard gecko. Dubia roaches, which happen to be their absolute favorite, should be fed in proportion to their body length. So if your gecko has grown six inches long, you can feed them twelve roaches. Smaller geckos should be fed the smallest roaches while the adult geckos can feed on the full-grown ones.
Use of Mineral Supplement
While dubia roaches and other insects like worms are a rich protein source, you might need some extra supplements for a more wholesome diet. The best way to do this is to lightly coat the dubia roaches or the crickets with some mineral powder. Please put them in a can, sprinkle the powder on them, and give it a shake. Then feed it to your leopard gecko. This is especially important for growing geckos, and the supplement will provide them with the required vitamins and other micronutrients.
Most people fall in love with leopard geckos because of their spectacular looks, and a good diet is essential to maintain their skin. Also, make sure that along with the diet, they also have an enclosure simulating their natural habitat and lots of fluids, and they are sure to grow big and strong.
