A leopard gecko should eat 6-10 appropriately sized crickets every 2-3 days (juveniles) or 5-7 crickets 2-3 times weekly (adults).
Leopard geckos' cricket intake depends on age, size, and health. Juveniles (under 1 year) need daily protein for growth, while adults thrive on fewer feedings. Always match cricket size to the gecko's head width (no wider than the space between their eyes) to prevent impaction or regurgitation.
Feeding Guidelines by Age
- Hatchlings (0-3 months): 3-5 tiny crickets (<¼ inch) daily.
- Juveniles (3-12 months): 6-10 small crickets (<½ inch) every 2-3 days.
- Adults (1+ years): 5-7 medium crickets (½-¾ inch) 2-3 times weekly.
- Gravid females: Increase to 8-10 crickets every other day for egg production.
Key Feeding Rules
- Size matters: Crickets longer than the gecko's head can cause impaction.
- Gut-load crickets: Feed crickets nutritious foods (leafy greens, squash) 24 hours before offering them.
- Dust with supplements: Use calcium (with D3) 2-3 times weekly; multivitamin once weekly.
- Remove uneaten crickets: Prevent bites or stress-crickets can harm geckos if left overnight.
- Monitor weight: Obesity (fat tail base) or thinness (visible hips) signals adjustment needs.
Crickets vs. Alternative Feeders: Comparison
| Feeder | Protein (%) | Fat (%) | Feeding Frequency | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crickets | 60-70% | 20-25% | 2-3 times weekly | High protein, stimulates hunting, widely available | Can bite gecko, noisy, short lifespan |
| Mealworms | 50-60% | 15-20% | 1-2 times weekly | Easy to store, long shelf life | Hard exoskeleton (risk of impaction), lower moisture |
| Dubia Roaches | 65-70% | 10-15% | 2 times weekly | Soft exoskeleton, high protein, low odor | Less stimulating for gecko, illegal in some areas |
Signs of Overfeeding or Underfeeding
- Overfeeding:
- Fat deposits behind the head or at the tail base.
- Lethargy or reluctance to move.
- Undigested food in stool (white urates with food particles).
- Underfeeding:
- Visible hip bones or sunken tail base.
- Excessive hunting behavior or aggression.
- Weight loss (>10% in a month).
Preventing Impaction from Crickets
- Use tongs to feed crickets (avoids substrate ingestion).
- House geckos on tile, paper towel, or reptile carpet (never loose particles like sand).
- Provide a warm bath (85°F) for 10-15 minutes if gecko shows signs of constipation.
- Offer hydration via water droplets on the nose or a shallow dish.
When to Adjust Cricket Intake
- Winter months: Reduce feedings by 20-30% (geckos may enter brumation).
- Post-illness: Offer smaller, more frequent meals (e.g., 3 crickets daily) until weight stabilizes.
- Before breeding: Increase protein (add waxworms occasionally) for males and females.
- Shedding: Avoid feeding 24-48 hours before/after to prevent stuck shed or regurgitation.