Feed two crickets for every inch of a leopard gecko's body length.
To properly feed a leopard gecko, offer two crickets for every inch of its body length per meal. Juvenile geckos require daily feedings to support their rapid growth, while healthy adults only need to eat every two to three days. Always choose crickets smaller than the width between the gecko's eyes.
Feeding Frequency Based on Age
- Hatchlings (0-2 months): These young lizards require daily feedings of 5 to 10 small crickets to ensure they develop properly and gain weight.
- Juveniles (2-12 months): Growing geckos should eat every day. Offer 10 to 15 crickets per session, depending on their individual appetite and activity level.
- Adults (Over 12 months): Mature geckos only need to eat two or three times per week. Provide 6 to 12 large crickets during each scheduled meal.
Feeding Requirement Comparison
| Life Stage | Feeding Frequency | Typical Cricket Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | Every Day | 5 - 10 Crickets |
| Juvenile | Every Day | 10 - 20 Crickets |
| Adult | 2-3 Times Weekly | 6 - 12 Crickets |
Selecting the Proper Cricket Size
Choosing the correct prey size is vital for preventing choking or digestive blockages in reptiles.
- Measure the space between the gecko's eyes with a ruler or by visual estimation.
- Ensure the length of the cricket is no longer than this measured width.
- Use 1/8-inch crickets for hatchlings and 1/2-inch to 1-inch crickets for fully grown adults.
Essential Preparation and Safety
- Gut Loading: Feed the crickets nutritious greens and grains 24 hours before feeding them to your gecko to boost essential vitamin levels.
- Supplementation: Lightly coat the crickets in a calcium and Vitamin D3 powder during every other feeding to maintain strong bone health.
- Supervision: Watch the gecko during the meal and remove any live crickets that remain after 15 minutes to prevent them from biting the lizard.
Monitoring Nutritional Health
A healthy leopard gecko stores fat reserves in its tail. If the tail appears thin or shriveled, increase the number of crickets provided during each session. If the gecko becomes lethargic or refuses food for more than a week, consult a professional for health guidance.