Introduction to Crested Gecko Diet
Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are unique, fruit-eating lizards that are native to the tropical forests of southern New Caledonia. As pets, they have become very popular for their friendly demeanor, relatively simple habitat needs, and fascinating behaviors. However, in order to keep crested geckos healthy and thriving, it is essential to feed them an appropriate diet that meets all their nutritional requirements.
Understanding what crested geckos eat in the wild provides key insights into developing optimal diets in captivity. With a varied, well-balanced diet, adequate hydration, and attentive feeding routines, crested geckos can live full, active lives up to 20 years.
What Do Crested Geckos Eat In the Wild
In their natural tropical tree habitats, crested geckos are opportunistic nocturnal hunters and foragers. They employ a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, remaining fairly inactive during the day while waiting for dusk. Once awake at night, they lick tree bark and foliage to feed on sap, fruit juices, pollen and nectar.
Crested geckos also feed on a variety of small prey, including moths, crickets, flies and other soft-bodied insects that come within reach. The abundance of fruiting trees and seasonal rainfall impacts prey availability, requiring adaptations to a fluctuating food supply.
Dietary Needs for Pet Crested Geckos
In captivity, the optimal diet for pet crested geckos mirrors key components of their wild regimen. A balanced mix of high-quality commercial crested gecko diet, live insects, plain calcium supplements and various fruits keeps them nourished.
Commercially formulated powdered or gel crested gecko meals provide a nutritionally complete base containing proteins, vitamins and minerals. Live insects offer enrichment and nutrition not possible from prepared diets alone. Fruits and calcium provide additional variety.
Special Diet Considerations for Hatchlings & Juveniles
Crested gecko hatchlings and juveniles under one year old have higher caloric needs to fuel rapid growth. They should be fed more frequently than adults, offered food daily or every other day. At least 2-3 feedings of insects weekly aid proper bone and muscle development.
The easily digestible commercial crested gecko diet mixes support healthy growth when fed in appropriate volumes. Relying solely on insects or fruit early on risks nutrient deficiencies or even impaction issues.
How to Properly Feed Crested Geckos
Feeder Insects
Crickets, small mealworms, Hydei fruit flies and diminished wing roaches make excellent feeder insects. Gut load them with nutritious foods like leafy greens, carrots, sweet potato 1-2 days before feeding off to crested geckos. Lightly coat insects in plain calcium carbonate before offering 2-3 times weekly.
Commercial Diets
Mix commercial formula with purified water until reaching a thick yogurt-like texture. Provide in a small shallow dish 2-3 times per week for juveniles, 1-2 times for adults. Always discard and replace any leftovers after 24 hours.
Fruits
Dice small portions of banana, mango, figs, melons and baby food fruits into bite-sized pieces. Offer 1-2 times weekly. Always monitor waistline for obesity.
Hydration & Water Requirements
Crested geckos gain most hydration from the moisture within their food. Additionally, they lap water droplets condensed on leaves and the terrarium glass from misting 2-3 times daily. Providing a small, shallow water dish also aids hydration though many crested geckos show little interest in standing water.
Ensure humidity inside the terrarium stays around 60-80% to support proper hydration. Dehydration signs include sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, lethargy and urates staining reddish brown or orange. Increase misting duration and frequency while confirming the crested gecko is drinking.
Water Dish Options
Shallow plastic caps or cork bark flats make suitable water containment dishes. Refresh water daily and clean dish thoroughly 2-3 times per week. Position over a paper towel to wick moisture and avoid saturating enclosure substrate underneath.
Always monitor juveniles and recent acquisitions to confirm they are locating and drinking from the dish regularly. Dehydration progresses rapidly in young geckos.
Providing Moist Hide Areas
In addition to regular misting, providing moist hide areas aids hydration by offering drinking spots and environmental enrichment. Place damp sphagnum moss or paper towels inside a small hide. Mist moss to rehydrate as needed.
Increasing Ambient Humidity
Use substrates retaining some moisture like cypress mulch or coconut husk bedding. Pouring water into the drainage layer underneath also lightly boosts humidity levels. Expand misting duration and move the nozzle to contact more terrarium surfaces.
Use of Waterfalls
Some owners choose to install compact, low-flowing waterfalls inside crested gecko enclosures. When tuned properly these provide ambient moisture, white noise and additional drinking access. Ensure water flows over an easy exit route if geckos accidentally fall in.
Troubleshooting Feeding Issues
Sometimes crested geckos may go off feed for periods of time due to stress, life stage changes, seasonal metabolism shifts or underlying illness. Always monitor appetite levels and poop consistency closely for signs of trouble.
Appetite Loss
Attempting different insect varieties, scenting food with fruit puree or gently assist feeding may stimulate appetite. But definite refusal to eat more than a few days warrants an exotic veterinary exam to check for parasites, infections or other issues requiring prompt treatment.
Over Supplementing
Excess calcium or vitamin D3 causes loss of appetite and potential organ damage over time. Carefully follow supplement label instructions and seek input adjusting any off-feed situations.
Husbandry Issues
Double check temperatures, humidity ranges, enclosure clutter level, scent traces from other pets and nearby noise disruption. Correct any environment issues stressing your crested gecko.
Underlying Illness
In addition to parasites and infections, issues like metabolic bone disease, egg binding, obsess issues and trauma deserve exotic vet diagnosis and care. Catch problems early before they become critical.
Post-Purchase Acclimation
Many new crested geckos refrain from eating normally for the first 1-2 weeks after being transported to a novel environment. Patience, minimal handling and offering favorite feeders facilitates adjustment.