Crested geckos can be kept on a diet that closely mimics the food they eat in the wild. This approach is called a natural diet.
This diet includes a mix of insects and fruit as a treat. It can be fed a few times a week.
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Crickets
Crickets are small, omnivorous insects that belong to the order Orthoptera and are distantly related to grasshoppers. They are pests that feed on a variety of foods, including pet food, fruit and vegetables.
They are nocturnal and primarily live outdoors, but they can find their way inside homes if nighttime temperatures drop or there is a bright light in the house. They can also be attracted to items that have been soiled by moisture or food, such as clothing and fabric.
Male crickets chirp, which is a type of song that males use to attract mates and repel others. The chirp is produced by the male rubbing a scraper on one forewing against a row of about 50 to 250 teeth on the other.
Crickets are very noisy, especially when chirping, and some can cause damage to your home by chewing on fabrics or other things. These critters are usually harmless, but it is best to have them removed by a professional pest control company if they begin to become a nuisance in your home.
Dubia Roaches
Crested geckos eat a variety of foods, but they mainly consume feeder insects. Feeder insects like crickets and mealworms are a great way to provide your crested gecko with a nutritious diet.
They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, it is best to use a calcium powder supplement before feeding these to ensure your gecko has the right amount of vitamin D3 and other essential minerals.
Dubia roaches are an excellent alternative to feeding crickets because they have a higher nutritional value and are easier to find. They can be offered as a primary crested gecko food or as treats a few times a week to add a bit of variety and to make sure your gecko is getting the nutrition they need.
They are easy to feed to baby and juvenile crested geckos, and you can even place them in a bowl and let your gecko hunt them for themselves. This will help to stimulate your gecko’s natural hunting instincts, as well as encourage it to eat more often.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a popular food source for many reptiles. They can be found at most pet stores, and they’re easy to raise at home if you’re feeling adventurous.
Crested geckos need protein as part of their diet, so mealworms can be a healthy addition to their pangea. Just make sure they’re given as a treat and not as a staple.
Baby worms are also safe for crested geckos, though they don’t have the same high level of protein as adult worms. They’re also higher in fat, which can be problematic for these geckos.
You’ll also want to mix in some crickets and dubia roaches with your mealworms for a little bit of variety, as well as some added nutrients. These insects provide a great source of calcium and vitamin D3 for your gecko, and it’s fun for them to hunt down these prey items!
Apples
Often overlooked by beginner reptile keepers, apples are an excellent pangea food for crested geckos. They are a source of vitamin C, iron and fiber.
Crested geckos are frugivorous lizards that thrive on insects, plants and fruit. They can eat many fruits in the wild, but when kept as pets it is essential to limit fruit intake in moderation.
Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but they have a poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P). They should be fed only as a treat or when paired with other suitable fruits that have a higher or moderate Ca:P ratio.
Crested geckos can be fed apples as a special treat once or twice a month. They can be prepared into a fine paste or puree and then filled into their feeding bowls.
