Western banded geckos may not appear to be predators, but they feed on venomous scorpions. According to a new study, these geckos use an aggressive technique that can immobilize their prey before it’s consumed, potentially leading to death for the scorpion.
“Geckos tend to be quiet and calm, but when they hunt scorpions they become violent ‘berserkers’ who shake the scorpion in an effort to subdue it,” study lead author Jonathan Whitford explained in an email to Live Science.
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Complete Gecko Diet (CGD) or Meal Replacement Powder (MRP)
The Complete Gecko Diet (CGD) or Meal Replacement Powder (MRP) is an efficient way to provide all the nutrients a crested gecko needs. These powders typically include fruits, vegetables and insects but also protein supplements for added nutritional support.
Crested geckos are omnivores and need a variety of foods for their wellbeing. Fruit should form the bulk of their diet as it provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Fruits that are beneficial for cresties to eat include berries, grapes, bananas and pomegranates. These can be fed in small chunks, mashed or blended into a smoothie-like consistency.
It’s essential to note that certain fruits are high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so adding a calcium supplement to their diet is recommended. This is especially pertinent for crested geckos since they often develop metabolic bone disease which can be debilitating and painful.
Live Food
Crested geckos don’t necessarily need live food, but adding it to their diet can be beneficial. They enjoy hunting for prey and eating insects or other bugs provides them with a natural incentive to hunt.
Some keepers provide their crested geckos with a combination of commercially prepared lizard food and pet insects as part of their diet. The most popular blend involves three nights per week of commercial food (such as crested gecko paste) and pet insects on the other nights.
Insects
Insects are beneficial in many ways, including as a source of calcium and protein. Furthermore, they make an ideal treat for geckos who don’t enjoy other foods.
Crickets make a nutritious insect to offer your geckos, though they may be difficult to digest for some. Crickets provide protein, calcium and vitamins.
Another great alternative to mealworms and superworms are waxworms. These maggots have less chitin than mealworms, making them more palatable to cresties.
Your crested gecko can benefit greatly from these sources of calcium and protein, so it’s best to supplement their diet twice weekly with a calcium supplement. Be sure to avoid calcium powder that contains phosphorus since this makes it harder for your gecko to absorb necessary calcium for healthy bones.
In addition to insects, your gecko can enjoy a variety of fruits as a treat. Try mashed bananas, mangos, apricots, papayas and other fruits that have an abundant calcium:phosphorus ratio.
Fruit
The clark’s gecko diet consists of only the finest organic fruits and vegetables available. These nutritious veggies are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal wellness.
Fruit can be beneficial to clark’s gecko’s diet for many reasons, including the additional vitamins C and potassium it offers. Furthermore, fruit provides a source of calcium which is essential for their health and growth.
Keep in mind that many fruits you’ll find at your local supermarket are not suitable for your crested gecko. They may contain high levels of oxalic acid or phosphorus, both of which are harmful to them.
Before giving any fruit to your crested gecko, always ensure it has been thoroughly washed as the peel may contain bacteria and pesticides. Common fruits your crested gecko may enjoy include bananas, kiwis, mangoes and passion fruit.
