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The family Gekkonidae includes small to medium-sized lizards known as geckos. One of the most diverse groups of reptiles, geckos have around 1,600 different species. With the exception of Antarctica, they are present on all continents. What then do geckos consume? Geckos are predatory creatures. Their tongues are used to slurp up viscous fluids from joints in ceilings or floorboards, where these creatures may hide at night. They devour a variety of insects, tiny rodents, and other food.
The capacity of geckos to scale vertical surfaces and even walk upside down on ceilings is widely known. The Gecko is able to reach seemingly unreachable heights thanks to the millions of microscopic setae structures, which resemble small hairs and are located on their toes. Geckos’ long tails serve as a counterweight and enable them to sprint quickly and turn.
What Do Geckos Eat?
The majority of geckos are carnivorous, however certain species can also eat both plant matter and animal products. When you think about it, baby lizards are not particularly “picky” when it comes to feeding; at first, they prefer insects over other things.
Unique lizards called geckos exist in the wild. Most never chose carrion as food because they prefer eating prey that they can catch with their teeth and claws! What or how much a gecko will eat depends on the local environment; some may only eat once daily, while others may consume enough food for many days at once (or even weeks). This amazing species has a lot more to offer. For instance, did you know that geckos have a defense mechanism whereby they can lower their tails? And that they are among the few reptiles that can actually vocalize?
Discover everything there is to know about these amazing lizards, including what food geckos consume and which foods work best for keeping them as pets.
What Do Wild Geckos Eat?
The majority of geckos are carnivorous in the wild and will consume various insects, spiders, and other tiny arthropods. Some species, like the leopard gecko, can eat both animal and plant stuff, though. A wild gecko’s diet will vary depending on its species and the food sources available to it.
For instance, day geckos (Phelsuma spp.) are indigenous to Madagascar and other close-by Indian Ocean islands. The primary food sources for these geckos, which are active during the day, are insects and other invertebrates. Moths, crickets, cockroaches, and other minute insects make up their food.
The Tokay gecko, sometimes known as the Gekko gecko, is a nighttime active species that is native to Southeast Asia. This nocturnal species eats small vertebrates like lizards, snakes, and rodents in addition to its main diet of insects.
What Do Captive Pet Geckos Eat?
Geckos kept as pets should be fed a food that is representative of their natural diet. As a result, most pet geckos will need to eat insects and other small invertebrates as part of their diet. Nevertheless, depending on the species, some captive pet geckos may also consume plant material or other foods. What to feed your pet geckos is listed below:
Crickets:
Geckos kept as pets frequently eat crickets, which are easily found in pet stores. That isn’t because they are the healthiest; rather, it is because it is simpler for you to care for or breed them as a hobby.
Mealworms:
In addition to being an eye-catching creature, leopard geckos have an extraordinary sense of taste. Mealworms are a good way to test this because some house cats find them to be too big for them while others find them to be wonderful.
Wax Worms and Super Worms:
Although less often, wax worms and super worms can occasionally offer excellent snacks for your pet gecko. As they are high in fat, just be careful to serve them in moderation.
Flies:
Fruit flies and other tiny insects offer suitable treats for pet geckos on occasion. They are a good source of food for growing baby lizards. Another great meal for pet geckos is flies. They are simple to capture and provide a wholesome food for your pet. Simply remember to take the wings off before giving them to your gecko.
How to Feed Your Gecko?
The simplest method is to buy live insects from your neighborhood pet store. Then, you can give these insects to your gecko every day. You can also buy frozen or freeze-dried insects from your neighborhood pet store if you don’t feel comfortable feeding live insects to your gecko. When necessary, you can thaw out these insects to feed to your gecko.
You might even try breeding your own insects. In your home, you are allowed to keep a small colony of insects. Then, you can frequently feed your gecko with these insects. A fantastic approach to reduce the expense of pet food is to breed your own insects.
You can provide a range of fruits and vegetables to your gecko in addition to live or frozen insects. You can break up these items into small pieces and feed your gecko one of these per day.
Although feeding your gecko can be a lovely experience, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Some people advise utilizing newspaper instead of paper towels alone if you don’t want them to consume sand or other substrates that could harm their digestive system by causing gut impaction issues.
What Not To Feed Your Pet Gecko?
There are several things you shouldn’t feed your gecko, just like you wouldn’t feed any other animal. While some of these meals might not be healthful, others might be detrimental to your pet. Before giving your gecko any food, it’s important to do some study on their unique needs.
Avoid giving your gecko anything like avocados, citrus fruits, chocolate, fast food, and spicy meals.
You should also refrain from giving your gecko insects that have been sprayed with pesticides or other toxins, in addition to these diets. Avoiding these chemicals can protect your pet from potential injury.
It’s crucial to provide your gecko with a range of foods when feeding him. This will guarantee that your pet receives the nutrients required for continued health. Additionally, a diversified diet can assist your gecko stay interested in their food.
Conclusion
Additionally, read:
What Eat Crows? 10 Typical Crow Foods
What Consume Warthogs? A full 2022 guide
What Do Hummingbird Babies Eat?
What Do Young Foxes Consume?
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FAQ
Should I leave a gecko in my house?
Many enjoy their presence in their houses since they are helpful visitors who are effective at controlling bug infestations. They typically consume insects that are attracted to light sources in and near homes throughout the hours of darkness and dawn.
Where do geckos hide in houses?
They are most readily located near porch lights or in building corners (where walls meet or where a wall meets the roof or ceiling). Geckos also enjoy hiding under downspouts or other items that provide a small opening near to a building wall.
How do you find a lost gecko in your house?
The room it is housed in should be your first point of search. If you’ve looked everywhere in the room and still can’t find it, you must now broaden your search. Look under every piece of furniture in the house with a flashlight in your hand. Look upward on the walls and windows for arboreal geckos.
How long can a gecko live in your house?
roughly 7 years
What does a gecko eat?
Most geckos are insectivores and require a diet of crickets, waxworms, earthworms, mealworms, fruit flies, moths, or grasshoppers provided every two to four days. These include leopard geckos, African fat-tailed geckos, tokays, house, flying, cave, and frog-eyed geckos. Pinkie or young mice are also favorites of some adult geckos.