The Ultimate Fat-Tailed Geckos Feeding Guide 2023

African Fat-Tailed Geckos have gained popularity as pets due to their unique appearance and docile nature. However, to ensure their health and happiness, it is crucial to provide them with the proper diet. This comprehensive feeding guide will cover everything you need to know about what Fat-Tailed Geckos eat, from their dietary needs to the best feeding practices.

Understanding the Fat-Tailed Gecko’s Diet

African Fat-Tailed Geckos are carnivorous reptiles, which means their primary diet consists of live insects and other invertebrates. In the wild, they feed on a variety of insects, such as crickets, beetles, and worms. In captivity, their diet should mimic their natural food sources, with a focus on live prey and proper supplementation.

Primary Food Sources

1. Crickets: Crickets are the most common food source for Fat-Tailed Geckos, as they are readily available and provide essential nutrients. Crickets should be appropriately sized for the gecko, with smaller crickets for hatchlings and larger crickets for adults.
2. Mealworms: Mealworms are another popular food choice for these geckos. They provide essential nutrients and are easy to keep in captivity. However, they should be fed in moderation, as they are higher in fat content compared to crickets.
3. Waxworms: Waxworms can be fed occasionally as a treat, but they should not be a staple food source due to their high-fat content.
4. Silkworms: Silkworms are a nutritious and high-protein food source that can be fed to Fat-Tailed Geckos. They are more challenging to find than crickets or mealworms but can be a valuable addition to your gecko’s diet.
5. Hornworms: Hornworms are an excellent food source for geckos, as they are high in moisture, protein, and calcium. They can be fed occasionally but should not replace crickets or mealworms as a staple food source.
6. Pinky Mice: Pinky mice can be fed to adult Fat-Tailed Geckos occasionally as a treat. However, they should not be a primary food source, as they are high in fat and can lead to obesity.

Supplementation

Proper supplementation is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of your Fat-Tailed Gecko. The following supplements should be used in conjunction with a diet of live prey:

1. Calcium: Calcium powder should be dusted onto the insects at every feeding to ensure proper bone growth and prevent metabolic bone disease.
2. Vitamin D3: Fat-Tailed Geckos require vitamin D3 to help them metabolize calcium. This can be provided through dusting the insects with a vitamin D3 supplement or by using a UVB light source in their enclosure.
3. Multivitamin: A reptile-specific multivitamin should be dusted on the insects once a week to provide essential nutrients that may not be present in their primary food sources.

Feeding Schedule and Frequency

The feeding schedule for Fat-Tailed Geckos will vary depending on their age and size. It is essential to monitor your gecko’s weight and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly.

1. Hatchlings: Hatchlings under four months of age should be fed five appropriately sized crickets daily.
2. Juveniles: Juveniles should be fed nine crickets or mealworms three times a week.
3. Adults: Adult Fat-Tailed Geckos should be fed nine crickets or mealworms three times a week. The food items can be slightly larger than those fed to juveniles.

Uneaten prey should be removed from the enclosure within a few hours if your gecko does not consume them.

Feeding Techniques

There are various techniques that can be used when feeding your Fat-Tailed Gecko:

1. Hand Feeding: Hand feeding can help build trust and rapport between you and your gecko. To hand feed, simply hold the insect in front of the gecko using a pair of tweezers or your fingers.
2. Feeding Dish: A shallow feeding dish can be used to provide mealworms or other insects. This method can help prevent the insects from escaping and hiding in the enclosure.
3. Free Roam: Crickets can be released into the enclosure, allowing the gecko to hunt and capture its prey. This method encourages natural hunting behaviors and provides mental stimulation.

Water and Hydration

African Fat-Tailed Geckos require fresh water to maintain proper hydration. A shallow water dish should always be available in their enclosure. The water should be changed daily to ensure cleanliness and prevent bacterial growth.

In addition to providing a water dish, misting the enclosure a few times a week can help maintain adequate humidity levels and encourage the gecko to drink.

Monitoring Your Gecko’s Health

It is essential to monitor your Fat-Tailed Gecko’s health and adjust their diet as needed. Signs of a healthy gecko include:

1. Regular appetite and consumption of food
2. Normal shedding
3. Consistent weight and body condition
4. Alert and active behavior

If you notice any changes in your gecko’s health or behavior, consult a reptile veterinarian for guidance.

Common Feeding Mistakes and Tips

When caring for a Fat-Tailed Gecko, it is essential to avoid common feeding mistakes and follow best practices:

1. Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. Monitor your gecko’s weight and adjust their feeding schedule as needed.
2. Underfeeding: Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth. Ensure that your gecko is receiving the proper amount of food and supplements.
3. Feeding Inappropriate Food: Only feed your gecko live insects and avoid feeding them any fruits, vegetables, or other foods not suitable for their diet.
4. Not Providing Supplements: Failure to provide proper supplementation can result in health issues such as metabolic bone disease. Always dust insects with appropriate supplements.
5. Not Monitoring Hydration: Ensure that your gecko has access to clean water and mist their enclosure regularly to maintain proper humidity levels.

Conclusion

African Fat-Tailed Geckos can make excellent pets for those willing to provide them with the proper care and diet. By following this comprehensive feeding guide, you can ensure that your Fat-Tailed Gecko thrives and remains healthy throughout its life. Remember to monitor your gecko’s health, provide appropriate food and supplements, and maintain proper hydration and environmental conditions. With the right care, your Fat-Tailed Gecko can live a long and happy life as a cherished pet.