By Electric Blue Day Geckos, scientifically known as Lygodactylus williamsi, are small, vibrant reptiles native to East Africa, specifically Tanzania. Due to their unique coloration and attractive appearance, these geckos have gained popularity among reptile enthusiasts in recent years. Proper nutrition is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of Electric Blue Day Geckos in captivity. This comprehensive feeding guide offers detailed information on their dietary requirements, feeding schedules, and various food items suitable for these geckos.
Table of Contents
Diet in the Wild
Electric Blue Day Geckos primarily consume a diverse range of insects and nectar in their natural habitat. These diurnal creatures are nectar-eating insectivores, feeding on a variety of small insects such as fruit flies, week-old crickets, curly-winged houseflies, small wax moths, bean beetles, springtails, and woodlice. In addition to insects, nectar from flowers also forms a significant part of their diet in the wild.
Nutritional Requirements
Understanding the nutritional requirements of Electric Blue Day Geckos is essential to ensure their health and longevity in captivity. A balanced diet that includes a variety of insects, nectar, and supplements is crucial for meeting their nutritional needs. Insects fed to the geckos should be gut-loaded, meaning they should be fed a nutritious diet before being offered to the geckos. Gut-loaded insects provide additional vitamins and minerals, enhancing the overall nutritional value of the gecko’s diet.
Protein
The primary source of protein for Electric Blue Day Geckos comes from the insects they consume. Offering a variety of insects ensures that the geckos receive a diverse range of nutrients, mimicking their natural diet in the wild. Common insects fed to Electric Blue Day Geckos include:
- Fruit flies
- Small crickets
- Curly-winged houseflies
- Small wax moths
- Bean beetles
- Springtails
- Woodlice
It is essential to avoid feeding insects longer than 1/4 inch, as larger insects can pose a choking hazard or cause injury to the geckos.
Nectar
In addition to insects, Electric Blue Day Geckos require nectar in their diet. Nectar can be provided in the form of fruit baby food, commercial nectar diets, or a mixture of both. The geckos can be fed nectar substitutes on days when insects are not offered. Fruit baby food can be mixed with commercial nectar products to create a nutritionally balanced nectar substitute.
Calcium and Vitamins
Proper calcium and vitamin supplementation is vital for Electric Blue Day Geckos, particularly for females who require additional calcium for egg production. Calcium supplements should be the primary ingredient in any supplement, with a balance of vitamins and minerals. Commercial reptile supplements, such as the Repashy line, Rep-Cal with D3, and Herptivite, offer a wide variety of choices for calcium and vitamin supplementation.
It is essential to avoid over-supplementing, as it can cause health issues for the geckos. Vitamins and supplements should be used sparingly within a balanced diet.
Feeding Schedule
The frequency of feeding Electric Blue Day Geckos varies depending on their age and reproductive status. Juveniles and new arrivals should be fed daily, as they require more frequent feedings to support their growth and development. Adult geckos can be fed gut-loaded insects four to seven days a week, with enough insects to satisfy each gecko but not so many that any remain in the enclosure after a few hours. Gut-loaded insects lose their nutritional value quickly, so frequent feeding reduces the risk of having too many insects in the enclosure at any one time.
Nectar should be offered on days when insects are not provided. Female geckos preparing for egg-laying should be fed fruit baby food mixture daily and crickets every other day to ensure they receive adequate nutrition for egg production.
Water and Hydration
Proper hydration is critical for Electric Blue Day Geckos, both for maintaining their activity levels and supporting their overall health. Terrarium humidity plays a crucial role in hydration, but geckos also require access to clean, fresh water for drinking. Water can be provided through misting the enclosure two to four times daily, creating droplets for the geckos to lick and drink. Some keepers have observed Electric Blue Day Geckos drinking from shallow water bowls, but be sure to add clean pebbles or a small rock in the water to prevent drowning. Bromeliads can also retain water in their leaf axils, providing a natural water source for the geckos.
Food Preparation and Presentation
Food preparation and presentation are essential aspects of providing proper nutrition for Electric Blue Day Geckos. Insects should be gut-loaded with a nutritious diet before being offered to the geckos. A commercial cricket food can be used as a base, supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruits to enhance the nutritional content of the insects. Insects should be fed continuously until they are offered to the geckos, as dispensing food to feeder insects only hours before feeding is inadequate.
Nectar substitutes can be offered in small quantities on bottle lids. The nectar remains palatable for more than a day if not over-served, and its moisture evaporates after a few hours, leaving a sweet, gooey residue for the geckos to lick. However, excessive fruit nectar can cause mold and rot in the enclosure.
Breeding and Nutritional Demands
Breeding Electric Blue Day Geckos places additional nutritional demands on the geckos, particularly on females who require more calcium and nutrients for egg production. Proper nutrition and supplementation are crucial for successful breeding and maintaining the health of gravid females.
Egg-laying females should be provided with additional calcium, either in the form of a dish with calcium powder or through increased calcium supplementation in their diet. Proper nutrition and supplementation can help ensure healthy egg development and successful reproduction.
Juvenile Nutrition
Juvenile Electric Blue Day Geckos have specific nutritional requirements to support their growth and development. They should be fed daily with a variety of appropriately sized insects, such as pinhead crickets, fruit flies, and woodlice. As they grow, the size and variety of insects offered can be gradually increased to meet their changing nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of Electric Blue Day Geckos in captivity. This comprehensive feeding guide provides detailed information on their dietary requirements, feeding schedules, and various food items suitable for these geckos. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this feeding guide, reptile enthusiasts can ensure that their Electric Blue Day Geckos receive optimal nutrition to thrive and live a healthy, long life.