By Gargoyle geckos are captivating reptiles that make fantastic pets due to their unique appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements. When it comes to feeding your gargoyle gecko, understanding their dietary needs and preferences is crucial to ensure their health and happiness. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about feeding gargoyle geckos, from their preferred diet to the proper preparation of food.
Table of Contents
Gargoyle Geckos’ Natural Diet
Gargoyle geckos are omnivorous creatures, which means they consume both plant and animal-based foods. In the wild, they predominantly feast on insects, soft fruits, and occasionally nectar or sap from trees. Their diet can vary based on their geographical location, with those found in New Caledonia exhibiting a more diverse range of food preferences than those in other regions.
Insects
As insectivores, gargoyle geckos primarily eat insects such as crickets, moths, beetles, and ants. When feeding your gecko live insects, it is essential to ensure that the insects are not too large, as this may cause difficulty in digestion. It’s also crucial to provide a variety of insects to ensure your gecko receives all the necessary nutrients.
Fruits
Though not their primary food source, gargoyle geckos may occasionally consume soft fruits like papayas, figs, blackberries, and raspberries. Offering fruit can provide a nutritious treat for your gecko, but it’s important not to rely on fruit alone for their diet, as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Commercially Prepared Diets
In addition to natural foods, there are several high-quality, commercially prepared diets available for gargoyle geckos. These diets are designed to provide complete nutrition for your gecko and can simplify the feeding process. Some popular brands include:
- Arcadia StickyFootGold
- Pangea
- Repashy
- Black Panther Zoological (BPZ)
- Leapin’ Leachie
- Zoo Med
- Lugarti
When selecting a prepared diet, it’s essential to choose a reputable brand that has undergone extensive testing and contains high-quality ingredients. Avoid lesser-known brands that may contain filler ingredients or lack proper nutrient ratios.
Preparing Powdered Diets
To prepare a powdered diet for your gargoyle gecko, mix the powder with water to create a ketchup or smoothie-like consistency (typically 2-3 parts water per 1 part powder). Offer the food in biodegradable gecko cups and provide a wall-mounted feeding ledge for convenience, as gargoyle geckos often prefer to eat off the ground. Fresh food should be offered every 24 hours for juveniles and every other day for adults.
Supplementing with Insects
While commercially prepared diets are designed to provide complete nutrition, offering live insects can provide additional enrichment for your gargoyle gecko. Feeding insects once a week can help keep your gecko engaged and encourage natural hunting behaviors. Some suitable insects include crickets, roaches, hornworms, and silkworms.
Calcium and Multivitamin Supplements
When feeding insects, it’s essential to dust them with calcium and multivitamin supplements to ensure proper nutrient intake. Popular supplement options include Repashy Calcium Plus and Herptivite. Breeding adults should be offered calcium in a bowl once a month, as females require additional calcium for egg production.
Fruit Treats and Smoothies
As an occasional treat, you can offer your gargoyle gecko fresh fruit or homemade fruit smoothies. Suitable fruits include mango, apricot, papaya, and various berries. Remember that offering fruit too frequently can cause your gecko to become picky and refuse their prepared diet, leading to potential malnutrition.
Hydration and Water
Gargoyle geckos require access to fresh, clean water at all times. Provide water in a small bowl or dish and change it regularly to prevent bacteria growth. Clean the dish often to maintain a sanitary environment.
Feeding Baby Gargoyle Geckos
Baby gargoyle geckos have similar dietary requirements to adults but may require more frequent feedings. Offer a diet of small insects, supplemented with powdered food or pellets. It’s essential to provide food every day or every other day for young geckos.
Handling and Monitoring Food Intake
Handling your gargoyle gecko can help you monitor their food intake and ensure their overall health. Gargoyle geckos are known to “finger paint” with their food, which can cause problems like retained shed and toe constriction when the food dries on their body. Regularly inspect your gecko for stuck food and gently remove it with a wet Q-tip as needed.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid feeding your gargoyle gecko insects that are too large or difficult to digest, as this can cause health problems. Additionally, never offer moldy or spoiled fruit or vegetables, as these can be harmful to your gecko. It’s also crucial to avoid feeding your gecko human baby food or dog food, as these products are not nutritionally suitable for reptiles.
Signs of Illness and Malnutrition
If your gargoyle gecko is not eating or exhibits signs of illness, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent more severe health issues and ensure the wellbeing of your gecko.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and happiness of your gargoyle gecko. By understanding their dietary needs and providing a varied, nutritious diet, you can ensure your gecko thrives in captivity. Always consult a veterinarian or reptile specialist if you have concerns about your gecko’s diet or health.