Signs Your Crested Gecko Is Hungry

Crested gecko is a very cute and easy-to-care-for reptile.

But one common issue people encounter is figuring out the right way to feed them and determining if they are hungry.

Unlike some other reptiles, crested geckos do not have obvious signs of hunger, such as licking their lips or begging for food.

In this article, I will explain how to feed a crested gecko, how to tell if it is hungry, and what to do if it is not eating enough or eating too much.

Let’s dive in…

Signs Your Crested Gecko Is Hungry

Here are the detailed guidelines:

1) Your Crested Gecko Is Biting and jumping

About three years ago, when I got my first gecko, I was a bit confused. It kept biting the walls and jumping at my finger, which made me nervous.

I thought it might be sick.

So, I decided to call a vet for help, and here’s what he explained:

“When a crested gecko gets hungry, it tends to become more aggressive. It may bite at anything that moves, like your fingers, the walls of its enclosure, or even its own tail. Sometimes, it also jumps around a lot, trying to catch anything that looks like food.”

So, if you notice any of these signs, it means your gecko is hungry and eagerly looking for food.

2) Your Crested Gecko Is Licking and sniffing

Crested geckos use their tongue to explore and check out their surroundings.

Sometimes, they might lick and sniff around their enclosure, searching for food or water.

This is a normal thing for crested geckos to do. However, if you see them doing it a lot or seeming restless, it’s a sign that they’re hungry or thirsty.

Also, pay attention to how they react to their food bowl.

If they eagerly lick the bowl or try to eat from it right away, feed them. But if they ignore the food bowl or show no interest, it means they’re either full or not in the mood to eat.

How to Feed a Hungry Crested Gecko Correctly

If your crested gecko is hungry, here are some tips to make sure they’re well-fed and healthy.

1) Offer a Variety of Foods

Give your gecko a mix of foods.

Use a high-quality crested gecko diet like Pangea or Repashy, but also offer fresh fruits like bananas, mangoes, papayas, or figs.

These fruits are rich in natural sugars and water.

You can also give them some insects like crickets, dubia roaches, or wax worms for extra protein and calcium.

Just don’t overdo it with insects as it can lead to obesity.

2) Supplement with Insects

Insects are part of their natural diet.

Feeding them insects once or twice a week can provide extra nutrients and stimulate their hunting instincts.

But avoid mealworms or superworms, as their hard shells can be problematic.

Also, dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding.

3) Adjust the Feeding Schedule

Crested geckos are active at night, so feed them in the evening or at night.

Keep an eye on how much they eat and how often.

You can weigh their food before and after to monitor their intake. If they’re not eating from their bowl, use a spoon or syringe.

Feed them every other day or every two days, depending on their age and size, to maintain their health.

Don’t overfeed or underfeed, as both can cause problems.

F.A.Q.s

Q: Why is my crested gecko getting hungry frequently?

One common reason is not getting the right food.

Crested geckos eat both plants and animals.

You can feed them special diets made for crested geckos, like Pangea or Repashy, which have all the nutrients they need.

However, some may not like the taste or texture of these diets and may want more variety, like fresh fruits or insects.

Q: How much food should I give my crested gecko?

The amount of food you should give your crested gecko depends on their age and size.

A general rule of thumb is to give them enough food that they can finish in one night.

You can use a digital scale to weigh their food before and after feeding them and adjust the amount accordingly.

Q: How often should I change my crested gecko’s food?

Change your crested gecko’s food every day or every other day, depending on how much they eat and how fresh the food is.

Regularly remove any uneaten food from their enclosure, clean their bowl, and provide fresh water. (This is a must)