Crested geckos eat various foods like bugs, fruits, and ready-made diets.
But, do you know when’s the best time to feed them?
If not, I’ll explain it in this guide.
- Feed them in the evening because they’re active at night.
- Hatchlings and juveniles: Feed daily, alternating between CGD and live insects.
- Adults and breeders: Feed 3-4 times a week, using the same diet as young geckos.
- Maintain a balanced diet of CGD and live insects.
- Ensure insects are well-fed and supplemented before feeding.
What Time Of The Day Do Crested Geckos Eat?
Crested geckos are most active during the early morning and late evening, which is known as dawn and dusk.
That’s when they usually eat, explore, hunt, and mate.
During the day, they prefer hiding and sleeping in dark and humid places like under leaves, logs, or cork bark.
At night, they might come out and enjoy some moonlight, but they’re not as active as during dawn and dusk.
So, offer food to your crested gecko in the evening, when they are starting to wake up and become active.
You can place their food in a shallow dish or on a ledge, ensuring it’s easy for your gecko to reach and see.
Remember to remove any uneaten food in the morning to prevent spoilage or pests. Also, make sure there’s always fresh water available in a clean, shallow dish.
Tip: To keep an eye on your gecko’s health and growth, use a digital thermometer and a scale to weigh it regularly. This will help you notice any changes or problems.
How Often do Crested Geckos Eat?
The number of times you should feed your crested gecko depends on different things like how old they are, how big they are, how much they move around, and what time of year it is.
In general, younger and smaller geckos need to eat more often than older and bigger geckos because they’re still growing.
Similarly, geckos that are more active and full of energy need to eat more often than geckos that are less active and more relaxed because they use up more energy.
Below is a table that shows when a crested gecko is hungry and when you might be feeding them too much:
| Signs of Hunger | Signs of Overfeeding |
|---|---|
| Licking the empty food dish | Ignoring the food dish |
| Searching for food around the enclosure | Hiding or sleeping most of the time |
| Showing interest in your fingers or other objects | Showing no interest in your fingers or other objects |
| Losing weight or becoming thin | Gaining weight or becoming fat |
F.A.Q.s
Q: What is the typical feeding schedule for crested geckos?
Crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, so they are most active at night.
As a result, they tend to eat during the evening and night hours.
Q: What do crested geckos eat in the wild, and can I replicate this in captivity?
In the wild, crested geckos primarily eat insects, fruit, and nectar.
In captivity, you can offer a diet of crested gecko-specific commercial food, as well as occasional live insects and fruit baby food.
Q: How do I know if my crested gecko is eating enough?
Monitor your gecko’s weight and tail thickness.
A healthy crested gecko should have a plump tail and maintain its weight. Consult a vet if you suspect feeding issues.