Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms? (The Answer May Surprise You!)

Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms?

Crested geckos are popular pets for a variety of reasons. They’re relatively easy to care for, they’re not very large, and they’re quite hardy. But one question that often comes up is: what do crested geckos eat?

One of the most common foods offered to crested geckos is mealworms. But are mealworms actually a good food for crested geckos? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value of mealworms and whether or not they’re a good choice for crested geckos.

We’ll also discuss some other options for feeding crested geckos, so you can make sure your pet is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms?

| Mealworms | Yes | No |
|—|—|—|
| Nutritional value | High in protein and calcium | Low in nutrients |
| Size | Small enough for crested geckos to eat | Too large for crested geckos to eat |
| Safety | Safe for crested geckos to eat | Can be harmful to crested geckos if eaten in large quantities |

What are Mealworms?

Definition

Mealworms are the larval stage of the darkling beetle, a type of beetle that is found in temperate regions around the world. They are a popular food item for reptiles, birds, and other animals, and are also used as fishing bait. Mealworms are about an inch long and have a brown or tan body with a hard exoskeleton. They are a good source of protein and fat, and they are also high in calcium and other minerals.

Nutritional value

Mealworms are a good source of protein, fat, and calcium. They also contain vitamins A, B, and E, as well as iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Mealworms are a good way to supplement the diet of your Crested Gecko, and they can help to keep your gecko healthy and strong.

Safety for Crested Geckos

Mealworms are safe for Crested Geckos to eat. They are a natural food source for these geckos, and they are a good way to supplement their diet. However, it is important to make sure that the mealworms are clean and free of parasites. You should also avoid giving your gecko too many mealworms, as this can lead to obesity.

Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms?

In the wild

In the wild, Crested Geckos eat a variety of insects, including mealworms. Mealworms are a good source of protein and fat, and they are also high in calcium. Crested Geckos will typically eat as many mealworms as they can find, and they will store any extra mealworms for later.

In captivity

In captivity, Crested Geckos can also be fed mealworms. Mealworms are a good way to supplement the diet of your gecko, and they can help to keep your gecko healthy and strong. However, it is important to make sure that the mealworms are clean and free of parasites. You should also avoid giving your gecko too many mealworms, as this can lead to obesity.

Here are some tips for feeding mealworms to your Crested Gecko:

  • Buy mealworms from a reputable source.
  • Make sure the mealworms are clean and free of parasites.
  • Store the mealworms in a cool, dry place.
  • Feed your gecko as many mealworms as it can eat in about 10 minutes.
  • Remove any uneaten mealworms from the enclosure after about 24 hours.

Mealworms are a good source of nutrition for Crested Geckos, and they can help to keep your gecko healthy and strong. However, it is important to make sure that the mealworms are clean and free of parasites, and that you are not feeding your gecko too many mealworms.

Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms?

Crested geckos are insectivorous lizards that typically eat a diet of small insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Mealworms are a good source of protein and other nutrients for crested geckos, and they are a popular choice for captive geckos.

Mealworms are a type of beetle larvae that are sold as food for reptiles, amphibians, and birds. They are a good source of protein, fat, and calcium, and they are also high in chitin, which is a type of fiber that is good for digestion.

Crested geckos can eat mealworms of all sizes, but it is important to make sure that the mealworms are not too large for the gecko to eat. Mealworms should be no larger than the width of the gecko’s head.

Mealworms can be fed to crested geckos live or dead. Live mealworms are more stimulating for the gecko, but they can also be more difficult to control. Dead mealworms are easier to handle, but they may not be as nutritious as live mealworms.

Crested geckos should be fed mealworms two to three times per week. The amount of mealworms that a gecko eats will depend on its size and activity level. A small gecko will only need to eat a few mealworms per feeding, while a larger gecko may need to eat more.

Mealworms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They should be kept in a sealed container to prevent them from escaping.

How to Feed Mealworms to Crested Geckos

There are a few different ways to feed mealworms to crested geckos. The best way to feed mealworms will depend on the individual gecko’s preferences.

One way to feed mealworms is to place them in a dish or bowl in the gecko’s enclosure. The gecko will be able to find the mealworms and eat them at its own pace. This method is the most natural way to feed mealworms, but it can be messy.

Another way to feed mealworms is to use a feeding tong. The gecko can be held in one hand while the mealworms are placed in its mouth with the other hand. This method allows you to control the amount of mealworms that the gecko eats, and it can also be less messy than using a dish or bowl.

Some crested geckos will also eat mealworms that are hand-fed to them. This can be a fun way to interact with your gecko, but it can also be dangerous if the gecko bites you.

How often

Crested geckos should be fed mealworms two to three times per week. The amount of mealworms that a gecko eats will depend on its size and activity level. A small gecko will only need to eat a few mealworms per feeding, while a larger gecko may need to eat more.

How much

The amount of mealworms that a crested gecko eats will depend on its size and activity level. A small gecko will only need to eat a few mealworms per feeding, while a larger gecko may need to eat more.

As a general rule, you should feed your gecko as many mealworms as it will eat in a 10-minute period. If the gecko leaves any mealworms behind, you should remove them from the enclosure.

How to prepare

Mealworms do not need to be prepared before feeding them to crested geckos. However, you may want to remove the heads of the mealworms before feeding them to your gecko. This will make it easier for the gecko to eat the mealworms.

You can also dust the mealworms with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your gecko. This will help to ensure that your gecko is getting the calcium that it needs.

Potential Problems with Feeding Mealworms to Crested Geckos

There are a few potential problems that can occur when feeding mealworms to crested geckos. These problems include:

  • Impact on health
  • Impact on behavior

Impact on health

Mealworms can be a healthy food for crested geckos, but they can also pose some health risks if they are not fed properly.

One potential problem is that mealworms can carry parasites. These parasites can be harmful to crested geckos if they are ingested. To avoid this problem, you should always purchase mealworms from a reputable source.

Another potential problem is that mealworms can be

Do Crested Geckos Eat Mealworms?

Yes, crested geckos can eat mealworms. Mealworms are a good source of protein and calcium for crested geckos, and they are a popular feeder insect for this species. However, it is important to note that mealworms should only be fed to crested geckos as a treat, and they should not make up the majority of their diet.

How often should I feed my crested gecko mealworms?

Crested geckos should be fed mealworms every other day or so. The exact frequency of feeding will depend on the size and age of your gecko. It is important to make sure that your gecko is not overfed, as this can lead to health problems.

What size mealworms should I feed my crested gecko?

The size of the mealworms you feed your crested gecko will depend on the size of your gecko. Generally, you should feed your gecko mealworms that are about the same size as the space between their eyes.

How do I prepare mealworms for my crested gecko?

Mealworms do not need to be prepared before feeding them to your crested gecko. However, you can lightly dust them with a calcium supplement to help ensure that your gecko is getting the nutrients it needs.

Can I feed my crested gecko other insects besides mealworms?

Yes, you can feed your crested gecko other insects besides mealworms. Some good options include crickets, roaches, and waxworms. It is important to vary your gecko’s diet so that it gets a variety of nutrients.

What if my crested gecko doesn’t eat mealworms?

There are a few reasons why your crested gecko might not be eating mealworms. First, make sure that the mealworms are the right size for your gecko. Second, make sure that the mealworms are fresh and not dead. Third, try offering your gecko other insects to see if it prefers something else. If your gecko still refuses to eat, you should take it to a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

crested geckos can eat mealworms, but they should not be the only food source. Mealworms are a good source of protein and calcium, but they are also high in fat. Crested geckos should also be fed a variety of other foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and insects. By providing a varied diet, you can help your crested gecko stay healthy and happy.

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Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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