Baby Leopard Gecko Feeding: The Complete Guide

So, you've welcomed a tiny, adorable baby leopard gecko into your life? Awesome! These little guys are super rewarding pets, but getting their feeding schedule and diet right is crucial, especially when they're young. Think of this guide as your go-to resource for ensuring your baby leo grows up healthy and strong. We'll cover everything from what to feed them to how often, and even troubleshoot common feeding issues. Let's dive in!

What to Feed Your Baby Leopard Gecko

Alright, let's talk grub! What exactly does a baby leopard gecko need to thrive? Insects, insects, and more insects! These little predators are insectivores, meaning their diet consists solely of bugs. Variety is key to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Here’s a rundown of the best feeder insects for your baby leo:

• Crickets: These are a staple for a reason. They're readily available, relatively inexpensive, and packed with protein. Make sure to gut-load them (feed them nutritious food) before offering them to your gecko. Gut-loading ensures your gecko gets all the vitamins and minerals from the insects. You can gut-load crickets with commercial cricket food, fresh vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, or even a mix of oatmeal and fruits. A good rule of thumb is to gut-load the crickets for at least 24 hours before feeding them to your gecko. Size matters too! For baby leopard geckos, choose crickets that are no larger than the space between their eyes. This prevents choking and makes it easier for them to catch and eat. You can buy crickets at most pet stores or order them online. Some people prefer to breed their own crickets to ensure a constant supply and control over their diet. If you choose to breed crickets, make sure to provide them with a suitable enclosure, food, water, and egg-laying substrate. Proper cricket care will ensure that they are healthy and nutritious for your gecko.
• Mealworms: Another great option, mealworms are easy to keep and offer a good source of fat. However, they shouldn't be the only thing your gecko eats. Mealworms have a hard exoskeleton, so it's best to offer them in moderation to prevent impaction. Like crickets, mealworms should also be gut-loaded before feeding them to your gecko. You can gut-load mealworms with similar foods as crickets, such as commercial cricket food, vegetables, and grains. Mealworms can be kept in a container with wheat bran or oatmeal as bedding. Provide them with a piece of potato or carrot for moisture. Store them in the refrigerator to slow down their development. When you're ready to feed them to your gecko, take out the desired number of mealworms and let them warm up to room temperature for a few minutes. This will make them more active and enticing for your gecko to hunt. Be sure to remove any uneaten mealworms from your gecko's enclosure after feeding to prevent them from burrowing into the substrate.
• Dubia Roaches: Many gecko owners swear by these guys! Dubia roaches are nutritious, easy to breed, and don't smell as bad as crickets. They also don't climb smooth surfaces, making them less likely to escape. Dubia roaches are an excellent source of protein and are relatively easy to digest. They can be gut-loaded with fruits, vegetables, and grains. Dubia roaches require a warm and humid environment to thrive. They can be kept in a plastic container with egg crates for hiding. Provide them with a heat source, such as a heat mat, to maintain a temperature of around 85-90°F. Keep the humidity level around 60-70% by misting the enclosure regularly. Dubia roaches breed readily under these conditions, providing you with a constant supply of feeder insects for your gecko. When feeding Dubia roaches to your gecko, choose appropriately sized roaches that are no larger than the space between their eyes. This will prevent choking and make it easier for your gecko to eat. Dubia roaches are a great addition to your gecko's diet and can help ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
• Waxworms: Think of these as gecko candy! High in fat, waxworms are irresistible to most leos, but should only be offered as an occasional treat. Too many waxworms can lead to obesity. Waxworms are the larvae of wax moths and are very high in fat. They should only be offered as a treat or to entice a picky eater to eat. Waxworms can be kept in a container with honey or wheat bran as bedding. Store them in the refrigerator to slow down their development. When you're ready to feed them to your gecko, take out the desired number of waxworms and let them warm up to room temperature for a few minutes. This will make them more active and enticing for your gecko to hunt. Be careful not to overfeed waxworms, as they can be addictive to geckos and lead to obesity. Offer them sparingly, no more than once or twice a week. Waxworms can be a useful tool to get a gecko to eat, but they should not be a staple in their diet.

Important Note: Never feed your leopard gecko wild-caught insects. These can carry parasites or be exposed to pesticides, which can be harmful to your pet.

How Often to Feed Your Baby Leopard Gecko

Baby leopard geckos have a voracious appetite! They're growing rapidly and need plenty of food to fuel that growth. Here’s a general guideline:

• 0-6 Months Old: Feed them daily. Offer as many appropriately sized insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period. This usually means 5-10 insects per feeding.
• 6-12 Months Old: You can start to reduce the frequency to every other day. Continue to offer as many insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period.

Always monitor your gecko's body condition. A healthy baby leo should have a slightly rounded belly and a thick tail. If they're looking too skinny, increase the amount of food you're offering. If they're starting to look overweight, cut back a bit. Adjusting the feeding schedule and amount is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Supplementation: Calcium and Vitamins

Even with a varied diet, baby leopard geckos need supplemental calcium and vitamins to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD). This is a serious condition that can cause deformities and even death.

• Calcium: Dust their insects with calcium powder at almost every feeding. Use a calcium supplement with D3, as D3 helps them absorb the calcium. Without enough D3, they can't properly use the calcium, even if they're getting plenty in their diet. You can also leave a small dish of calcium powder (without D3) in their enclosure at all times, allowing them to self-regulate their calcium intake.
• Multivitamin: Dust their insects with a multivitamin powder once or twice a week. This ensures they're getting all the other essential vitamins and minerals they need.

Feeding Techniques and Tips

Okay, now for the nitty-gritty of how to actually get those bugs into your gecko's belly!

• Tong Feeding: This is a great way to ensure your gecko is eating and to monitor their intake. Use soft-tipped feeding tongs to offer the insects. Gently wiggle the insect in front of your gecko to entice them to strike. Some geckos are shy and may take a while to get used to tong feeding, but most will eventually learn to associate the tongs with food.
• Loose Feeding: You can also release the insects into the enclosure and let your gecko hunt them. This provides enrichment and allows them to exercise their natural hunting instincts. However, it can be difficult to monitor how much they're eating with this method. Make sure the enclosure is relatively free of obstacles that the insects can hide under, and remove any uneaten insects after a few hours to prevent them from stressing your gecko.
• Feeding Dish: Some geckos will readily eat from a dish. This can be a good option for mealworms or Dubia roaches, as it prevents them from escaping and burrowing into the substrate. Choose a dish that is shallow enough for your gecko to easily access the insects. You can also use a feeding dish in conjunction with tong feeding, offering a few insects in the dish and then using tongs to entice your gecko to eat.

Other Helpful Tips:

• Feed at Dusk or Dawn: Leopard geckos are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during twilight hours. This is the best time to offer them food.
• Keep the Insects Moving: Geckos are more likely to strike at moving prey. If the insects are sluggish, try gently tapping the container to get them moving.
• Be Patient: Some geckos are picky eaters or take time to adjust to a new environment. Don't get discouraged if your gecko doesn't eat right away. Keep offering food and eventually they'll come around.

Troubleshooting Common Feeding Problems

Even with the best care, you might encounter some feeding problems with your baby leopard gecko. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Refusal to Eat: This can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, illness, or improper temperatures. Check your gecko's enclosure to make sure the temperature gradient is correct. Make sure they have a warm side and a cool side, and that the basking spot is around 90-95°F. If the temperature is too low, they may not be able to properly digest their food. Also, make sure your gecko has access to fresh, clean water at all times. If your gecko is still refusing to eat after checking the temperature and water, consult with a veterinarian.
• Regurgitation: This can be a sign of overfeeding, impaction, or illness. If your gecko regurgitates their food, reduce the amount you're offering and make sure the insects are appropriately sized. If the problem persists, consult with a veterinarian. Regurgitation can be a serious issue and should not be ignored.
• Weight Loss: This can be a sign of underfeeding, illness, or parasites. If your gecko is losing weight, increase the amount of food you're offering and make sure they're getting enough calcium and vitamins. If the problem persists, consult with a veterinarian. Weight loss can be a serious issue and should be addressed promptly.

Conclusion

Feeding a baby leopard gecko might seem daunting at first, but with a little knowledge and patience, you'll become a pro in no time! Remember, a varied diet of gut-loaded insects, proper supplementation, and a consistent feeding schedule are key to ensuring your little friend grows up healthy and happy. Keep an eye on their body condition, adjust their diet as needed, and don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you have any concerns. Enjoy watching your baby leo thrive! These little guys are amazing and provide years of fun. Happy gecko keeping!