Key Takeaway:
- Gargoyle geckos in captivity should have a diet that resembles their natural diet, consisting of insects, and fruits.
- Commercially available gecko food formulas can be a supplement but should only replace live food partially.
- Gut-loading the insects with nutritious food before feeding them to your gargoyle gecko enhances their nutritional value.
- This process involves feeding the insects a nutritious diet to pass those nutrients onto your gecko, ensuring they receive optimal nutrition from their live food source.
- Offering a varied diet of appropriately sized live insects ensures a balanced intake of proteins and other essential nutrients for gargoyle geckos. This promotes their overall health and well-being.
- The feeding frequency for gargoyle geckos varies based on their life stage.
This comprehensive guide explores the perfect blend of insects, nutrient-rich fruits, and commercial food that forms the diet of a gargoyle gecko.
We will also discuss how to prepare food for your gargoyle geckos, along with feeding schedules for different life stages and the key to keeping your geckos healthy.
So, to ensure you’re providing the best nutrition for your gargoyle gecko, read on to discover why live food is a vital part of their diet.
Gargoyle Gecko Diet In Captivity
When caring for your gargoyle gecko, understanding their dietary needs is essential. In captivity, you should strive to provide a diet that resembles their natural one.
Gargoyle geckos thrive on a balanced diet of insects, and fruits.
Insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms serve as a protein-packed main course, while occasionally adding fruits will add a nutritious touch.
It’s important to vary the types of insects offered to ensure a diverse nutrient intake.
What Do Gargoyle Geckos Eat In The Wild?
In their natural habitat, gargoyle geckos have quite an eclectic palate. Their wild menu consists of insects and fruits. These little hunters feast on a variety of insects, including crickets, roaches, and mealworms.
But it doesn’t stop there! Fruits provide them with essential vitamins and minerals, while nectar adds a touch of sweetness to their diet.
This diverse range of food sources ensures that gargoyle geckos receive a balanced and nutritious meal in the wild.
We can keep these fascinating creatures healthy and satisfied by replicating this menu in captivity.
Gargoyle Gecko Diet Basics
Understanding the basics of a gargoyle gecko’s diet is crucial for their well-being. A balanced diet for these geckos consists mainly of insects and occasional fruits.
Insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms provide them with essential protein and fats.
Fruits such as figs, apples, and mangoes offer a range of vitamins and minerals, along with a change in diet promoting overall health, and commercial supplements add a touch of calcium and potassium needed for growth.
By incorporating these three components into their diet, gargoyle geckos receive a comprehensive and nutritious meal that they require for growth.
It’s important to note that variety is key to ensuring a diverse nutrient intake.
Gargoyle Gecko Feeding Schedule
Establishing a proper feeding schedule is essential for the health and well-being of your gargoyle gecko.
These nocturnal creatures prefer to be fed in the evening, simulating their natural feeding patterns.
The feeding schedule of these geckos is highly relevant to their stage of development and is as follows:
| Stage | Feeding Frequency |
| Hatchling | 2-3 times per day |
| Juvenile | Once per day |
| Adult | Every other day |
Adhering to a consistent feeding schedule ensures your gargoyle gecko receives adequate nourishment without overfeeding.
How To Feed Gargoyle Geckos
Feeding your gargoyle gecko properly is vital for its overall health. As most gargoyle geckos are arboreal and like to eat from high grounds, you’ll need a wall-mounted feeding ledge to feed them.
Roaches and crickets are the most often available feeding insects. Hornworms and silkworms are also favorites of some geckos. All insects should be dusted with a calcium and multivitamin supplement.
Gargoyle geckos lick water droplets off of leaves in the wild and in captivity they would be consuming water off decorations, so make sure to spray the habitat periodically and when they’re awake.
Remove uneaten food after each feeding to maintain a clean and hygienic enclosure. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your gargoyle gecko receives a well-rounded and nutritious diet.
How to Prepare Food for Gargoyle Geckos
Gut loading
One important step in preparing food for gargoyle geckos is gut-loading the insects. This involves feeding the insects a nutritious diet before offering them to your gecko.
You can provide food such as fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated gut-loading diets.
By doing so, you enhance the nutritional value of the insects, ensuring that your gecko receives a well-rounded meal.
Dusting
Another crucial aspect of food preparation is dusting the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement.
This step ensures that your gecko receives essential nutrients. Dusting can be done by placing the insects in a bag or container with the supplement powder and gently shaking them to coat them evenly.
This process provides a boost of important nutrients that may be lacking in the insects alone.
Blending
Blending food for geckos refers to the process of combining powdered meals with water to create a smoothie-like consistency.
This is a popular method of feeding captive gargoyle geckos. Pre-packaged diets such as Pangea and Repashy are available on the market.
In addition to these pre-packaged meals, some gecko owners prepare food by combining fruits and insects with the powdered diet.
By following these steps in preparing food for gargoyle geckos, you can provide a varied and nutritious diet that meets their needs.
Do Gargoyle Geckos Need To Eat Every Day?
Hatchling
When it comes to hatchlings, their fast growth and development require them to eat every day.
Hatchling gargoyle geckos have a high metabolism and energetic appetites. Their bodies are rapidly growing, so providing daily meals is crucial to ensure they receive the nutrients for healthy development.
Juvenile
As gargoyle geckos transition into the juvenile stage, their feeding frequency can be adjusted. It is recommended to feed juvenile geckos every other day.
During this stage, their growth rate slows, and they require slightly less food than hatchlings.
This feeding schedule allows them to continue receiving adequate nourishment while providing a short break between meals.
Adult
Once gargoyle geckos reach adulthood, their feeding schedule can be further adjusted. Adult geckos can be fed every two to three days.
Their growth has stabilized, and their metabolic rate has decreased. By spacing out their meals, you can prevent overfeeding and ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
By understanding the specific feeding needs of gargoyle geckos at different stages of life, you can establish an appropriate feeding schedule that supports their growth and overall health.
Meal Replacement Powders For Gargoyle Geckos
When providing a balanced and nutritious diet for your gargoyle gecko, meal replacement powders are an absolute game-changer.
These powders are packed with essential nutrients that mimic the gecko’s natural diet in the wild, ensuring they get all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.
Repashy
This brand is renowned for its high-quality gecko food products. Repashy meal replacement powders are specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of gargoyle geckos.
They contain a mix of fruits, insects, and other nutritious ingredients, providing a complete and balanced diet for your scaly friend.
Pangea
Another popular choice among gecko owners, Pangea offers a range of meal replacement powders designed to cater to the nutritional requirements of gargoyle geckos.
Pangea powders are made with a blend of fruits, insects, and plant-based ingredients, ensuring your gecko’s diverse and well-rounded diet.
Zoo Med
ZooMed is a trusted name in the reptile community, and their meal replacement powders are no exception. ZooMed’s gecko food formulas are carefully crafted to provide optimal nutrition for gargoyle geckos.
These powders incorporate a variety of ingredients, including fruits and insects, to deliver a wholesome and enticing meal for your gecko.
A detailed comparison of the above three supplements is given below
| Brand | Crude Protein (%) | Crude Fat (%) | Crude Fiber (%) | Moisture (%) | Ash (%) | Calcium (%) | Phosphorous (%) |
| Repashy | 24 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 1.4 | – |
| Pangea | 9 | 2.5 | 8 | 6 | 8 | – | – |
| Zoo Med | 22 | 6 | 5 | 12 | – | 2.3 – 2.8 | 0.8 |
Remember, meal replacement powders should not be a primary source of food for your gecko’s diet.
These commercial foods should only supplement the geckos diet. Incorporating these high-quality powders into your gecko’s feeding routine ensures they receive a nutritious and well-balanced diet to support their overall health and happiness.
Do Gargoyle Geckos Need Water?
Just like any living creature, hydration is vital for the well-being of gargoyle geckos. Providing a shallow dish of water in their enclosure is crucial for them to stay hydrated.
Gargoyle geckos have the ability to lick droplets of water, which helps quench their thirst. It’s important to regularly change the water and ensure it is clean to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Water also plays a vital role in aiding digestion and maintaining overall health, and it helps keep their skin hydrated and supports essential bodily functions.
By providing a readily available source of water, you’re ensuring that your gargoyle gecko stays properly hydrated, promoting their overall well-being and vitality.
How Long Can A Gargoyle Gecko Go Without Eating?
Gargoyle geckos are remarkably resilient creatures when it comes to enduring periods without food.
While depriving them of sustenance is not ideal, adult gargoyle geckos can survive at most two months without eating.
However, it is essential to note that regular feeding is crucial for their health and well-being.
During this time, gargoyle geckos may enter a state of brumation, a reptilian form of hibernation. It is a natural response to seasonal changes and can result in decreased appetite.
Always monitor your gecko’s eating habits and consult a reptile veterinarian if you notice any significant changes in their appetite or behavior.
What Is A Gargoyle Gecko’s Favorite Food?
When it comes to their favorite food, gargoyle geckos go crazy for insects! These little reptilian lizards have a special affinity for a variety of insects that make their taste buds tingle with delight.
Crickets, roaches, and mealworms are among the top choices for gargoyle geckos. These protein-rich treats not only satisfy their nutritional needs but also provide an opportunity for them to exhibit their natural hunting instincts.
Offering a variety of live insects allows gargoyle geckos to engage in the thrill of the chase, stimulating their physical activity and adding excitement to their daily routine. So, if you want to see your gargoyle gecko jump for joy, serve up some of their favorite insects.
What Insects Can Gargoyle Geckos Eat?
When it comes to insects, gargoyle geckos have quite a diverse palate. They enjoy a wide range of small invertebrates that provide essential nutrients for their growth and well-being.
Crickets, a staple in many reptile diets, are a favorite among gargoyle geckos. They offer a good balance of protein and calcium.
Roaches, such as Dubia roaches and discoid roaches, are also excellent options, and they are nutrient-rich and easy to digest.
Mealworms, waxworms, and hornworms are additional choices that gargoyle geckos find irresistible. These insects provide variety and can be offered as occasional treats.
It is essential to observe that insects should be sized appropriately for your gecko to avoid choking risks.
In addition, it is necessary to gut-load them prior to administering them to your gecko. Gut-loading entails feeding insects a nutrient-rich diet so that they can transfer those nutrients to your gecko.
By offering a diverse selection of insects, you ensure that your gargoyle gecko receives a balanced and nutritious diet supporting their overall health and vitality.
How To Feed Gargoyle Geckos Insects?
Feeding insects to your gargoyle gecko is not just about placing them in the enclosure and hoping for the best. You should follow some essential steps to ensure your gecko enjoys their insect feast to the fullest.
First, choose appropriately sized insects that are small enough for your gecko to consume comfortably. The insects should be alive and active to stimulate your gecko’s hunting instincts.
Next, providing a designated feeding area within the enclosure is crucial. Use a shallow dish or a feeding ledge to place the insects. This helps prevent them from hiding or escaping into the substrate.
Offer the insects during the evening or nighttime when gargoyle geckos are most active. This aligns with their natural feeding habits and increases the likelihood of a successful hunt.
Monitor your gecko during feeding to ensure they are consuming the insects and not leaving any uneaten prey behind. Remove uneaten insects after a few hours to maintain a clean and hygienic enclosure.
By following these guidelines, you can create an engaging and successful feeding experience for your gargoyle gecko, allowing them to exercise its instincts and enjoy its insect meals to the fullest.
What Fruits Can Gargoyle Geckos Eat?
Gargoyle geckos have a sweet tooth when it comes to fruits! While insects make up most of their diet, adding occasional fruits can give them additional nutrients and a tasty treat.
Some fruits gargoyle geckos can enjoy include mashed bananas, pureed apricots, and juicy mango pieces.
These fruits offer natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a well-rounded diet for your gecko.
How To Feed Gargoyle Geckos Fruits?
When feeding fruits to your gargoyle gecko, preparing them properly is essential. Slice or mash the fruits into bite-sized portions that are easy for your gecko to consume.
Avoid pits, seeds, or tough skins that could pose a choking hazard.
Offer the fruits in a shallow dish or place them directly in the enclosure. Ensure the fruits are fresh and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to maintain cleanliness.
Introduce fruits gradually to observe your gecko’s preferences and any potential dietary sensitivities.
By incorporating a variety of fruits into your gargoyle gecko’s diet and following proper feeding techniques, you can provide them with a flavorful and nutritious addition to their mealtime routine.
What Vegetables Can Gargoyle Geckos Eat?
While gargoyle geckos are primarily insectivorous, they can benefit from the addition of vegetables to their diet.
Vegetables offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute to their health.
Some vegetables that can be fed to gargoyle geckos include bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower.
These vegetables provide a variety of nutrients and textures that can add diversity to their meals.
How To Feed Gargoyle Geckos Vegetables?
When offering vegetables to your gargoyle gecko, it’s important to prepare them appropriately. Chop or grate the vegetables into small, manageable pieces that are easy for your gecko to eat.
Vegetables can be served raw or lightly steamed to enhance their digestibility. Place the vegetables in a shallow dish or directly in the enclosure.
Monitor your gecko’s response to different vegetables and introduce new options gradually. Remove any uneaten portions after a few hours.
By incorporating a selection of vegetables into your gargoyle gecko’s diet and following proper feeding techniques, you can provide them with added nutrients and enrich their mealtime experience.
Alternatives To Insects And Fruits
While insects and fruits form a significant portion of a gargoyle gecko’s diet, there are alternative options available to provide variety and cater to individual preferences.
Some suitable alternatives include commercially available gecko food formulas like Repashy and Pangea for geckos.
These specialized diets often contain a combination of ingredients, such as insects, fruits, vegetables, and grains, which provide essential nutrients.
Additionally, baby food purees can be offered as a supplement (only occasionally), ensuring diverse flavors.
It’s crucial to ensure that these alternatives are nutritionally balanced and specifically formulated for gargoyle geckos, meeting their dietary requirements to support their overall health and well-being.
What Should I Not Feed My Gargoyle Gecko?
When feeding your gargoyle gecko, it’s important to be aware of what foods to avoid. Some items may be harmful or unsuitable for their digestive system. Here are two categories to keep in mind:
Insects
Avoid feeding your gargoyle gecko insects that are too large or have hard exoskeletons, as they can pose a choking hazard or be difficult to digest.
Examples include large beetles, adult locusts, and hard-bodied insects. Additionally, it’s best to avoid insects caught in the wild, as they may carry parasites or have been exposed to pesticides.
Fruits
While fruits can be a healthy addition to a gargoyle gecko’s diet, certain fruits should be avoided. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons should be excluded due to their high acidity, which can cause digestive issues.
Avocados are also a no-go, as they contain compounds that can be toxic to reptiles.
By being mindful of these restrictions, you can ensure that your gargoyle gecko receives a safe and suitable diet that promotes well-being and prevents potential health complications.
Can Gargoyle Gecko Eat Crested Gecko Food?
Yes, gargoyle and crested geckos share similar dietary requirements, as they are both New Caledonian gecko species. Therefore, it is generally safe for gargoyle geckos to consume crested gecko food.
Commercially available crested gecko diets often contain a blend of fruit and insect-based ingredients, providing a balanced nutritional profile.
However, it is important to note that while crested gecko food can be offered as a supplement or occasional treat, it should not replace the staple diet of live insects for gargoyle geckos.
Live insects are essential for their hunting instincts, exercise, and well-being. It is recommended to offer a variety of food options to ensure a diverse and nutritious diet for gargoyle geckos.
Can Gargoyle Geckos Eat Pinkies?
Yes, gargoyle geckos are able to consume pinky mice. However, it is essential to note that pinky mice should not be a regular part of their diet, but rather a special treat.
In the wild, gargoyle geckos consume a variety of fruits, insects, and small rodents such as pinky mice.
To ensure that the gecko receives all of the necessary nutrients, it is vital to provide a varied diet. Pinky mice that are overfed can cause intestinal gout and obesity.
Do Gargoyle Geckos Need Live Food?
Yes, gargoyle geckos do require live food as part of their diet. Being insectivores, live insects play a crucial role in providing essential nutrients and stimulating their natural hunting instincts.
Live food offers the opportunity for gargoyle geckos to engage in active foraging and exercise, promoting physical and mental well-being.
A varied diet of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms, ensures a balanced intake of proteins and other essential nutrients.
While there are commercially available gecko food formulas, it is generally recommended to offer live food as the primary source of nutrition for gargoyle geckos to meet their natural dietary requirements.
However, it’s important to gut-load the insects with nutritious food to enhance their nutritional value before feeding them to your gecko.
Summary
If you have a gargoyle gecko as a pet, you may wonder about their dietary needs, particularly when it comes to living food.
Gargoyle geckos relish a diverse menu of insects, fruits, and nectar in the wild. To replicate their natural diet in captivity, offering a balanced combination of these components is recommended.
Live insects like crickets, roaches, and mealworms serve as the protein-packed main course, while fruits contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
While there are commercially available gecko food formulas, offering live insects as the primary source of nutrition is recommended.
To further enhance their nutrition, gut-loading the insects with nutrient-rich food before feeding them ensures optimal nourishment.
Dusting the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement adds the finishing touch, providing extra goodness for your gecko. Just remove any seeds or pits before serving this tasty treat to your scaly friend.
Feeding frequency varies depending on the gecko’s life stage. Hatchlings, with their rapid growth and high metabolisms, require daily meals.
Juveniles can be fed every other day, while adults can be fed every two to three days to maintain a healthy weight.
By understanding the importance of live food and offering a diverse diet, you can provide your gargoyle gecko with the nutrition they need to thrive.
Remember, live food is key to meeting their natural dietary requirements and supporting their overall health and well-being.
