Leopard gecko feeding frequency depends primarily on their age:
- Baby and juvenile leopard geckos (under 1 year old) should be fed every day.
- Young adults are usually fed every other day or every 3 days.
- Healthy adult leopard geckos with a thick tail can be fed approximately every 5 days.
- Sick geckos should be fed daily until they regain strength.
Feeding time is best late in the day or early evening, aligning with their natural hunting times. Typically, a leopard gecko is given about 2 appropriately sized insects per inch of body length per feeding session. Be mindful that baby geckos need smaller insects and several per feeding (5-7 small crickets or mealworms daily until about 4 inches), while adults get larger insects but less frequently (about 6-7 large crickets or mealworms 2 to 3 times a week). Additionally, insects should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) 12 to 48 hours before feeding to the gecko to ensure proper nutrition, and calcium powder dusting is recommended on the insects. In summary:
Gecko Age| Feeding Frequency| Amount per Feeding
---|---|---
Baby/Juvenile| Every day| 5-7 small insects or 2 per inch of length
Young Adult| Every other day / every 3 days| 2 appropriately sized insects per
inch
Adult| Every 5 days / 2-3 times a week| 6-7 large insects
Sick| Every day until recovery| Normal feeding amount
Feeding insects should not be larger than the space between the gecko's eyes. Treats like waxworms should be given sparingly, about every 2 weeks, as they are high in fat. Food should never be left in the enclosure all day to avoid insects harming the gecko. This feeding routine helps maintain the gecko's health and supports their natural feeding behaviors.
