Can Geckos Eat Wild Crickets?
Geckos, which are small, predatory reptiles that can be kept as pets, are insectivores. In the wild, crickets provide an excellent source of nutrition.
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Geckos as Insectivores
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Geckos are predatory, meaning they like to hunt and catch their food. As insectivores, whether in the wild and or in captivity as pets, geckos thrive on live insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and worms.
Necessary Nutrients
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Although geckos are insectivores, the insects they typically feed upon are herbivorous, or plant-eating. The vegetable-based nutrients the insects consume are then passed on to the gecko.
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Wild Versus Store-Bought Crickets
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Catching enough wild crickets on your own to feed your gecko may be time-consuming, so live crickets can be bought at pet stores. Feed crickets that are proportionately sized. GeckoCare.net advises, "Never feed a gecko a cricket that is larger than their head in size."
Nutritional Supplements
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A gecko being kept as a pet can get those same nutrients through vitamin, mineral and calcium supplements, which can be obtained at pet stores. Crickets and other store-bought insects should be gut-loaded, which means that they are fed their normal diet (typically fruits and vegetables) before they are fed to the gecko.
Considerations
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Although geckos are insectivores, species can vary widely in regard to the amount of food, or other types of food, they can or will consume. Some species of gecko enjoy fruit, while others enjoy other varieties of meat such as pink mice. Study the varieties well to find a gecko that is right for your home.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of frank wouters
