Can Leopard Geckos Eat Grasshoppers?
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards. Being small, docile, and relatively hardy they make a great beginner reptile. They are generally easy to feed, but many owners are unsure if their gecko can eat grasshoppers. The answer is yes, leopard geckos can eat grasshoppers, and it is one of the most nutritious foods you can provide.
Nutrition From Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are a great source of nutrition for leopard geckos. They are packed full of protein, and also contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy fats. Grasshoppers are also easy to find and capture, making them a great option for owners who lack access to insects from pet stores.
Preparing Grasshoppers For Your Gecko
When preparing grasshoppers for your leopard gecko, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and properly fed. Before offering them to your gecko, remove the legs and wings. It is also important to make sure the grasshopper is gut-loaded, which means that it has been fed nutritious food before being offered to your gecko.
Insects To Avoid
There are some insects that should never be offered to leopard geckos:
- Crickets: Crickets can be hard to digest and may cause digestive problems in leopard geckos.
- Fireflies: Fireflies contain toxins that can make your gecko sick.
- Dragonflies: Dragonflies have sharp mandibles that can puncture your gecko’s digestive tract, leading to serious injury or death.
Grasshoppers are a great food for leopard geckos and offer many nutritional benefits. As long as they are properly prepared and gut-loaded, your gecko should have no problem with digesting them.
