Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Please help. I really want a crested gecko they are so sweet and cute etc. I have fallen in loe with these little creatures and really would like to get started in the hobby.
My problem is that I will have to feed live crickets. I have a kingsnake and he eats dead mice, which my partner doesn;t have a problem with. But she really really doesn't like the idea of this beautiful creature having to eat live crickets.
My question is, can the crested gecko eat a replacement food or can I feed it a cricket which I have just killed somehow?
This is a real roblem to my partner and if there is a way round it I will try it. I know that you supplement the diet with mashed fruit/babyfood and that you can buy a gecko food replacement, but don't know if this will provide the little guy with every kind of nutrition it needs.
I do not want to get one if I won't be able to provide it with it's correct needs.
Please help and let me know that there is a way out of my quandary!

You don't have to even feed crickets. A diet of fresh fruit and/or fruit flavored baby food (you can even mix in some meat baby food) will do. Or a total diet of T-rex's Crested Gecko Diet (some use the Gargoyle diet for babies since it has more protein) is sufficient. I'm using fruit and baby food as my babies staple and I use the Gargoyle diet as a supplement (just sprinkle some in the baby food. It is said they grow slower w/o crickets, but are still healthy. Not sure how you would kill a cricket (other than stepping on it or starving it), but the thing with feeding live crickets is that it gives them the opportunity to hunt live prey - killing it defeats the purpose. They may not even go after a dead one. What's the hangup about live crickets? If it's the thought of keeping them in the house just go buy some and feed them out right away (after dusting of course). I'm not feeding crickets because I can't find the small enough size that my little one would need right now.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.0.1 Crested Gecko

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Are you saying that it is definately ok to feed these other foods and that will be ok for it's lifespan, I don't want to make the poor thing undernourished!
I'm not just talking about it as a baby.
Any other comments would be greatfully received

Yes it is okay. The Crested Gecko diet is a meal replacement powder formulated to be feed as the only food given to a crested gecko throughout it's life - no need to feed crickets, baby food, fruit....nothing else. But you can feed those other items if you wish. I personally prefer to feed fresh fruit and baby food and using a bit of the CGD as a supplement with each meal. Like I said, I'm not feeding crickets (mostly because I don't have access to the smaller crickets) but may do so when she's bigger and can take the size crickets I can find locally. Just read the previous posts on this forum and do a search for crested gecko caresheets - you will find this same information available. Also check sandfiredragonranch.com (they're the ones who invented the stuff). It's really a matter of personal choice.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.0.1 Crested Gecko

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

just want to emphasize not to feed citrus fruits. And with baby food avoid those with added sugars (I also avoid preservatives, artifical coloring and flavoring).

-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.0.1 Crested Gecko

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Many thanks Tiger!
I think I'll definately get one now then!!
Can't wait, they are so lovely
Is there a webpage where I can see all of the colour variations together?
I would really like to chose a nice colour
Are there any particular variaties which have the nicest temperaments, are more easy going and hand tame or stay the smallest size?

You're welcome. The only difference I've heard between the different morphs is price - not heard any differences in temperment, size, etc.

Check out Anthony's site:
www.ACreptiles.com

Best pics I've seen (and a great book to get if keeping a crested) is the Rhacodactylus Care book by Philippe Vesoji (my spelling may be off). It's a bit pricey, but well worth it. Might find it cheaper on Ebay or on Amazon.com (used book section). Awesome pics in this book - and great info. I also recommend Robbie Hampers book on Crested Geckos - it's more affordable, but I'd recommend them both.

I've only had my little crestie for one week now. She is the cutest thing I've ever seen! You will love them!
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.0.1 Crested Gecko

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"