Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was going about the usualy business: cleaning the crested gecko enclosure, replacing new food in water, when I noticed something...unusual, for better lack of words. My chocolate male created, Mocha, deficated, then turned around and consumed it! Literally ate it right as it was comeing out. Is this usual for a crested? The only reason I thought he would do this is if he wasnt getting enough food...but he get more than enough baby food, CGD, Waxworms, and crickets, all with calcium and Multi-vitamins. Strange, or not? -Thanks-

Michele

I haven't heard of crested geckos doing this, so not sure if it's normal or not. Animals I have heard who eat their own waste typically do so to recycle certain nutrients missing in their diet. Since you are providing the crested gecko diet, multi-vitamines etc I don't see where any nutrients are lacking in the diet. How often do you feed? Are you misting the cage regularly and providing fresh water in the cage? Perhaps he is dehydrated and looking to replenish lost liquid by consumming his own waste.
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks for the response! I thought it to be strange that he be doing as well. Water is changed every day, and I he has both a standing water bowl and a dripper from which he gets water from. He is sprayed 4 times a day, with the humidity reaching about 70%, and is fed CGD and fruit/meat baby food every day (It's always available) and gets dusted crickets and waxies every few days. Thanks so much!

Michele

Actually, most animals that eat their own feces do so because they are not able to absorb all their nutrients the first time around. So they eat their feces to get any extra nutrients that were not absorbed during the first time it was digested. By doing this, they are able to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients possible.

I've never heard of Cresteds doing this, but rabbits, most rodents and dogs are known to do this same type of thing. I don't think it is anything you should worry about. (A little gross, but nothing that would cause him any harm.) If he's fat, and getting all his proper nutrients, then I don't see it as being a problem.

Hope this helps.