Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there any reason I shouldn't feed my leos Darkling beetles?

One of my girls won't eat mealies and I hate crickets, so can I feed her some of my beetles?

Im sure you could feed them without any immediate harm, the question is wether or not they have good enough nutrients to keep your gecko healthy over time. That I do not know the answer to. really though to not feed your gecko crickets just because you dont like dealing with them is irresponsible. In my opinion just feeding a gecko just mealworms isnt good anyways. a good varied diet is best. If you hate crickets just feed them with tongs (to aviod loose once in the cage making noise all night.) and keep them in a closet or room where you where dont have to hear them. I would say most people dont like crickets, I dont. Its just a part of the hobby you have to deal with to make sure you take proper care of your animals.

"really though to not feed your gecko crickets just because you dont like dealing with them is irresponsible."

I am breeding dubia, this would just be until their production gets going, but its now a moot point since I found my first roach babies today!

NO MORE CRICKETS!!! WHOOOO!

There are plenty of well established breeders that feed just mealworms. Crickets are not a required food item it is all personal preferance. As long as you are making sure the worms - crickets - roachs ... whatever are gutloaded and the gecko is getting the best nutrution you can give them then do it. I mix it up from time to time with crickets but mealworms are the staple diet. I also feel like the geckos chasing the crickets give them alittle needed activity that they dont get from bobbing for worms in a dish. This is just how I prefer to feed mine you can do what you feel is right for your animals.

Is there any reason I shouldn't feed my leos Darkling beetles?
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In my experience, they won't eat them in the beetle stage.

I have a few that will eat beatles but I have never really tried to give them as a single food item. But if your raising the morms to beatle stage you know how they have been fed so they should be fine. Let me know how it works out I may try it myself as we always have a huge amount of breeding beatles.