Crickets?

[karmic hound]

Hi!! I don’t yet have a leo but I have a question about their diet. this may be a silly question so forgive me (trying to do as much research as possible before getting one)

am i required to feed them crickets or locusts? would it be cruel to not feed my gecko those? does it provide enrichment that theyd miss in other feeders?

i am unfortunately very afraid of jumpy insects. i am fine with worms, if roaches are available to me (need to double check) that would also be fine. i just dont want to make a feeding plan and then have my lizard be unhappy.

again im sorry if this is a silly question! i just dont wanna accidentally make a mistake

i am familiar with this chart, im just wondering if i need a scary jumper for my gecko to thrive

[errant venture]

Not an expert and NTA: i think that worms and roaches is likely going to be a good diet
occasionally supplemented with a hornworm or whatnot
i don’t believe crickets are the end-all be-all of gecko nutrition.

i was a fan of how easy dubia roaches were for my gecko. that chart shows they have more protein, and though not quite as much moisture, a good amount

[teal stump]

Hi and welcome! The recommendation is to have at least 3 healthy feeders in rotation for your gecko's diet. I have a strong dislike for jumpy bugs as well, so only occasionally will feed crickets to my own. Anything on that list hornworm and above can be used as one of those 3 staples.

For example, I generally rotate my own leos between mealworms (in all life stages), dubias, and discoids.