🌿MY CRESTED GECKO🌿

It's always so much fun watching my crested gecko, Joel, enjoy his meals! If you've ever seen a crested gecko eat, you'll know they have a unique way of doing it – lots of licking! They don't chew like us; instead, their long, sticky tongues are perfectly designed to lap up nectar, fruit purees, and even insects. It’s a fascinating process to observe, especially when they get really into their meal. One of Joel's absolute favorite treats is fruit puree! I love making it a special bonding time by offering it on a spoon. Not all crested geckos will take food from a spoon right away, but with a little patience, many will learn to associate it with a tasty treat. I usually use a small, shallow spoon and present it gently in front of his face. Sometimes he’ll just stare at it for a moment, then bam! his tongue shoots out, and he starts licking away. It's truly adorable to watch. When it comes to diet, crested geckos primarily thrive on a high-quality commercial powdered diet, specifically formulated for them, which you mix with water to create a puree. These diets contain all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. On occasion, I'll offer a tiny bit of fruit puree as a treat – think mashed banana, mango, or peach. Just remember, these should be supplemental and not replace their main engineered diet. Always avoid citrus fruits or anything acidic! For successful spoon-feeding, timing can be key. Crested geckos are nocturnal, so I usually offer his 'dinner' in the evening, just as he's starting to wake up and become active. Make sure the puree isn't too thick or too runny; it should be a consistency similar to yogurt. If your gecko seems hesitant, try holding the spoon still for a minute or two. Sometimes just the presence of the food will pique their interest. Consistency is important – if you want to spoon-feed, try to do it regularly so they get used to the routine. A happy gecko is usually a good eater! I've found that maintaining the right environment is crucial for Joel's overall well-being and appetite. His enclosure is always kept cozy, with temperatures typically ranging between 70-80°F during the day, dropping slightly at night. Humidity is another big one for these tropical creatures; I aim for around 80-90% humidity, especially after misting. This helps with shedding and ensures they're comfortable and hydrated, which in turn encourages a healthy feeding response. You can often see them resting on large, wet green leaves, soaking up the moisture. If your crested gecko isn't licking food, first check their environment. Is the temperature right? Is the humidity adequate? Are they stressed? Sometimes a new enclosure or recent changes can make them shy. You can also try offering different flavors of their commercial diet. Remember, they might not eat every single night, and that's usually okay. As long as they are active, hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight, a missed meal here and there isn't usually cause for concern. Observing their licking patterns and overall behavior helps you build a strong bond and understand their unique personality!