How Long Can Crested Geckos Go Without Food or Water?

While there have been reports of captive crested geckos surviving for weeks or even months without food, it is not a healthy or sustainable practice. In fact, going without food for an extended period of time can be detrimental to a gecko's health and development.

Crested geckos are naturally adapted to survive periods of food scarcity in the wild. They rely on their energy reserves and slow down their metabolism to conserve energy. However, in captivity, they are more prone to stress and other factors that can affect their appetite and overall well-being.

As a general rule of thumb, crested geckos should be fed every two to three days. Juveniles should be fed more frequently, as they require a higher protein intake to support their growth and development. It is also important to provide a balanced and diverse diet, including live insects, fruit, and commercially available crested gecko diets.

If a crested gecko does happen to go without food for an extended period of time, it is important to seek veterinary attention. This can help identify any underlying health issues and provide necessary treatment to support the gecko's recovery.

Can My Crested Gecko Become Over Or Underweight?

Yes, crested geckos can become over or underweight if they are not provided with a balanced and appropriate diet. In captivity, it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure that they are receiving the proper nutrients to maintain a healthy weight.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, such as fatty liver disease. This can be especially problematic for adult geckos, as they require less food and are less active than juveniles. It is important to limit the number of live insects and monitor the amount of commercial crested gecko diet provided.

On the other hand, underfeeding can lead to malnourishment and stunted growth. Juvenile crested geckos require a higher protein intake to support their rapid growth and development. It is also important to provide a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure they are receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals.

It is recommended to weigh your crested gecko regularly using a small food scale to monitor their weight and adjust their feeding accordingly. Consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure about your gecko's weight or dietary needs. A balanced diet and proper weight management are crucial to maintaining your crested gecko's health and well-being.

Why Isn’t My Crested Gecko Eating?

It's not uncommon for crested geckos to occasionally lose their appetite or eat less than usual. However, if your crested gecko goes more than a few days without eating, it could be a cause for concern. There are several reasons why your crested gecko may not be eating, including stress, illness, and incorrect husbandry conditions.

Stress is a common reason why crested geckos may stop eating. Changes in their environment, such as a new tank or introducing new animals to their space, can cause stress. Additionally, loud noises, bright lights, and handling can also cause stress. Stress can lead to a lack of appetite, and if not addressed, can have negative effects on the gecko's health.

Illness can also cause your crested gecko to stop eating. Parasites, infections, and other illnesses can cause your gecko to lose their appetite. If your gecko is showing signs of lethargy, weight loss, or abnormal behavior, it's important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Incorrect husbandry conditions can also lead to a lack of appetite. Issues with temperature, humidity, and lighting can all affect a crested gecko's appetite. Ensure that your gecko's tank is set up correctly and that they have access to all the necessary resources and conditions to thrive.

What Live Feed Should I Give My Crested Gecko?

Crested geckos are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both insects and fruit in the wild. In captivity, they require a balanced and diverse diet to maintain optimal health. Live insects make for a great source of protein and are an important component of a crested gecko's diet.

Some of the commonly fed live insects to crested geckos include crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and silkworms. It is important to provide appropriately sized insects, as larger ones can cause impaction if ingested.

In addition to live insects, crested geckos also enjoy fruit. Some of the best fruits to feed your gecko include papaya, mango, and blueberries. Avoid feeding your gecko citrus fruits, as they can cause digestive issues.

It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure that your crested gecko is receiving all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. In addition to live insects and fruit, commercially available crested gecko diets are also a great option to incorporate into your gecko's feeding routine.

Remember to dust the live insects with calcium and vitamin D3 powder before offering them to your gecko. It's also important to change the water in their dish regularly and remove any uneaten food to prevent bacterial growth.

What Invertebrates To Avoid Feeding Your Crested Gecko

While live insects are a great source of protein for crested geckos, there are certain invertebrates to avoid feeding them. This is because some invertebrates can be potentially harmful to your gecko's health.

One type of invertebrate to avoid feeding your crested gecko is fireflies. Fireflies contain a toxic chemical called lucibufagins, which can be fatal to geckos if ingested. Therefore, it is crucial to never feed your gecko fireflies.

Another invertebrate to avoid feeding your crested gecko is houseflies. This is because houseflies are known to carry bacteria and parasites that can harm your gecko's health. Feeding your gecko houseflies can result in digestive issues and illness.

Centipedes and millipedes are also invertebrates you should avoid feeding your crested gecko. Centipedes have venomous bites that can cause significant harm to geckos. Millipedes, on the other hand, contain a toxic chemical called cyanide, which can be fatal if ingested.

Lastly, avoid feeding your crested gecko wild-caught insects, as they may carry harmful pesticides or diseases that could be detrimental to your gecko's health. Instead, opt for commercially bred and gut-loaded insects to ensure they are safe for your gecko to eat.

Could A Crested Gecko Starve Itself To Death?

Yes, a crested gecko could potentially starve itself to death if it goes without eating for an extended period of time. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including the ones listed above. As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention if you notice your gecko is not eating.

If a crested gecko goes without food for too long, it can lead to significant health problems such as weight loss, muscle weakness, and even death. It is important to monitor your gecko's eating habits and ensure they are getting the proper nutrition to prevent such issues.

It is worth noting that appetite can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting. For instance, if the temperature is too low, your gecko may lose its appetite. Similarly, if the humidity levels are too high, your gecko may experience discomfort and lose interest in food.

While it is possible for a crested gecko to starve itself to death, there are preventable measures that can be taken to ensure they receive proper nourishment. Providing a suitable environment and varied diet, monitoring their eating habits, and seeking veterinary assistance when needed are all important in maintaining your gecko's health and well-being.

How Long Can Crested Geckos Go Without Water?

Proper hydration is essential to a crested gecko's health and well-being. While they obtain most of their water from the moisture in their food, it is still important to provide them with a dish of fresh water at all times. Without access to water, a crested gecko can become severely dehydrated, leading to numerous health problems.

In terms of how long a crested gecko can go without water, it really depends on a few factors, such as the temperature and humidity levels in their environment, their age, and their overall health. Generally speaking, a healthy and hydrated crested gecko should be able to go for several days or even up to a week without needing to drink from their water dish.

However, if the temperature in their enclosure is too high or the humidity levels are too low, a crested gecko may become dehydrated much more quickly. In such cases, they may require access to water every day or even multiple times a day. Similarly, if a crested gecko is sick or elderly, they may require more frequent access to water to stay hydrated.

Can Crested Geckos Survive Without Food When You Are On Vacation?

Crested geckos are known for their hardiness and adaptability, but they still require a certain level of care and attention to ensure their health and well-being are maintained. One common concern among pet owners is whether their crested gecko can survive without food when they go on vacation.

While crested geckos can go for extended periods of time without food, it is not recommended to leave them without food for more than a few days. A healthy and properly nourished crested gecko can go without food for up to a week, but any longer than that can have detrimental effects on their health and potentially lead to death.

It is important to make arrangements for your crested gecko's care while you are away on vacation. This can include asking a trusted friend or family member to take care of them, hiring a professional pet sitter or boarding facility, or setting up an automated feeding system.

Regardless of the care arrangement, it is essential to leave clear and detailed instructions on how to properly care for your crested gecko. This includes information on the amount and type of food they require, any medication they may need, and their temperature and humidity requirements.

In addition, it is important to make sure that your crested gecko's enclosure is properly set up and maintained before you leave. This includes ensuring that their water dish is filled with fresh water, their substrate is clean, and their lighting and heating systems are functioning properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while crested geckos are resilient creatures, it is not recommended to push the limits of how long they can go without food. Proper and consistent feeding practices are crucial for their health and well-being.