How Many Insects to Feed a Leopard Gecko (Feeding Chart by Age)
Matt Goren
How Many Insects to Feed a Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are obligate insectivores with relatively small stomachs — getting the feeding amount right prevents both obesity (extremely common) and underfeeding. This guide provides exact quantities for every age group.
Leopard Gecko Feeding Chart
| Age | Insect Size | Amount Per Feeding | Frequency | Weekly Insects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0-2 months) | Tiny (1/4 inch) | 5-7 | Daily | 35-49 |
| Juvenile (2-6 months) | Small (3/8 inch) | 5-8 | Every other day | 17-28 |
| Sub-adult (6-8 months) | Small-medium (3/8-1/2 inch) | 5-8 | Every 2 days | 15-24 |
| Adult (8+ months) | Medium (1/2 inch) | 4-8 | Every 2-3 days | 10-24 |
| Overweight adult | Medium | 3-5 (lean feeders only) | Every 3-4 days | 6-12 |
Amounts by Feeder Type
| Feeder | Per Feeding (Adult) | Per Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discoid roach nymphs | 4-6 | 8-18 | Primary staple, 2-3 feedings/week |
| BSFL | 5-10 | 5-20 | Calcium supplement, 1-2 feedings/week |
| Silkworms | 3-5 | 3-10 | Low-fat variety, 1-2 feedings/week |
| Hornworms | 1-2 (small) | 1-2 | Hydration treat, 1x/week. Size carefully — large hornworms may be too big. |
| Mealworms | 3-5 | 3-5 | Backup only, 1x/week max. Poor Ca:P (0.04:1). |
The Tail Test
A leopard gecko's tail is the best indicator of body condition:
- Healthy: Tail is as wide as the body at the base, plump but not bulging, with a smooth taper
- Overweight: Tail is wider than the body, bulging at the base. Fat pads visible in armpits. — Reduce feeding frequency and switch to lean feeders (silkworms, BSFL)
- Underweight: Tail is thin, stick-like, does not taper smoothly. — Increase feeding frequency and offer protein-rich roaches
Feeding Time Matters
Leopard geckos are crepuscular — most active at dusk and dawn. Feed in the evening (6-9 PM) for the strongest feeding response. Many leopard geckos will ignore food offered during the day but eat eagerly at dusk. If your gecko consistently refuses food during the day, switch to evening feedings before assuming there is a health problem.
Sample Weekly Schedule (Healthy Adult)
- Monday evening: 5 small discoid roach nymphs (calcium dusted)
- Wednesday evening: OFF
- Thursday evening: 8 BSFL (no dusting) + 3 small silkworms
- Saturday evening: 5 discoid roach nymphs (calcium + D3 dusted bi-weekly)
Three feeding days, two off days, rotating between protein (roaches), calcium (BSFL), and low-fat variety (silkworms).
Common Feeding Amount Mistakes
- Feeding daily as adults: Adult leopard geckos need food every 2-3 days, not daily. Daily feeding causes obesity.
- Unlimited mealworms in a dish: Leopard geckos will eat far more mealworms than they should. Portion control matters.
- Insects too large: Nothing wider than the space between the eyes. Too-large prey causes regurgitation or impaction.
- Not tracking food intake: If your gecko ate zero insects at a feeding, note it. Consecutive refusals may indicate illness, temperature issues, or impending shed.
Shop discoid roaches, BSFL, and silkworms for leopard geckos — shipped fresh with our live arrival guarantee.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
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