Can Geckos Eat Earthworms? (Complete Guide)

In captivity, Crested Geckos can be fed a variety of commercially available diets, as well as live foods like crickets and mealworms. Some people also like to feed their Crested Geckos earthworms.

While earthworms are not a natural part of the Crested Gecko diet, they can be a nutritious treat. Earthworms are high in protein and fat, which can help your gecko grow and stay healthy. However, you should only feed earthworms to your Crested Gecko on occasion, as they should not make up the bulk of their diet.

If you decide to feed your Crested Gecko earthworms, make sure to offer them a variety of other food items as well so that they get all the nutrients they need.

What Are Earth Worms?

Earthworms are annelids, creatures that have long, segmented bodies. They vary in size, but most measure between four and eight inches in length. Earthworms live in soil, where they feed on dead and decaying organic matter. As they consume this matter, they aerate the soil and help to improve its drainage.

Earthworms also play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil. In fact, many gardeners consider earthworms to be a valuable ally in their efforts to maintain a healthy lawn or garden. Thanks to their hard work, earthworms help to create fertile conditions that are ideal for plant growth.

Can Crested Geckos Eat Earthworms?

Crested Geckos are insectivores and typically eat live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. However, some gecko owners have reported that their pets will also eat earthworms. While there is no evidence that earthworms are harmful to crested geckos, it is important to note that they are not a natural part of the gecko’s diet.

As a result, earthworms should only be offered to crested geckos on occasion and in moderation. In addition, it is important to choose earthworms that are appropriately sized for your gecko. Smaller earthworms are less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues, and they are also more likely to be eaten in one sitting.

When offering earthworms to your crested gecko, always supervise closely to ensure that your pet is eating safely.

Should Crested Geckos Eat Earthworms?

Crested geckos typically eat insects, but some people also feed them earthworms. While there is no evidence that earthworms are harmful to crested geckos, there are several reasons why they might not be the best food choice.

First, earthworms are low in calcium, which is essential for bone health. Second, they are high in fat and protein, which can lead to weight gain and liver problems. Finally, earthworms often contain contaminants that can cause respiratory infections.

How Many To Feed and How Often

Earthworms are an excellent food source for crested geckos, and they can be fed live or frozen/thawed.

When feeding earthworms to crested geckos, it is important to remember that they should make up no more than 10% of the diet.

This means that if a crested gecko is consuming 10 grams of food per day, no more than 1 gram should be earthworms. Earthworms can be fed live or frozen/thawed, but they should be skinned before being offered to the gecko. Skinning the worms will help to prevent gastrointestinal blockages, which can be fatal.

Crested geckos can be fed earthworms daily, but they should only be offered as many as suggested in one sitting. If there are leftover earthworms, they should be removed from the enclosure.

Baby Crested Gecko vs Adult

Assuming you are talking about a healthy adult crested gecko, you can feed them around 6-10 medium sized earthworms every other day. If you want to feed them every day, then 3-5 worms would be enough.

When it comes to baby crested geckos, they should be fed more frequently since they are still growing. You can give them 1-2 worms per feeding, and they can be fed every day.

However, make sure not to overfeed them as this can lead to health problems down the road. Baby crested geckos also have a smaller stomach, so they will need to be fed more frequently than adults.

If you are feeding your crested gecko live food, it is important to watch the process closely to make sure that the gecko does not choke on the worms.

It is also important to offer a variety of different sizes and types of worms to ensure that your crested gecko gets all the nutrients it needs. Worms can be purchased live or frozen from most pet stores, and they make an excellent source of protein for these reptiles.

How to Feed Crested Gecko Earth Worms

When feeding earthworms to your crested gecko, it is important to dust them with a calcium supplement to ensure that your pet gets the nutrients it needs. You can purchase earthworms from most pet stores, or you can collect them from your garden. To prepare them for feeding, simply cut them into small pieces using a sharp knife.

Once they are cut up, you can offer them to your crested gecko on a small dish or directly from your fingers. If you choose to feed live earthworms, be sure to supervise your pet closely to prevent escapees!

When choosing earthworms for your pet, it is important to select worms that are small enough for your gecko to eat easily. Avoid giving your pet worms that are too large, as this could cause digestive problems.

If you are collected worms from the wild, be sure to wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your pet. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could potentially contain harmful bacteria.

Throwing Out the Remaining Earth Worms – Safely

After you finish feeding your crested gecko earthworms, the best way to dispose of the remaining earthworms is by placing them in a container filled with moist soil or sand. This will prevent the earthworms from drying out and dying. You can then place the container in your fridge or outdoors in a shady spot.

The earthworms will remain alive in the moist conditions and can be used for future feedings. When you’re ready to dispose of the earthworms, simply dump them in an outdoor compost bin or dig a hole in your yard and bury them. The earthworms will quickly decompose and provide nutrients for your plants.

Other Feeder Insects Better Than Earth Worms

When it comes to feeding crested geckos, earthworms are often seen as the gold standard. However, there are a few other feeder insects that can provide a more complete diet for your pet. Mealworms, for example, are higher in fat and protein than earthworms. They are also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.

Waxworms are another option that is high in fat and protein, making them a good choice for crested geckos that are shedding, or during the breeding season. However, waxworms should only be offered as an occasional treat, as they can easily become obese.

Finally, crickets are a good all-around option for crested geckos. They are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, and they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different age groups.

When it comes to feeder insects, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by considering the needs of your pet, you can choose the best option to ensure a healthy diet.