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Feeding Basics

Proper feeding is essential for the health, growth, and lifespan of reptiles. Different species have different dietary needs. This guide not only covers the basics but also includes popular species, food examples, feeding frequency, common problems, and solutions, making it easier for beginners to feed their reptiles correctly.

1. Understanding Your Reptile’s Diet

  • Carnivores

    • Popular species: Corn Snake, Ball Python, King Snake, Bearded Dragon

    • Diet: Rodents (mice, rats), insects (crickets, roaches), small amphibians

    • Notes: Prey size should be ≤ 1.5× snake head width; remove uneaten food promptly

  • Herbivores

    • Popular species: Red-footed Tortoise, Green Iguana

    • Diet: Leafy greens (kale, dandelion, collard greens), vegetables (squash, carrots), fruits (berries, melon)

    • Notes: Avoid citrus fruits; wash thoroughly

  • Omnivores

    • Popular species: Bearded Dragon, Crested Gecko, Blue-tongue Skink

    • Diet: Mix of insects + vegetables + fruits

    • Notes: Dust insects with calcium & vitamins 2–3× per week; offer variety to prevent nutrient deficiency

⚠️ Feeding inappropriate food can lead to malnutrition, digestive problems, or behavioral issues

2. Food Types & Examples

  1. Live Food

    • Examples: crickets, mealworms, roaches

    • Pros: Stimulates hunting behavior

    • Cons: Can escape or bite

  2. Frozen / Pre-killed Food

    • Examples: frozen mice or rats for snakes

    • Pros: Safer for predators and easier to store

  3. Vegetables & Fruits

    • Examples: kale, collard greens, carrots, berries, melon

    • Tips: Wash thoroughly; avoid citrus for most reptiles

  4. Prepared / Commercial Diets

    • Examples: insectivore pellets, herbivore pellets, mixed diets for omnivores

    • Pros: Convenient and nutritionally balanced

💡 Tip: Rotate diet items regularly to ensure proper nutrition and maintain interest

3. Feeding Frequency & Portion

Species Hatchlings / Juveniles Adults Portion / Notes
Leopard Gecko Daily Every 2–3 days Feed crickets or mealworms roughly 1× body size
Corn Snake Every 5–7 days Every 7–10 days One appropriately sized frozen mouse or rat per feeding
Bearded Dragon Daily 3–4× per week 50% insects, 50% vegetables/fruits; dust insects with calcium
Red-footed Tortoise Daily Daily or every other day Leafy greens should cover most of diet; offer fruits occasionally

⚠️ Adjust portions according to growth, activity, and body condition; remove uneaten food after 15–30 minutes

4. Supplements & Vitamins

  • Calcium & Vitamin D3: Dust insects or sprinkle on vegetables 2–3× per week

  • Multivitamins: Occasionally, 1–2× per month

  • Avoid over-supplementation; more is not better

  • Some species (like snakes) may not need supplements if diet is already calcium-rich

⚡ Example: A juvenile bearded dragon may get calcium-dusted crickets 3× per week, with a daily mix of vegetables

5. Water & Hydration

  • Always provide fresh, clean water in shallow bowls

  • Some reptiles prefer misting or droplets (geckos, frogs)

  • Hydration is essential for shedding, digestion, and activity

⚡ Signs of dehydration: wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, lethargy

6. Common Feeding Problems & Solutions

Problem Possible Cause Solution
Refusing food Stress, wrong temperature, illness Check habitat, offer preferred prey/vegetables, consult a vet
Regurgitation Feeding too large prey, handling too soon Reduce prey size, avoid handling for 24–48h
Impaction Ingesting substrate or oversized prey Feed appropriate food, remove loose substrate, provide hydration
Nutritional deficiency Poor diet, lack of supplements Adjust diet, add calcium & vitamins
Shedding problems Low humidity, dehydration, illness Increase humidity, provide soak or moist hide, monitor health

7. Final Tips for Beginners

  1. Observe appetite and body condition daily

  2. Keep a feeding log to monitor growth and health

  3. Adjust diet, portion, and frequency based on species, age, and activity

  4. Rotate food types to maintain nutritional balance

  5. Maintain hygiene: clean bowls and remove uneaten food promptly

  6. Consult experienced keepers or a reptile veterinarian for persistent problems

⚡ Proper feeding ensures healthy growth, active behavior, and a long lifespan.