Leopard Gecko Bowser: ceramic heat emitter, night viewing bulb, setup ?s, & all

[cricket4u]

I have to honest, If I was unable to provide a healthy variety to my geckos, I would feel selfish keeping them. The problem is as Elizabeth mentioned they will only eat a few of certain insects. They also become bored of the same items and some will start refusing to eat. It's important that you at least keep 2 different insects at hand. They sell several option here.

http://www.mulberryfarms.com/

Imagine eating a cheesesteak everyday. You will not only end up deficient in certain nutrients, but eventually it will nauseate you.

 

[Bowser]

I have to honest, If I was unable to provide a healthy variety to my geckos, I would feel selfish keeping them. The problem is as Elizabeth mentioned they will only eat a few of certain insects. They also become bored of the same items and some will start refusing to eat. It's important that you at least keep 2 different insects at hand. They sell several option here.

http://www.mulberryfarms.com/

Imagine eating a cheesesteak everyday. You will not only end up deficient in certain nutrients, but eventually it will nauseate you.

But to be honest, the comparison to us eating cheesecake everyday is more along the lines of feeding a gecko a wax worm everyday. What I don't get is, why are crickets being held as the absolute staple? Phoenix worms are much healthier, and a better option than crickets. I could feed crickets every once in a while, but i cannot constantly have them as a staple. Phoenix worms, silk worms, hornworms are all different food sources that should be more than enough variety, with crickets sometimes, and maybe an occasional wax worm.

Many breeders stick to a simple feeding plan, like one or two options, for years and years and raise beautiful healthy geckos. I dont think its fair to imply that if you dont or cant feed crickets, then its selfish to own a gecko.

 

[My_Leopard_Bijou]

Got it. Considering they're easier to store than mealworms and don't require gutloading, I can probably convince my dad to let me buy some phoenix worms. Then I can give my geckos tastier meals and switch them up a bit. I want to make sure I'm giving my lizards the best I possibly can.

 

[cricket4u]

But to be honest, the comparison to us eating cheesecake everyday is more along the lines of feeding a gecko a wax worm everyday. What I don't get is, why are crickets being held as the absolute staple? Phoenix worms are much healthier, and a better option than crickets. I could feed crickets every once in a while, but i cannot constantly have them as a staple. Phoenix worms, silk worms, hornworms are all different food sources that should be more than enough variety, with crickets sometimes, and maybe an occasional wax worm.

Many breeders stick to a simple feeding plan, like one or two options, for years and years and raise beautiful healthy geckos. I dont think its fair to imply that if you dont or cant feed crickets, then its selfish to own a gecko.

I said I would feel selfish. Some breeders cannot afford variety and so choose the cheapest and easiest to keep of insects. Their goal is to sell the geckos, not keep them forever. Just because they look healthy on the outside does not mean they are healthy in the inside.

Personally I do not believe in a staple insect. Just like we need to eat several food items to remain healthy, they do as well. They will survive, but chances are they will not live as long as they could. Nutritional values vary with every insect.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I usually feed my gecko only crickets and a waxworm every other week. Crickets are great because they're extremely inexpensive ($3.00 for about 30 of them). Why wouldn't you be able to keep crickets? Keeping live crickets is relatively easy. You can get a good sized cricket cage at pets mart that comes with tubes for easy feeding. Fluker's cricket feed also is relatively cheep and it lasts a good amount of time. It's fortified with calcium and is a premium gut-loader. The only downside to crickets, in my opinion, is the chirping and smell.

The thing is, I CAN keep crickets relatively easily. My dad is the problem. He hates bugs. It took enough pleading to allow me to get live food for them. I've tried reasoning with him. Nothing works. He might go for phoenix worms though considering they're pretty similar to mealworms in terms of storage... at least from what I've heard.

But to be honest, the comparison to us eating cheesecake everyday is more along the lines of feeding a gecko a wax worm everyday. What I don't get is, why are crickets being held as the absolute staple? Phoenix worms are much healthier, and a better option than crickets. I could feed crickets every once in a while, but i cannot constantly have them as a staple. Phoenix worms, silk worms, hornworms are all different food sources that should be more than enough variety, with crickets sometimes, and maybe an occasional wax worm.

Many breeders stick to a simple feeding plan, like one or two options, for years and years and raise beautiful healthy geckos. I dont think its fair to imply that if you dont or cant feed crickets, then its selfish to own a gecko.

Just saying...that crickets have the most ideal ratio of protein to fat of any of the feeders I know!

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to feed leos waxworms, even for variety.

Check my leo guidelines for even more ideal foods to feed bugs/worms.

Remember to only buy a starter supply of new bugs in the beginning. Your leo may take 1 or 2 and then no more.

If you keep crickets like I recommend on my caresheet, there is absolutely NO SMELL!

Check out Gryllodes sigillatus crickets...the new guy on the block.

 

[Bowser]

I said I would feel selfish. Some breeders cannot afford variety and so choose the cheapest and easiest to keep of insects. Their goal is to sell the geckos, not keep them forever. Just because they look healthy on the outside does not mean they are healthy in the inside.

Personally I do not believe in a staple insect. Just like we need to eat several food items to remain healthy, they do as well. They will survive, but chances are they will not live as long as they could. Nutritional values vary with every insect.

I agree that variety is best! And i will try to d o the best i can. Even if i can only do crickets once on a while, my gecko will still have a balanced and variety filled diet.

Btw, i read up on hornworms and they sound great as a food source! But man, they are EXPENSIVE!! One site has them at 100 worms for $75!!!! Ouch!

 

[cricket4u]

I agree that variety is best! And i will try to d o the best i can. Even if i can only do crickets once on a while, my gecko will still have a balanced and variety filled diet.

Btw, i read up on hornworms and they sound great as a food source! But man, they are EXPENSIVE!! One site has them at 100 worms for $75!!!! Ouch!

There is no use of buying more than a few in a cup at a time for one gecko. They reach full size which is about 3-4 inches within 2 weeks. A full grown hornworm is too large for a leo, so they will need to be fed off within that period. It's a shame because most really do love them!

 

[Bowser]

You can't buy more than a few in a cup at a time for one gecko. They reach full size which is about 3-4 inches within 2 weeks. A full grown hornworm is too large for a leo, so they will need to be fed off within that period. It's a shame because most really do love them!

Do you know of anyplace that sells low quantities of them?? I read they get big, and 100 is a lot!

 

[cricket4u]

Do you know of anyplace that sells low quantities of them?? I read they get big, and 100 is a lot!

In most places they sell about 14 in a cup. The smaller the size, the more worms in the cup. The link I posted sells baby hornworms which in my opinion turns out to be the best buy in order to make them last as long as possible. You will need to have other insects to feed in between. This will allow you to feed a few small ones and allow a few to grow. Look at the website for options.

 

[cricket4u]

When they are not available at Mulberry's Farm I buy from here.

https://coastalsilkworms.com/store/index.php or

http://www.greatlakeshornworm.com/

 

[Bowser]

Thanks cricket4u!!!!

 

[RadioGumdrop]

The thing is, I CAN keep crickets relatively easily. My dad is the problem. He hates bugs. It took enough pleading to allow me to get live food for them. I've tried reasoning with him. Nothing works. He might go for phoenix worms though considering they're pretty similar to mealworms in terms of storage... at least from what I've heard.

I can see where that could be a problem. But one thing I like about crickets is that I never have to touch them or pick them up unless there's an escapee. The crickets love hiding in tubes and I take the tubes out and shake them into my leo's cage. I also keep them in my room so the only person dealing with crickets is me. Even though I share my room with my sister, she doesn't feed Geico unless I'm away for marching band or jazz band. With the waxworms I can never find a good way to transport them into the cage without touching them and accidentally killing them. Plus I get paranoid with their bedding being dropped into the viv. Plus watching Geico hunt is amusing and interesting. He has more fun hunting crickets than waxies.

And Elizabeth, I feed Geico two waxworms every other week to help him keep on weight. After he was sick, he's had trouble keeping weight on him and I feel that the waxworms do a good job of keeping his weight in check. Geico is by no means unhealthy and he is not a picky eater because of the waxworms. In fact, he has been doing much better since I introduced waxworms into his diet.

 

[cricket4u]

Thanks cricket4u!!!!

You're welcome

 

[cricket4u]

I can see where that could be a problem. But one thing I like about crickets is that I never have to touch them or pick them up unless there's an escapee. The crickets love hiding in tubes and I take the tubes out and shake them into my leo's cage. I also keep them in my room so the only person dealing with crickets is me. Even though I share my room with my sister, she doesn't feed Geico unless I'm away for marching band or jazz band. With the waxworms I can never find a good way to transport them into the cage without touching them and accidentally killing them. Plus I get paranoid with their bedding being dropped into the viv. Plus watching Geico hunt is amusing and interesting. He has more fun hunting crickets than waxies.

And Elizabeth, I feed Geico two waxworms every other week to help him keep on weight. After he was sick, he's had trouble keeping weight on him and I feel that the waxworms do a good job of keeping his weight in check. Geico is by no means unhealthy and he is not a picky eater because of the waxworms. In fact, he has been doing much better since I introduced waxworms into his diet.

I agree with crickets being an ideal part of the diet. It's about the only insect that allows them to hunt. We must appreciate how adorable and happy they look catching them. Crickets are one insect I would never deprive them of. On the other hand Radiogundrop the reason he is doing better as you say is the fat content making him appear healthy. However look at the poor ratio of other nutrients in Waxworms. Nutritional Value of Feeder Insects

You should get rid of waxworms and feed some silkworms, hornworms, roaches, phoenix worms and butter worms (with crickets as a larger part) so that your gecko will be truly healthy.

 

[My_Leopard_Bijou]

I love watching leos hunt! It's adorable. As soon as I move out and can buy any feeder I choose, I'll have a huge variety for my lizard and make sure she gets to hunt as many crickets as she wants. I really do appreciate all the input I've received from everyone. Thanks!

 

[SORROW89]

Listen to these ladies if you want a healthy gecko. They know there stuff. Leopard geckos and crickets go hand and hand. Crickets is must have for them just buy the small ones without the wings and you won't hear chirping.

 

[Bowser]

Is there a safe paint to use on accessories and such in a gecko terrarium?? I want to do some custom paonting but dont know what is safe.

Also, how can i make my own "sculptures"?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Is there a safe paint to use on accessories and such in a gecko terrarium?? I want to do some custom paonting but dont know what is safe.

Also, how can i make my own "sculptures"?

For this ?, please repost in the DIY forum for better advice

 

[Bowser]

lamp fixtures

Hi guys, I have a leopard gecko on his way to me, and I was thinking about what I want to do for light...like many topics, there are so many contradictions and circles it's hard to know what is right and what isn't. My idea is to have just 2 bulbs...1 ceramic heat bulb, and 1 night black light (mimics moonlight).

Since they are nocturnal, a day light isn't very necessary. But for now, those 2 bulbs will be just fine. Am I missing anything?

Also, any suggestions on lamp fixtures?? What's a good one? If I got something like a hood fixture with the availability for the 2 bulbs I mentioned along with a fluorescent, I may also do a day light as well. But it's not very important.

Thanks!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi guys, I have a leopard gecko on his way to me, and I was thinking about what I want to do for light...like many topics, there are so many contradictions and circles it's hard to know what is right and what isn't. My idea is to have just 2 bulbs...1 ceramic heat bulb, and 1 night black light (mimics moonlight).

Since they are nocturnal, a day light isn't very necessary. But for now, those 2 bulbs will be just fine. Am I missing anything?

Also, any suggestions on lamp fixtures?? What's a good one? If I got something like a hood fixture with the availability for the 2 bulbs I mentioned along with a fluorescent, I may also do a day light as well. But it's not very important.

Thanks!

No on black light...contains UVA according to Aimee on a separate thread . http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...427-using-black-lights-night-heat-source.html

A 10 inch dome fixture for the ceramic heat emitter and maybe a smaller dome for the viewing light.