Feeding portions and schedule

[Shijadi]

So I recently bought my first gecko a few days ago, 3-4 months old, and was able to get him to eat the second night--which I personally thought was a miracle because I usually have stubborn luck with pets. I know it's still trying to settle into its new home, and is usually asleep most of the time, but I'm also trying to keep a routine feeding schedule, which is around 9-10pm. However, I always seem to find him still sleeping when I want to start feeding, maybe lying in a different position, but still asleep. Now I know sometimes heat and humidity has an effect on such behavior, but during the day my heat is around 80-85 F, and 75-80 F at night. Humidity wavers from 40-60%, but I think that accounts for me currently living in Georgia for college. Is it better to wait for the gecko to wake on it's own accord or try to keep a strict schedule and wake it up with a delicious meal?

Second, how much should I be feeding? I know to not give anything bigger than the space on the gecko's head, and to not go crazy with the mealworms. I usually try to give 3-4 dusted crickets and the occasional mealworm. Since the gecko is young, would it do any harm to incorporate a small snack time during the day to make sure it stays fat and healthy, or would that do more harm than good? Here are some images to judge the tail fat and whatnot:

 

[NewWorldLove]

I'm a new gecko owner too and I was told to give him 4-5 crickets a day and about 12 dusted ones a week because they are active at night I usually give mine his food before I go to bed and they will be gone in the morning.

 

[Shijadi]

You are leaving live crickets in with the gecko overnight? Not sure that's a good idea. If you leave them in there and your gecko doesn't bother with them, they will eventually start attacking your gecko while it's sleeping or something if left unattended. I always supervise mine and take up anything that isn't eaten after a couple of minutes or so.

Not trying to say that your gecko with always be in danger, it's just a possibility I wouldn't risk. Hence why I'm trying to find out what kind of schedule to set up since mine is a sleepy little bugger.

 

[cricket4u]

My leos normally come out around 6-8pm searching for food depending on the time of year. You can always offer in the AM if he's up instead.

but during the day my heat is around 80-85 F, and 75-80 F at night.

You want to provide a temperature range at all times. Coolest side no higher than 75. You do provide a UTH on a thermostat as well? His weight looks fine so continue how you are feeding. It will be a good idea to add other insects for varity. You can give these a try. At his age, there's a good chance he will accept them and the great thing is that they are balanced(no need to dust). You can also try silkworms, hornworms, roaches, and occasional butterworm.

The Phoenix Worm Store Home Page

 

[Shijadi]

Holy crap, I should order some of these phoenix worms. They kinda put a lot of other food sources to shame.