🧭 Introduction
Tokay Geckos (Gekko gecko) are strict insectivores. That means their entire diet comes from live, moving prey. To keep your gecko healthy, you’ll need to offer:
- The right kinds of insects
- A proper feeding schedule
- Dusting with supplements
- Hydration tips (yes, they drink!)
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to build a proper feeding routine.
🐛 What Do Tokay Geckos Eat?
Staple Insects (feed regularly):
- Crickets (gut-loaded)
- Dubia roaches
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)
- Silkworms
Occasional Treats (1–2x/week):
- Superworms (high in fat)
- Hornworms (great for hydration)
- Waxworms (treat only)
- Moths, grasshoppers (if captive-raised)
❗ Do not feed wild-caught bugs — they may carry pesticides or parasites.
📅 Feeding Schedule
| Gecko Age | Frequency | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (0–6m) | Daily | 4–6 medium insects per meal |
| Subadult (6–12m) | Every 1–2 days | 5–8 insects per feeding |
| Adult (12m+) | Every 2–3 days | 6–10 insects, depending on size |
🍽️ Feed in the evening or at night, as Tokays are nocturnal hunters.
💊 Supplements: What They Need
Calcium and Vitamins
| Supplement Type | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium w/o D3 | 2–3x/week | If UVB lighting is provided |
| Calcium with D3 | 1x/week | If no UVB bulb is used |
| Multivitamin powder | 1x/week | Reptile-specific |
Use a small cup to dust insects lightly before feeding.
💧 Do Tokay Geckos Drink Water?
Yes — but they rarely drink from a bowl. Instead, they lick droplets from leaves and enclosure walls.
Hydration Tips:
- Mist enclosure 1–2 times/day
- Provide water bowl and climbing foliage
- Add hornworms for water-rich nutrition
🛒 Feeding Tools & Tips
Recommended Gear:
- Long feeding tongs (12″+)
- Small dish for worms
- Escape-proof cricket feeder
- Dusting cup with lid
- Gut-loading containers
- Insect-holding tub with ventilation
🔄 Rotate insect types weekly to keep nutrition balanced and gecko interested.
❌ Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Only feeding 1 insect type | Causes nutritional imbalance |
| Not dusting insects | Leads to calcium/vitamin deficiency |
| Feeding too often | Can lead to obesity and aggression |
| Feeding in bright light | Stressful for nocturnal geckos |
✅ Sample Weekly Feeding Plan (Adult)
| Day | Insect | Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dubia roaches | Calcium no D3 |
| Wednesday | Silkworms | Multivitamin |
| Friday | Crickets | Calcium with D3 |
| Sunday | Hornworms | None (hydration) |