If you’re wondering how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko, you’re definitely not alone. Almost every new keeper asks this at some point — usually while standing in front of a container full of chirping crickets wondering if their gecko is about to eat like a tiny dinosaur.
The truth is simple: the correct number of crickets depends mostly on age and size. Babies eat frequently, juveniles slow down, and adults become surprisingly relaxed about food.
And fun fact: overfeeding is far more common than underfeeding. Leopard geckos in captivity are basically living the reptile version of an all-inclusive hotel buffet.
So let’s break down exactly how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko at each life stage.
Table of Contents
- Baby Leopard Gecko Feeding (0–6 Months)
- Juvenile Leopard Gecko Feeding (6–12 Months)
- Adult Leopard Gecko Feeding (12+ Months)
- The 15-Minute Feeding Rule
- Signs You’re Feeding the Right Amount
- Can Leopard Geckos Eat Only Crickets?
- Quick Feeding Chart
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Baby Leopard Gecko Feeding (0–6 Months)
Young geckos grow incredibly fast. One day they look tiny… and a few weeks later they look like a completely different reptile.
For babies, how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko is mainly about supporting rapid growth.
Feeding schedule
• Feed daily
• 5–7 small crickets per feeding
• Cricket size: smaller than the space between the gecko’s eyes
• Light calcium dusting on most feedings
At this stage your gecko is building bone structure, muscle mass, and fat reserves. Missing meals regularly can slow healthy development.
That said… resist the urge to dump 20 crickets into the tank like you’re feeding a dragon. Controlled feeding works better.
Juvenile Leopard Gecko Feeding (6–12 Months)
Once your gecko reaches juvenile size, growth starts slowing down. Their appetite is still strong, but the feeding schedule becomes less frequent.
When thinking about how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko at this stage, moderation becomes more important.
Feeding schedule
• Feed every other day
• 6–8 crickets per feeding
• Continue your calcium and supplement routine
• Watch the tail thickness
The tail acts like a health indicator.
A healthy leopard gecko tail should look thick and full but not cartoonishly oversized. If the tail looks huge compared to the body, you might be feeding a bit too enthusiastically.
Adult Leopard Gecko Feeding (12+ Months)
Adult geckos are surprisingly chill about food. Many owners panic when their gecko skips a meal — but that’s actually normal behavior.
For adults, how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko becomes less about frequency and more about body condition.
Feeding schedule
• Feed 2–3 times per week
• 6–10 medium crickets per feeding
• Adjust depending on body weight and activity
Some adult geckos occasionally refuse food entirely. Mine does this sometimes, usually right after I’ve proudly bought a fresh box of crickets.
Typical gecko behavior.
The Leopard Gecko species profile on Wikipedia also confirms that these reptiles are strict insectivores and require live insects as their primary food source.
The 15-Minute Feeding Rule
A simple trick used by many experienced reptile keepers:
Offer crickets for 10–15 minutes, then remove anything left over.
Why this rule works:
• Loose crickets can bite your gecko
• They create unnecessary stress
• They hide in decorations and die later
• They make your enclosure smell like a cricket graveyard
Simple rule. Surprisingly effective.
Signs You’re Feeding the Right Amount
If you’re unsure how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko, watch these physical signs.
You’re probably doing it right if:
• The tail is thick but proportional
• The gecko is alert and active
• Stool consistency looks normal
• There is no sudden weight gain
If the belly begins dragging across the ground or fat pads appear behind the legs, it may be time to reduce feeding slightly.
Think of it like snacks during movie night. One handful is great. The entire bag… maybe not.
Can Leopard Geckos Eat Only Crickets?
Yes — technically they can.
But variety creates better nutrition.
Even if you’re calculating how many crickets to feed a leopard gecko, rotating feeders is still recommended.
Good alternatives include:
• Dubia roaches
• Mealworms
• Black soldier fly larvae
These insects add different nutrient profiles and keep feeding interesting for your gecko.
According to reptile nutrition research summarized by the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, feeder variety helps prevent nutritional imbalances in captive reptiles.
Another excellent general reptile care reference comes from National Geographic’s reptile guide, which explains natural insectivorous diets in many lizard species.
Quick Feeding Chart
Baby (0–6 months)
5–7 small crickets daily
Juvenile (6–12 months)
6–8 crickets every other day
Adult (12+ months)
6–10 crickets, 2–3 times per week
Remember: always adjust based on body condition, not just appetite.
For a detailed husbandry guide including feeding schedules and supplements, you can also review the expert care guide on ReptiFiles Leopard Gecko Care Guide .
How Many Crickets to Feed a Leopard Gecko – FAQ
Quick answers to the most common feeding questions. Because at some point every leopard gecko owner stares at a tub of crickets and thinks, “…is this enough or am I running a tiny insect buffet?”
Can you overfeed a leopard gecko?
Yes. Overfeeding is common in captive leopard geckos. A healthy tail should look thick and well-filled, but the body should still stay proportional. If your gecko starts looking rounder than expected, it may be time to reduce portion size or feeding frequency.
How big should feeder crickets be?
Crickets should be no larger than the space between your leopard gecko’s eyes. This simple rule helps lower the risk of choking, digestive issues, and awkward hunting fails that nobody involved enjoys.
My leopard gecko does not eat all the crickets. Is that normal?
Yes, especially in adults. Healthy adult leopard geckos sometimes skip meals or stop eating before finishing all offered insects. Appetite can vary based on age, temperature, shedding, and overall activity.
Should I leave crickets in the enclosure overnight?
No. Uneaten crickets should be removed after feeding time. Loose crickets can stress your gecko, hide in the enclosure, and may even bite resting reptiles.
Can leopard geckos eat only crickets?
They can eat crickets as a staple, but variety is usually better. Rotating with feeder insects like dubia roaches, mealworms, or black soldier fly larvae can provide a more balanced diet and keep feeding time more interesting.
Not sure how many insects your gecko needs?
Try our Leopard Gecko Feeding Quantity Calculator to estimate a more suitable feeding amount based on your gecko’s size and age. Because guessing is fun… until your gecko starts acting like it pays rent and deserves unlimited snacks.
Open Feeding Calculator →
