Feeding schedule
By life stage
A gecko's feeding frequency, portion size, and supplement timing all change as they age. Overfeeding adults and underfeeding juveniles are the two most common mistakes.
Feeding schedule by life stage
| Life stage | Frequency | Amount | Feeder sizing | Calcium | Multivitamin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hatchling 0 – 3 months | MRP powder every night; insects 1–2×/week once established | A dime-sized smear of MRP, replaced nightly | Flightless fruit flies or pinhead crickets only — nothing wider than the gap between the eyes | Built into the MRP; dust any insects lightly | Built into the MRP |
Juvenile 3 – 12 months | MRP 4–5 nights/week; insects 1–2×/week | A quarter-sized portion of MRP, adjusted to how much is cleaned up overnight | Small crickets or dubia nymphs — never wider than the space between the eyes | Built into the MRP; dust insects lightly | Built into the MRP |
Sub-adult 12 – 18 months | MRP 3–4 nights/week; insects 1×/week | A tablespoon-sized portion of MRP, scaled to body size | Medium feeders — size up gradually as the gecko grows | Built into the MRP; dust insects lightly | Built into the MRP |
Adult 18+ months | MRP 3× per week; insects 1× per week as a rotation | A controlled portion of MRP — remove leftovers after 24 hours and watch body weight | Adult-sized feeders, never wider than the head | Built into the MRP; dust any insects lightly | Built into the MRP |
Portion & water care
Tail health check: An adult gecko whose tail is noticeably fatter than their neck is being overfed. The tail stores fat reserves — a very fat tail signals excess. A lean but not sunken tail base is the target. Juveniles should have a plump tail relative to their body; a thin tail is a warning sign.
The 15-minute rule: Offer food and observe. Whatever hasn't been eaten in 15 minutes should be removed. This applies especially to crickets, which will bite your gecko if left loose overnight.
Water: Fresh water must be available at all times in a shallow dish. Shallow enough that your gecko cannot drown — no deeper than their belly. Change it whenever it is soiled, which may be daily.
Bathing: gargoyle geckos do not need regular baths and should not be bathed as a routine — it stresses them. The exception is retained shed: a 10–15 minute warm shallow soak helps loosen stuck skin. Never use soap, and never leave a gecko unattended in water. For a fuller guide on shedding and retained shed, see the shedding page →