Real vs. Manufactured

[Desdemona]

So, as a person who buys minimuly processed for the humans I do feel like I should try to do something similar for the Gecko. Granted, I WILL buy suppliments and anything to keep him healthy, but figured I'd find out if there was anyone who does try to keep their pets as natural as possible.

I figure the best way to do this would be in gut loading, giving the crickets food instead of the commercial cricket feed. Is there anyone who has tried both and has a preference? I read that oranges were good for the crickets.

Are there any real foods that you can give to help with the calcium/D deficencies? When I read the D I instantly thought of the fermented cod liver oil that I buy, but I have no clue if a gecko could process that stuff (its also high in Vit A) and I am not going to experiment on this guy. Of course it does nothing for the calcium intake.

Any thoughts or do you guys just buy the commercial stuff and not worry about it?

 

[acpart]

I used to make my own mealworm gutload by going to the local coop and getting a variety of organic nuts and grains and powdering them in the blender. After several batches of mealworms slowly died (it seemed as if the gutload was sticking to them and suffocating them --I think I had too much oily nut product or something) I switched to progeckos gutload. If you do some checking and asking, you may find a gutload (you should send an email to ask at www.progecko.com) that is minimally processed. While you may be able to find actual foods that provide the calcium, D3 and vitamins that the gecko needs, the gecko may not necessarily be willing to eat them. I think the powdered supplements are most efficient. There are brands that provide vitamin A from beta carotene instead of less healthy or effective sources (the Repcal products and possibly Repashys calcium plus do this).

Aliza

 

[leogecko88]

I also try to use mostly fresh whole foods for us. My dog only eats real foods that I prepare myself. I prefer to use human quality foods for my insects. Their main diet is organic baby cereal and vegetable/ fruit slices.
Don't skip on supplements. The insects need to be dusted with calcium, D3, and vitamins.

 

[Desdemona]

Don't worry, I will suppliment, but I will buy the higher quality stuff. I only have one guy so its not like I'm going to be dropping thousands in gecko food.

I think gutload will be my main topic of research. I will say its a bit strange to feel lost after keeping the same pets for a good 10 or so years (rodents).

 

[Brewboy74]

I have to give a thumbs up to Cody at Progecko. I ordered my first batch of gutload a couple of Saturdays ago and he shipped that same day......yes on Saturday. Crazy fast shipping and good product. Can't beat it.