Feeding your reptile correctly is one of the most important responsibilities of keeping them healthy and happy. Whether you’re new to the hobby or looking to refine your routine, this guide covers everything you need to know about feeding reptiles—from what they eat to how often and the tools that make it safer and easier.
Let’s dive into a complete breakdown of what, when, and how to feed your snake, lizard, gecko, or tortoise.
What Do Reptiles Eat?
Different reptiles have very different dietary needs depending on their species, size, and natural habitat. Here’s a breakdown of the most common diet types:
Snakes (e.g., Corn Snakes, Ball Pythons)
- Diet: Whole prey (mice, rats) – frozen or live
- Feeding Frequency: 1x per week (adults), 2x per week (juveniles)
- Important Tips: Use feeding tongs for safety. Avoid handling for 24–48 hours after feeding.
Geckos (e.g., Leopard, Crested)
- Diet: Insects (crickets, locusts, mealworms), commercial gecko diets, fruit purees
- Feeding Frequency: 3–5 times a week
- Important Tips: Dust insects with calcium + D3 powder 2–3x/week.
Bearded Dragons
- Diet: Insects (live or dry), leafy greens, veggies, occasional fruit
- Feeding Frequency: Daily (juveniles), every other day (adults)
- Important Tips: Juveniles need more protein, adults more plant matter.
Tortoises
- Diet: High-fiber vegetation, grasses, flowers, leafy greens
- Feeding Frequency: Daily in small amounts
- Important Tips: Avoid fruit-heavy diets for Mediterranean species.
Explore our full reptile feeding collection for live insects, dry foods, and complete diets.
When to Feed Your Reptile
Reptiles are cold-blooded and their metabolism is regulated by temperature. Always feed when:
- Their enclosure is at optimal temperature
- They are awake and active (many reptiles are crepuscular or nocturnal)
- They’ve had time to bask and warm up (especially important for digestion)
Feeding Schedule Cheat Sheet:
|
Species |
Juvenile Frequency |
Adult Frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Corn Snake |
2x per week |
1x per week |
|
Leopard Gecko |
Every other day |
2–3x per week |
|
Bearded Dragon |
Daily |
3–4x per week |
|
Crested Gecko |
Every other day |
2–3x per week |
|
Tortoise |
Daily |
Daily |
How to Feed Your Reptile (Safely & Effectively)
Use Feeding Tools
Always use feeding tongs or tweezers when offering live insects or prey. This:
- Prevents bites (especially from snakes)
- Reduces stress by offering controlled movement
- Keeps your hands clean and safe
Explore our feeding tools and accessories for tongs, bowls, and more.
Use the Right Feeding Dishes
- Use shallow dishes for geckos and lizards
- For powdered foods, use raised feeding platforms
- Use escape-proof worm dishes for mealworms or waxworms
Dust with Supplements
Calcium and multivitamin powders are essential to prevent:
- Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
- Calcium deficiency
- Growth issues in juveniles
Best practice:
- Calcium + D3: 2–3x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Browse our reptile healthcare section for supplements and dusting aids.
Clean Uneaten Food Promptly
- Remove uneaten prey within a few hours to avoid stress or contamination
- Live insects left in the enclosure may bite or injure reptiles
- Dried food can mold or attract mites if not cleaned regularly
Bonus: Don’t Forget Hydration
While many reptiles don’t drink standing water often, hydration is critical.
Tips:
- Provide a shallow water dish at all times
- Mist tropical reptiles daily
- Consider a misting system or humidity booster for species like chameleons or crested geckos
See our humidity and misting solutions to help regulate your reptile’s environment.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding prey that’s too large (rule of thumb: no wider than the reptile’s head)
- Skipping supplements for young or breeding reptiles
- Overfeeding or underfeeding based on species needs
- Feeding when the reptile is cold or inactive
- Using wild-caught insects (risk of parasites and pesticides)
Final Tips: Make Feeding Time Safe & Enriching
- Be consistent with your feeding schedule
- Handle your reptile after digestion, not right after feeding
- Try tong-feeding live insects to provide stimulation
- Adjust feeding as your reptile grows or enters breeding/hibernation phases
Shop Feeding Essentials at Charterhouse Aquatics
Ready to upgrade your feeding setup? We’ve got everything you need:
- Calcium and multivitamin supplements
- Humidity & misting accessories
