Are You Feeding Your Reptile Correctly?
5 Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Feeding reptiles isn’t complicated, but it’s easy to get wrong. Many feeding issues don’t cause immediate problems, which means mistakes often go unnoticed until a reptile shows signs of poor health. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re feeding your reptile correctly, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down the most common reptile feeding mistakes we see, explains why they matter, and shows you how to fix them using proper live food for reptiles.
Why reptile feeding mistakes matter
Reptiles rely entirely on you for their diet. In the wild, they instinctively balance nutrients through variety, prey size, and feeding frequency. In captivity, even small feeding errors can lead to issues like poor growth, obesity, calcium deficiency, or lack of energy.
Most problems come down to misunderstanding food choice, portion size, or feeding habits, not neglect.
Mistake 1: Feeding the wrong type of live food
Not all insects suit every reptile. A common mistake is sticking to one feeder insect because it’s convenient, rather than nutritionally appropriate.
Some insects are high in fat and best used as treats. Others work better as staple feeds. For example, wax worms are often overused when they should only be occasional, while live crickets and live locusts are more suitable for regular feeding.
How to fix it
Match the live food to your reptile’s species, age, and activity level. Variety matters. A rotating diet helps cover nutritional gaps and encourages natural hunting behaviour.
Mistake 2: Feeding insects that are too large or too small
Prey size plays a bigger role than most people realise. Insects that are too large can cause choking or digestive stress. Insects that are too small often lead to underfeeding, even when meals seem frequent.
This is especially common with growing reptiles, where keepers don’t adjust insect size as the reptile matures.
How to fix it
A simple rule works well: feeder insects should be no wider than the space between your reptile’s eyes. Adjust size regularly and don’t assume one size fits all.
Mistake 3: Feeding too often (or not often enough)
Overfeeding is one of the most common issues we see, particularly with beginner keepers. Many reptiles don’t need daily feeding once they reach adulthood yet continue to receive frequent meals.
Underfeeding also happens, especially when live food supply runs low or feeding schedules become inconsistent.
How to fix it
Set a feeding routine based on:
- Species
- Age
- Activity level
Mistake 4: Ignoring supplementation and gut loading
Live insects are only as nutritious as what they eat. Feeding insects straight from the tub without gut loading or supplementation can lead to calcium and vitamin deficiencies over time.
This mistake is subtle and often goes unnoticed until health issues appear.
How to fix it
- Gut load insects 24–48 hours before feeding
- Use calcium and vitamin supplements where appropriate
- Avoid over-supplementing, balance matters
Mistake 5: Relying on one food source long-term
Reptiles thrive on variety. Feeding the same insect week after week can lead to nutritional gaps and feeding boredom, even if the insect itself is suitable.
This often happens with keepers who buy in bulk and stick to a single feeder for convenience.
How to fix it
Rotate between suitable live foods such as:
A varied diet supports better digestion, behaviour, and nutrient intake.How to build a better reptile feeding routine
Feeding correctly doesn’t mean feeding more, it means feeding smarter. Focus on:
- Appropriate live food for reptiles
- Correct insect size
- A realistic feeding schedule
- Proper supplementation
- Regular variety
FAQs
How often should I feed my reptile?
It depends on the species and age. Juveniles usually eat more frequently than adults. Research species-specific needs and adjust as your reptile grows.
What is the best live food for reptiles?
There isn’t one single best option. Live crickets, live locusts, and live mealworms all have a place in a balanced feeding routine when used correctly.
Can reptiles live on one type of insect?
Short term, yes. Long term, no. A lack of variety often leads to nutritional imbalance.
Should I dust insects with supplements every feed?
Not always. Over-supplementation can be just as harmful as none at all. Follow species-specific guidance.
How do I know if my reptile is underfed?
Signs include weight loss, low energy, poor shedding, and reduced appetite.
Is live reptile food better than dried food?
Live food encourages natural behaviour and provides better hydration and enrichment for most reptiles.