Leopard geckos can eat their eggs but not any other. Other eggs are not suitable for their digestive tract, and the lizards lack the adaptation to digest the same. However, if the eggs in question are from the leopard gecko itself, then there’s a chance that the lizard might eat them.
Eggs are full of minerals, proteins, and vitamins, but no matter good you think they are, you should not share chicken or any other eggs with your pet leopard gecko.
These lizards are insectivorous, and their diet should only comprise insects. Below we explore why leopard geckos sometimes eat their eggs and how to prevent this.
Reasons Why Leopard Geckos Eat Their Eggs
As with most reptiles, leopard geckos reproduce by laying eggs. If you have a female gecko in captivity, you will know it’s preparing to lay eggs if you see it digging the substrate constantly.
Even so, you might never see the eggs, or the eggs may disappear after you have seen them. The latter is likely because the female leopard gecko has eaten them. But why would a leopard gecko eat its eggs?
Calcium Deficiency
An egg-laying female requires more calcium during the season. When it has not been getting enough of the mineral, the gecko might eat their egg to increase calcium intake.
To avoid this, you should provide your pet with calcium-rich insects such as crickets and dust all the insects with calcium powder.
To Get Rid Of Unfertilized Egg
If the female leopard gecko knows the egg is unviable, it might eat it to keep the enclosure clean.
Such cases are bound to be more common if there is no male leopard gecko in the enclosure. Keep in mind that leopard geckos can lay unfertilized eggs.
Do Leopard Geckos Eat Chicken Eggs?
Leopard geckos can’t swallow chicken eggs due to their size. In addition, they still can’t eat boiled, scrambled eggs since it does not form an ideal part of their diet. Even when you offer the egg to the lizard, it might not recognize it as food since they are used to hunting moving insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Leopard Geckos Eat Egg Shells?
Egg shells are packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. You can crush them and sprinkle the powder on the live insects 5 minutes before giving them to your pet leopard gecko.
Ensure you grind them into fine powder since the lizard cannot digest them and may cause impaction.
Do Leopard Geckos Lay Eggs?
Yes, leopard geckos lay eggs, cover them well, and leave them to hatch. However, like most other reptiles, leopard geckos do not nurture their babies.
Which Human Foods Do Leopard Geckos Eat?
No human food is safe for leopard geckos. These reptiles have an acidic and short digestive tract which is not conducive to human foods, especially vegetables.
Unless you are one of the unconventional people who eat crickets, you should not offer the lizard any human food.