Feeding leopard gecko

[MnGuy]

I’m thinking of getting one adult leopard gecko and I’m wondering if those of you who keep them can answer a few questions for me:

-Is it more cost effective to raise insects for one leopard gecko, or, does buying insects make sense if you only have one?

-If you buy insects, how much does it cost to feed one leopard gecko for a month, and how often are you making pet store runs to buy insects in a month? (For pricing, Petco prices are what I’m going by for consistency although I know there are many other, likely better, options.)

-How much work is it to breed feeder insects? (Thinking dubia roaches and mealworms.)


I’ve never kept an insect-feeding pet so I’m a little uncertain about how much work it is and whether I’m up for basically maintaining additional “pets” to feed a lizard.

Thank you.

[ClockwerkBonnet]

I like to buy my mealworms on Amazon, though I've never had experience breeding feeder insects.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by ClockwerkBonnet

I like to buy my mealworms on Amazon, though I've never had experience breeding feeder insects.

Thank you for the feedback. How much do you buy at what cost, and how long does it last you?

[Herpin' Man]

If I had only one leopard gecko, I would raise superworms (very easy) and purchase crickets as needed (not practical to culture at home). Dubias are nutritious and can easily be cultured at home, but unlike superworms, require attention several times a week.
Large crickets typically last a week or ten days, if housed correctly. An adult leopard gecko will go through twenty or thirty a week, and I think the going rate at pet stores is about .10 each.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by Herpin' Man

If I had only one leopard gecko, I would raise superworms (very easy) and purchase crickets as needed (not practical to culture at home). Dubias are nutritious and can easily be cultured at home, but unlike superworms, require attention several times a week.
Large crickets typically last a week or ten days, if housed correctly. An adult leopard gecko will go through twenty or thirty a week, and I think the going rate at pet stores is about .10 each.

Thank you! This is really helpful.

[ClockwerkBonnet]

Originally Posted by MnGuy

Thank you for the feedback. How much do you buy at what cost, and how long does it last you?

I can never remember the cost, but I prefer buying 500-1000 worms. They last for months.

[MnGuy]

Originally Posted by ClockwerkBonnet

I can never remember the cost, but I prefer buying 500-1000 worms. They last for months.

That sounds like a good supply.