Introduction
When boarding reptiles, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for their health and stress reduction. This guide provides a temporary feeding plan tailored to common reptile species, focusing on safety and simplicity for caregivers.
Recommended Diet Types
Depending on the reptile species, choose from:
- Live Prey: Crickets, mealworms, roaches. Best for insectivores like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and chameleons.
- Frozen/Thawed Prey: Mice, rats for snakes and larger lizards. Thaw completely before feeding.
- Pelleted Diet: Commercial reptile pellets for herbivores like tortoises and iguanas. Soak if needed.
- Fresh Greens and Vegetables: Leafy greens (collard, mustard, dandelion), squash, bell peppers. For herbivores and omnivores.
- Fruit (as treat): Limited amounts of berries, melon, or papaya for omnivores.
Portion Sizes and Caloric Needs by Age, Size, and Activity
| Factor | Small/Low Activity | Medium/Moderate Activity | Large/High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young (growing) | 5-10% body weight daily | 8-12% | 10-15% |
| Adult | 2-5% body weight daily | 3-7% | 5-10% |
| Senior | 1-3% body weight daily | 2-4% | 3-5% |
Example: A 500g bearded dragon (adult, moderate activity) needs about 15-35g of food per day.
Feeding Frequency and Schedule
- Insectivores: Young: daily; Adults: every 1-2 days.
- Herbivores: Daily fresh greens; pellets every other day.
- Snakes: Every 5-7 days for young; every 7-14 days for adults.
- Omnivores: Mixed diet daily; adjust based on species.
Feed during daylight hours (or species-specific active period). Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes to prevent spoilage.
Essential Nutrients
- Protein: For growth and repair. Insects, rodents, legumes.
- Fat: Energy source. Insects (fat content varies), seeds (for herbivores).
- Carbohydrates: Minimal needs. Vegetables and fruits provide fiber.
- Vitamins: A, D3, E, K, B-complex. Supplement if diet is limited.
- Minerals: Calcium:Phosphorus ratio of 2:1 essential for bone health. Use calcium powder without D3 for prey, with D3 for herbivores.
Foods to Avoid
- Fireflies: Toxic to all reptiles.
- Avocado: Contains persin, harmful.
- Rhubarb, onion, garlic: Can cause hemolytic anemia.
- Wild-caught insects: Risk of pesticides, parasites.
- High-oxalate greens: Spinach, beet greens in large amounts bind calcium.
Hydration
Provide clean, chlorine-free water daily. For species that drink from droplets, mist enclosure. Soak herbivores weekly. Dehydration signs: sunken eyes, wrinkled skin.
Supplements
- Calcium with D3: Dust prey insects 2-3 times/week.
- Multivitamin: Once weekly for insectivores, less for herbivores.
- Probiotics: For stress during boarding (optional).
Feeding Differences by Life Stage
- Juveniles: Higher protein, more frequent feedings, smaller prey items.
- Adults: Balanced diet, less frequent, avoid overfeeding obesity.
- Seniors: Reduced calories, softer food if dental issues, increased calcium.
Signs of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Diet
- Healthy: Bright eyes, clear skin, consistent growth, regular bowel movements, active behavior.
- Unhealthy: Lethargy, weight loss/gain, metabolic bone disease (swollen limbs, jaw), runny stool, retained shed.
If any unhealthy signs appear, adjust diet or consult a veterinarian.