FAQ: Food for reptiles

An overweight reptile looks round, with fat folds on the neck, armpits or tail base, and is sluggish. In snakes it shows as a rounded body and skin folds. Review the feeding amount and talk to a vet.

A common rule is that the insect should be no longer than the space between the lizard's eyes. Insects that are too big can cause choking, regurgitation or digestive trouble, especially in juveniles.

Reptiles are often given as many insects as they eat in 10–15 minutes, and the rest are removed. The amount depends on age, species and insect size, so keep an eye on the reptile's weight and body shape.

Greens are usually given in the amount the animal eats in a day, roughly a pile the size of its body. If a lot is left, reduce the portion; if it all goes quickly, increase it slightly while watching weight.

Yes, if the next size up is still too big or the snake is moving up gradually. However, feeding several small rodents means more swallowing and is usually pricier than one prey item of the right size.

Prey that is too big can cause regurgitation or injury, so do not offer it. For the next feeding buy smaller rodents or several smaller ones, and step the size up gradually as the snake grows.

Dragons often prefer insects, especially if they get a lot of them. It helps to offer greens in the morning before insects, chop them finely, mix in colourful vegetables or flowers and cut back insects for an adult dragon.

A leopard gecko may refuse food because the temperature is too low, it is about to shed, it is stressed after a move, or due to the season or breeding. If the tail thins or it refuses food for long, check conditions and see a vet.

A tortoise often stops eating when it is too cold, lacks UVB, is nearing hibernation time or is stressed. Check temperatures and lighting first, and see a vet if it refuses food for long or seems lethargic.

Reptiles fed one insect type or fatty larvae for a long time may refuse anything else. It helps to offer new insects a few at a time alongside the usual ones, cut down on treats and be patient.

A snake may refuse if the prey is not warmed enough or is too big, if light or movement disturbs it, or if it is about to shed. Warming the prey better, feeding in the evening, wiggling it on tongs and leaving the snake in peace all help.

Healthy adult reptiles, especially snakes, can go longer without food than mammals, but it depends on species, age and condition. Long fasting is riskier for juveniles, so if a reptile is not eating and losing weight, see a vet.

Yes, many snakes and lizards eat less or nothing before or during a shed. This is normal, so you can skip offering food then, and the appetite usually returns after the shed.

Tongs let you control how much the reptile eats and help with getting it onto non-moving food, while a bowl is handy for worms and greens. Many keepers combine both depending on the food.

Long bamboo, plastic or metal tongs with rounded tips are commonly used. Softer tips are gentler on the mouth if the reptile bites them by accident, and longer tongs are safer for feeding snakes.

For worms, dishes with smooth, slightly inward-curving walls that they cannot climb out of work well, and for climbing reptiles there are dishes that mount on a wall or branch. The dish should be shallow enough for the reptile to reach the food easily.

Dishes for greens and moist food are best washed daily, and insect dishes a few times a week. Wash them in hot water with an animal-safe product, separately from human dishes.

Greens for herbivores can be left for the day, but live insects, especially crickets, are removed after feeding. Thawed prey a snake has not eaten within a few hours is thrown away.

Clean tap water suits most reptiles, and it can be left to stand in an open container for a few hours so some of the chlorine evaporates. It does not need boiling, and if the water is very hard or you doubt its quality, filtered water can be used.

Yes, reptiles get some moisture from greens, juicy insects and prey. But that does not replace clean water, so a water dish or misting is always needed.