FAQ: Food for reptiles

Specially bred earthworms suit aquatic turtles, blue-tongued skinks and some snakes such as garter snakes. Wild earthworms may carry parasites or chemicals, so worms sold as food are safer.

Lateralis (runner) roaches are smaller and faster, so they encourage hunting and suit smaller lizards. Dubia roaches are bigger and slower, while lateralis can climb smooth surfaces and escape more easily.

Mealworm pupae and beetles are sometimes eaten, but the beetles have a hard shell and many reptiles dislike them. It is easier to keep the worms cool so they take longer to pupate.

Hard-shelled insects such as mealworms or beetles can burden digestion in large amounts, especially in juveniles or when temperatures are too low. So they are mixed with softer insects and the terrarium is kept properly warm.

Water gel gives insects moisture without the risk of drowning and does not spoil as quickly as vegetables. But it does not feed them on its own, so it is combined with dry feed or vegetables.

Most insects already contain more phosphorus than calcium, so a phosphorus-free calcium supplement is usually chosen for reptiles. This makes it easier to reach the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

If a leopard gecko gets no UVB, calcium with vitamin D3 is usually recommended, because otherwise it cannot absorb calcium properly. Agree the frequency with the supplement label and your vet's advice.

A thin layer is enough, so the insect looks lightly dusted rather than white as if rolled in flour. Too thick a coating can put the reptile off and wastes powder.

Some reptiles, such as chameleons and turtles, cannot always make vitamin A from beta-carotene, so the supplement's make-up matters for them. On the other hand, too much preformed vitamin A is harmful, so choose a supplement suited to the species with your vet's advice.

Clumped powder means moisture got into the pack, so keep it more tightly sealed and somewhere dry. If the powder has changed colour or smell, replace it.

Small mice thaw in a few hours at room temperature, while large rats take longer, so it is handy to thaw them overnight in the fridge. Before feeding, the prey is warmed further in warm water in a sealed bag.

Frozen mice are graded by age: hairless newborns, slightly older ones with their first fur, young mice and adults. Since shops use the names inconsistently, the stated weight in grams is a more reliable guide.

Frozen rodents can carry salmonella, so keep them separate from human food, thaw them in a dedicated container and wash hands and surfaces thoroughly afterwards. Avoid using kitchen utensils for this.

Monitors and other large carnivorous lizards usually eat large insects, frozen rodents, eggs or fish, depending on the species. Their diets vary a lot, so plan them for the specific species with advice from experienced keepers.

Jelly pots are fruit or protein food in small cups, mostly for geckos or for feeder insects. They are handy as an extra or a treat, but not all are complete, so check whether the product is complementary or complete.

A complete food is made to serve as the species' main diet, while a complementary one is only part of the diet or a treat. This is stated on the pack, so check it before buying.

Most Mediterranean and steppe tortoises need no extra protein, and too much can cause shell and kidney problems. Some rainforest species naturally eat more animal food, so match the diet to the species.

Dandelions, plantain, clover and nettles are considered good sources of calcium and fibre for tortoises. They are mixed with other greens, while calcium supplements and UVB remain important.

Spineless prickly pear pads are a juicy, calcium- and fibre-rich food for tortoises, bearded dragons and uromastyx. Before feeding, the spines and fine bristles are removed carefully.

Specially bred flies and their pupae suit chameleons, as flying prey encourages hunting and adds variety. The pupae are left in a cup so the flies hatch in the enclosure or in a separate box.