The Growth Effect of a Commercial Diet versus Calcium-Dusted Blaptica dubia and Carica papaya on Juvenile Correlophus ciliatus

Background: Reptiles and amphibians are increasing in households across the United States. Pet owners are struggling to maintain their well-being due to lack of proper husbandry and nutrition, resulting in a poor quality of life and a reduced lifespan. This study was conducted to provide more information on nutrition to reptile owners, breeders, herpetologists, veterinary professionals and more. The goal is to provide dietary information for increased growth in Correlophus ciliatus, the crested gecko. Materials and Methods: A food trial was conducted for 5 weeks with 60 juvenile crested geckos, 30 of which were fed a diet of calcium-dusted cockroaches and fresh papaya and the remaining 30 were fed Pangea ã crested gecko diet. Their environments remained controlled and measurements were taken once a week, on their fourth feeding day. IACUC Approved: 19.006 Results: Before and after the food trial, the geckos had the same behavior, activity and appeared healthy, therefore their welfare was not compromised. Upon conducting a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and a paired t-test examining weight and length, the geckos of the insect/fruit diet group on average gained more weight and showed increased growth compared to the commercial diet group. The data analysis on length did not demonstrate any significant difference. Statistically, from Week 1 to 5, the insect/fruit diet and commercial diet groups had a total body percent increase of 24.13% and 13.07%, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the study conducted, the juvenile crested geckos tested exhibited increased growth on a diet comprised of fruit and insect rather than a commercial diet. Clinical relevance: With this data and analysis, crested gecko nutrition is better understood and statistically available for establishing better nutritional standards and procedures.