I have a Dwarf Gecko &...?

Question

It hasn't eaten since I got it! (3days)


is that normal? or is it stressed?

Answer 1

Give us some more info. What type of setup you have, the temperatures, etc.

Research a care sheet online. Make sure your temperatures are high enough for him to be able to properly digest food. What is a Dwarf Gecko, and where did you get it?

Answer 2

I shouldn't worry, many pets don't eat for the first few days. He's just getting used to you and his new environment, once he's settled in and feels at ease he should start to eat. Just give him a bit of space and he'll be fine.
We had a similar problem with our wonder gecko, he didn't eat for a while - we found out it's because he's shy! Some geckos are secretive and won't eat if you keep watching them.
Just keep an eye on the vivarium - at the level of crickets - if there are fewer than you put in, and look out for feces too as a sign.
Good luck with your new gecko :)

Answer 3

I don't know if things have improved in the last few years with this species (H. africanus) but when I worked with them then they were virtually all wild-caught and the mortality rate was reportedly high. Luckily we were successful with ours and I attributed it to the naturalistic set-up that we provided it. (The burrowing habitat I described in answer to your earlier question) Three days is still pretty normal for a delicate species to acclimate to a new environment. I would not handle her at all until she settles in and feeds for you. If you are not immediately replicating the burrowing set-up then give her plently of tubes and caves to hide in until then. I recall that they were much more strictly nocturnal then leopards or fat tails so don't expect to see much during the day. I would try leaving some waxworms in a shallow dish so you will know for sure whether she has taken any. Good luck with her.