I just got a leopard gecko 4 days ago, but he's still not eating. From the time we got him until now, the only thing he ate was one small cricket. I've tried small crickets, large crickets, mealworms, dusted crickets, undusted crickets, nothing is working. The temperature in his cage in in the upper 70's, lower 80's. I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions please would be great.
2007-11-10 07:32:26 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
hey bro.. dont worry.. you only got it 4 days ago.. give it a chance to get use to its new surroundings.. then it will feed np.. here is a caresheet from my website this will help you
Life Span : may live 20 or more years.
Size: reach approximately 8-10 inches in length.
Appearance : are commonly yellow and white with black spots (hatchlings start out more striped, and gradually change to the spotted
Habits and Temperament: are nocturnal, ground dwelling geckos that are generally docile and easy to tame. They do not have the toe pads like other geckos so do not climb as well. They do have eyelids, also unlike other geckos.
Housing : A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough for 2-3 leopard geckos, but there should only be one male per tank (and only keep males and females together if prepared to deal with offspring!). Half logs provide hiding and climbing space, as can commercial reptile caves and simple cardboard boxes. A damp hide box can help with shedding (a plastic container with a hole in the lid, with moist soil or moss inside).
Substrate: Young leopard geckos shouldn't be kept on sand, as they may ingest it and suffer an intestinal blockage. Paper is absorbent and easy to change, and indoor outdoor carpet works well too. Avoid wood shavings. Whatever is used, make sute it is not being ingested along with the gecko's meals.
Light and Temperature : Being nocturnal, require no special UV lighting. A regular incandescent bulb could be used to provide a basking spot, heat lamp heat rock ..but leopard geckos probably prefer dimmer conditions so consider using a red bulb or ceramic heating element to provide the temperature gradient. Undertank heaters can also be used.
Daytime Temperature: basking spot of 90 F with a gradient to low 80s F
Night Temperature: can drop as low as mid 70s F
Water : A shallow dish of water should be provided.
Feeding : insectivores: feed a variety of crickets, waxworms, mealworms (in moderation only) and even an occasional pinkie mice for adults. Insects must be gut loaded for at least 24 hours prior to feeding, and coated with a calcium/D3 supplement (every feeding for young lizards, every other feeding for adults). Feed juveniles daily (a few crickets), adults can be fed every other day (6-10 crickets)
and bro.. as for as the first answer goes... PLEASE NEVER USE HEAT ROCKS .. unless u wanna bake ur lizard..
2007-11-10 11:12:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
How old is your gecko? Make sure you have an under tank heater and a digital thermometer. The surface temperature of the substrate (which should be tile, repti-carpet or paper towels) should be between 88-92 degrees on the warm side of the tank. It's not unusual for them not to eat when you first get them. Once he gets settled in, he should start to eat fine. Keep an eye out for any unusual feces too...depending on where you got him, sometimes parasites can be a problem. If you're concerned, have a vet that specializes in exotic pets run a fecal exam to rule out any physical reason for him not eating.
2007-11-10 19:46:21 · answer #2 · answered by denise33062@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT GET A HOT ROCK! It is not recommended to have a hot rock in ANY reptile tank. Get a heat pad to put on the outside bottom of the tank since leopard geckos collect most of their heat from their bellies. You could try to feed your gecko silk worms, wax worms (high in fat, so only recommended as treats), or phoenix worms. wax worms and phoenix worms are known to get most finicky eaters to dig in. Make sure you gut load the crickets so your gecko is eating healthy. Most pet stores have cricket food and water. Don't worry too much right now. Maybe your gecko just needs time to settle in. Good luck.
2007-11-10 18:42:36 · answer #3 · answered by pseudolove21 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your temps are too low. You need an under tank heating pad and the surface temperature in the tank should read about 88-91F. Use a digital probe thermometer to accurately read the temps. Is it a baby Leo? Try squishing the crickets a bit to slow them down so he can catch them easier. Worked for mine. Also, make sure you aren't using any loose substrate, especially Calci-sand--it's deadly! Here's the best care site I know of:
http://www.drgecko.com/index.html
2007-11-10 19:34:33 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the gecko is still getting used to his surroundings.....he might be stressed.... the temperature must be between 80-88
and 70 towards the night....also depends on what kind of light you have......light can be a factor... go to this website i found for my gecko... drgecko.com
2007-11-11 12:45:56 · answer #5 · answered by hsny70 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'VE HAD MY LEOPARD GECKO FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS; THEY LIVE TO BE 30+.THEY WILL EAT WHEN THEY WANT TO,THEY CAN ACTUALLY GO WEEKS WITHOUT EATING.THEY STORE FAT IN THEIR TAILS.YOU SHOULD FEED HIM CRICKETS AND YOU SHOULD ALSO FEED YOUR CRICKETS.YOU CAN BUY CRICKET FOOD OR FEED THEM A PIECE OF APPLE OR SOMETHING.ALSO MINE REALLY LIKES TO EAT BIG FAT MOTHS.AND YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOT ROCK IF YOU DON'T.
2007-11-10 16:14:45 · answer #6 · answered by JEN 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i really dont know whats wrong but if it's stoped eating look for a reptile vetenarian and check for parasites
2007-11-10 19:26:53 · answer #7 · answered by Young Boss 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not used 2 its new home yet
2007-11-11 21:37:17 · answer #8 · answered by reptile lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well he is probaly stressed my BD was like that
2007-11-12 16:10:30 · answer #9 · answered by xXx-CrAzYsMuRf911-xXx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋