Leopard Gecko - wax worms supplement?

martysmyth69 · #1 01-11-2012, 02:45 PM

Hi, I'm Marty... my girlfirend recently got a leopard ghecko. It is not eating the crickets we are feeding it so we have decided to try wax worms as it is quite small and we would like to get it to put some weight on... Do we need to use the same supplement on wax worms as we were given for the crickets?

Yoshi'smom · #2 01-11-2012, 03:56 PM

I would not give waxworms.... They are like ice cream for geckos. Completely poor in nutrition and super high in fat. I would not fatten up a gecko on waxworms! I would keep trying crickets and other worms. Super worms are a good feeder but you should crush the head before feeding as they've been known to bite leos. I would also recommend that you try Cali or Phoenix worms. They are a superb feeder but not all leos will eat them. Mealworms are the poorest in nutrition but are another option. If you can get feeder roaches I would give these a try too. Feeder roaches are the healthiest for your leo. Anything but waxworms....
Also make sure your feeders are no wider that the width between your geckos eyes and are dusted with Calcium with D3 about 2 times a week. Also leave a small capful of pure calcium without D3 in the tank at all times.
I'm going to attach Elizabeth's care sheet for you to read over. It's the best in my opinion and will probably help you out.
http://www.geckosunlimited.com/commu...12-update.html

martysmyth69 · #3 01-11-2012, 04:13 PM

Thanks for this info Yoshi'smom. I'm on it... though none of the pet shops have mentioned some of these worms so hopefully I can get hold of them somewhere... thanks again... Marty...

Yoshi'smom · #4 01-11-2012, 04:32 PM

Here's a link to a reputable online feeder store:
Crickets, Live Mealworms, Superworms, Buy Reptiles and Fruit Flies
I also would recommend that you get rid of the wood chip substrate ASAP. It's a very dangerous substrate to leopard geckos. They can ingest it on accident while hunting and become impacted, which can be life threatening.
I would replace it with Paper towels or slate tiles. I use both in my leo enclosures. I really like the look of the slate tiles and they are great heat conductors. They are easy to find at any local hardware store, cheap, easy to clean, and look great. They're also best in the long term for the health of your gecko.
Good luck. I hope you can get your little one to eat soon.

cricket4u · #5 01-11-2012, 05:08 PM

Hello,

Just wanted to add that due to relocation stress some will refuse to eat during the first 1-2 weeks. However, continue to offer at least once a day. Try different food items and never leave crickets in the enclosure for more than an hour. As Kelly mentioned avoid feeding waxworms, they are too fatty and unhealthy. Give him time to get comfortable with his surroundings and avoid handling for at least 2 weeks.

**Elizabeth Freer** · #6 01-11-2012, 05:33 PM

Hi Marty ~

A hearty welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

Could you post another picture? This picture looks as if your leo has some spine issues. Are you supplementing with a light dusting of phosphorus-free calcium with D3 2-3x per week?

Happy gecko hunting! Ya can't just stop with a single one.....

cricket4u · #7 01-11-2012, 05:57 PM

Somehow I missed there was a picture there until Elizabeth mentioned it, time for new glasses. Yes, and it's pretty severe. I highly recommend a visit to a veterinarian under his/her conditions. In cases involving the spine, alignment using bandages may be necessary to avoid further complications. Your gecko can continue to refuse food until the condition is properly addressed.

martysmyth69 · #8 01-11-2012, 06:17 PM

I sure will post another picture if you have noticed something as serious as this... but... he is very nervous still dont want to disturb him for now... and why not leave crickets... the guy where we bought it never mentioned this... thanks.. Marty

cricket4u · #9 01-11-2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martysmyth69

I sure will post another picture if you have noticed something as serious as this... but... he is very nervous still dont want to disturb him for now... and why not leave crickets... the guy where we bought it never mentioned this... thanks.. Marty

The crickets can cause further stress and chew on your gecko if they become hungry.

**Elizabeth Freer** · #10 01-11-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martysmyth69

I sure will post another picture if you have noticed something as serious as this... but... he is very nervous still dont want to disturb him for now... and why not leave crickets... the guy where we bought it never mentioned this... thanks.. Marty

Yes, I think it is VERY important for you to take another picture to post right now! The stress of that has to be weighed against the worse stress of perhaps metabolic bone disease from lack of calcium, or too much D3, during his life. Early stages of MBD can be fixed.

Did you buy him from a pet store or another person?

This is what I do about crickets: Cut off the back legs of the crickets at the "knees" so that they will stay in a shallow feeding dish for easy access for your leo. As long as the crickets (which are the best of feeders for protein and all) stay in the dish, there is no problem leaving the crickets in the tank 24/7.