So my Leo hasn't eaten in...months...

SarahBelle · #1 02-08-2011, 10:23 PM

My Jumbo leopard gecko has stopped eating. The last time that I truly saw him eat was probably close to the beginning of December. I thought maybe he was going through some hibernation phase because of the weather, but the temperature in the tank is toasty at around 90 degrees in the day, and 75 at night.

Don't get me wrong, he is skinny, and his tail is still a little meaty but not fat.

He's incredibly active...by incredibly I mean scaling the ornaments, managing to climb onto the screen top, and walking across it upside down- gave me a heart attack!

I've taken him to my exotics vet who said he appeared healthy and alert, just skinny. No sign of parasites, no issues that he could think of.

The other gecko he has been housed with since August eats just fine. She's smaller and there is no bullying going on.

I've tried crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, fruit supplements...you name it, I've tried it...I've soaked him in warm water twice a week and still nothing...I've even increased the heat in the terrarium, thinking that the room was too cold...and nothing...

Any suggestions?

justindh1 · #2 02-08-2011, 10:50 PM

Sounds like the best thing you could do is separate him from the others and see what happens. You might not see much bullying on from the other geckos but will notice the side effects; not eating, loss of weight, scratches, and/or bite marks. If the vet says he is fine then it has to be other circumstances that cause him to not gain weight. Could be a biological thing but I would almost bet if you separate him that he will gain weight. That's what I would do.

acpart · #3 02-08-2011, 11:45 PM

Some geckos hardly eat in the winter. I have several males that haven't eaten in months yet are over 90 and over 100 grams. If he's not losing weight, the most you can do is offer and monitor his health. It wouldn't hurt to separate him for a few weeks to see if there's any change.

Aliza

**Elizabeth Freer** · #4 02-09-2011, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahBelle

My Jumbo leopard gecko has stopped eating. The last time that I truly saw him eat was probably close to the beginning of December. I thought maybe he was going through some hibernation phase because of the weather, but the temperature in the tank is toasty at around 90 degrees in the day, and 75 at night.

Don't get me wrong, he is skinny, and his tail is still a little meaty but not fat.

He's incredibly active...by incredibly I mean scaling the ornaments, managing to climb onto the screen top, and walking across it upside down- gave me a heart attack!

I've taken him to my exotics vet who said he appeared healthy and alert, just skinny. No sign of parasites, no issues that he could think of.

The other gecko he has been housed with since August eats just fine. She's smaller and there is no bullying going on.

I've tried crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, fruit supplements...you name it, I've tried it...I've soaked him in warm water twice a week and still nothing...I've even increased the heat in the terrarium, thinking that the room was too cold...and nothing...

Any suggestions?

Can you post a picture so that we have a visual?

Will3 · #5 02-11-2011, 03:19 AM

My male Tokay gecko didn't eat for 3months from when i got him, no parasites or anything, then out of the blue, he began eating like a PIG, i think he simply wasnt hungry, and he did not have a fatty tail or anything, real slim guy.

avoidtheboyd · #6 02-11-2011, 08:33 PM

My geckos are going through the same thing now. i spent 125 bucks at the vets yesterday only to find out nothing is wrong and it probably truly is brumation.

gizmo143 · #7 02-11-2011, 10:20 PM

If it is just brumation then don't worry. If it gets worse or he starts loosing too much weight then keep posting.

SarahBelle · #8 03-06-2011, 11:05 AM

I have posted a picture of my leo in my album. It shows him from a top angle. Like I said, he is skinny, but not soooo skinny. I'm still not seeing him eat. I've moved him into another tank, and still nothing.

SarahBelle · #9 03-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Okay, also got him up as my profile pic. What do you think? I'm going to pick up some baby food today, see if that helps before making the gecko slushie stuff I've seen.

**Elizabeth Freer** · #10 03-07-2011, 01:08 AM

You could also try Allee's recommendation right here: Feeding, Substrate, & Heating Recommendations from longtime GU member Allee Toler who has bred many leos and rescued many as well:

"If they're just not eating, Zilla makes a great calorie supplement and appetite stimulator called Jump Start. With it she can get them to pass feces to get a fecal done on at least one. Since all three are sick all three will most likely have the same issues. Again I can't see the thread or reply due to my phone so the info is basic info based on just rescuing emaciated geckos. The one rescue I have right now has only one eye after having shed stuck for nearly six months and was entirely emaciated. Jump Start and syringed a/d canned dog food brought her weight back. Still battling a double eye infection. But Jump Start mixed with a/d is what I'd suggest to regain appetite and weight. The a/d is also something like 70% moisture so it'll hydrate them. A/d can be bought at a vets."

"Slate tile is best always. For sick geckos paper towel is best so you can see the feces better and keep the tank clean. Geckos who need appetite stimulation should be around 95f on the warm side. Warmer temps increase appetite."