Leopard gecko wont take wax worms

Lolazz · #1 12-15-2011, 02:30 PM

I posted a picture of my gecko Glo's belly and I haven't seen her eating much the last couple of days well I havent seen her eat atall and she wont take a wax worm is that common that a Gecko doesnt like Waxworms? She has all the food she needs of she does eat, but my other 2 wouldn't miss a chance for a Waxworm. Still not sure what i tis in her belly Lol

**Riverside Reptiles** · #2 12-15-2011, 02:42 PM

Why are you trying to feed waxworms? They're a very poor food source. They're almost all fat with next to zero nutritional value. Maybe your gecko won't eat them because she's smart enough to know that they are junk food??? Stick with roaches, crickets, etc.

Lolazz · #3 12-15-2011, 02:56 PM

they arent used as a staple... just every now and then as they enjoy them. I just find it odd that she doesnt like them shes taken one or two before but passed up a lot as well

Theresaq93 · #4 12-15-2011, 03:18 PM

My leo Zues used to love getting his wax worms twice a week but now he turns his nose up at them while my other leo is obsessed with waxworms.

Lolazz · #5 12-15-2011, 03:23 PM

Ah well I'm glad I'm not the only one means its normal

I just want to make sure she stays nice n chunky I dont wanna loose another one from not eating n that. Ty for the reply

**Riverside Reptiles** · #6 12-15-2011, 04:10 PM

Feeding waxworms is not a good way to make sure she stays "nice and chunky". What it is, is a nice way to give her fatty liver disease and have her die a premature death. If you want to ensure that she stays "nice and chunky" feed a high quality gut loaded and dusted diet of crickets, tropical roaches, etc. Leos don't need "treats". But if you're going to give a treat, at least give it a treat that is good for it. There's absolutely no reason to give poor quality food to your leo.

Eichen · #7 12-16-2011, 07:38 PM

I wouldn't look at her weight in such extreme terms as "chunky" or dying of starvation. "Healthy" is what you want to be shooting for, but I do understand what you mean. The geckos tail will tell you what you need to know about it's health, and if it's fat he or she is doing fine.
I feed my leo Pheonix Worms (staple), crickets and mealworms (gutloaded). I've got a roach for tomorrow's "suprise" and fed him his first super worm tonight (loved it). Would love to get my hands on some silkies, but can't complain since we have a reptile-feeder bug delivery service here (it's awesome).
I give a wide variety, but wax worms aren't on the menu for the same reason that pinkie's aren't: my leo is a male and is not a pregnant or recently-bred female. They're the only one's who might benefit a little from something like that. Leo's in general don't any more than we benefit from eating a whole bucket of KFC by ourselves. It's very unhealthy.

And besides, there are so many other cool feeders out there that are good for them.

Lolazz · #8 12-17-2011, 05:27 AM

I know about the tail, we had one die a few days ago and I want to make sure the others dont follow suit I dont know if what she had go wrong was contagious or anything, so ya know just trying to make sure for a few weeks. I have wondered about phoenix worms and super worms what about morio worms? what arre they?

**Elizabeth Freer** · #9 12-17-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eichen

I wouldn't look at her weight in such extreme terms as "chunky" or dying of starvation. "Healthy" is what you want to be shooting for, but I do understand what you mean. The geckos tail will tell you what you need to know about it's health, and if it's fat he or she is doing fine.
I feed my leo Pheonix Worms (staple), crickets and mealworms (gutloaded). I've got a roach for tomorrow's "suprise" and fed him his first super worm tonight (loved it). Would love to get my hands on some silkies, but can't complain since we have a reptile-feeder bug delivery service here (it's awesome).
I give a wide variety, but wax worms aren't on the menu for the same reason that pinkie's aren't: my leo is a male and is not a pregnant or recently-bred female. They're the only one's who might benefit a little from something like that. Leo's in general don't any more than we benefit from eating a whole bucket of KFC by ourselves. It's very unhealthy.

And besides, there are so many other cool feeders out there that are good for them.

Neither waxworms or pinkies should be fed to leopard geckos, neither males or females. As Ethan says, if you wish your leo to die an early death from hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), keep those items on the menu.

From my leo care sheet:
"The "Skinny" on Superworms
"Superworms (Zophobas morio) do have more chitin per worm than do mealworms since it takes more 'skin' to wrap up a larger worm. However, they have thinner/softer chitin and there's more 'meat' per worm than mealworms. That means they've got more digestible food and less chitin than an equal volume of mealworms.

I don't use mealworms for geckos, but do use supers regularly. The geckos have never had a problem with them. Even young leopards, fatties and milii can eat supers as long as they're small enough for them to handle. Adult supers are for adult leopards, fatties, frog-eyes and other 'tough' predators; immature supers work for the younger geckos and adult milii.

Variety is best, but supers are not worse than mealworms, they're actually better nutrition!" (thanks to Hilde)

Phoenix Worms as a Feeder
1/2 inch (medium) to 3/4 inch (large) Phoenix worms are recommended for adult leos. Scroll down this thread to find specific info on these worms. Once you receive the Phoenix worms, they should NEVER be fed!!!

The Pros and Cons of Feeding Mealworms
http://www.geckodan.com/articles/Pro...0Mealworms.pdf

NEVER feed leopard geckos waxworms or pinkies!!! Waxworms and pinkies are like ice cream for geckos. Not only are they way too fatty, once addicted to waxworms/pinkies, you will have a very difficult time feeding your leopard gecko more nutritious foods! Excessive fat in their diet will lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) and gout."