My rescue isn't eating well and remains skinny

Douceboyz

Douceboyz

New member
Hey everyone,

For those who don't remember, I had rescued a 6yr old male crestie from a professor of mine several months ago. In his care he was only being fed sweet potato baby food and crickets were being left in his tank that were far too big. Not to mention he doesn't even look twice at live food.

When I took him I started him on CGD immediately and added some baby food into the mix to get his attention. His eating habits have been inconsistent to say the least. He may eat a lot one night (a lot meaning not even a 1/4 tbsp of CGD) and then he'll barely eat anything for some time.

Its weird though because Rocky is actually a really active gecko. At night he's all over the place and he drinks great. I just don't understand why he leaves his food untouched.

Here are some pictures of him to show you his condition. He was about this size when I first rescued him and I don't know why he hasn't been eating and putting on some weight.

If any of you have any suggestions please let me know.
 

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Hardknox

New member
Well he is a beautiful rescue. At 6 years old he is not going to eat to grow, he is going to eat to live so it is not surprising to me that he does not eat much. Some cresties never develop truly big appetites and I have never seen one that looks obese. From what I can see in the pictures, he does not look super skinny though he is certainly not plump either. Do his hip bones show? That is one sign of an unhealthy weight.
From what I am seeing and you are saying I think you are probably freaking out over him just not being a big eater. If he eats occasionally, is pooping on a regular basis after eating and is staying relatively active I would not worry too much. You may want to try some appropriately sized crickets if he is really used to eating that or try mixing some baby food with CGD and slowly reduce the amount of baby food each week. If all else fails and you are convinced something may be wrong take him to a vet.
 
Hannibal

Hannibal

Active member
His growth was probably stunted dye to the poor diet. Since he'll never be the size of of a normal adult crestie then he'll never eat like one; just expect him to eat like a juvie who is not on a growth spurt. As long as he eats/drinks and poops then he should be fine. There is no way to undue what was previously done, just provide the proper care you have and he'll be fine....they won't starve themselves.
 
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