Loss of appetite - too early to worry?

[congener329]

NEO has generally been doing really well over the past 6 months or so since he had his new set up, but I have noticed over the last week that he is not really eating. There has been no change to his diet - mainly crickets, with the odd hopper and/or dubai roach. Feeders fed with green leaves and bran type mixture (from livefoodsuk). Checked the temperatures - and they all as per Elizabeth's caresheet (which I learned religiously when I first joined GU).

Neo is as active as normal, and no noticeable weight loss (yet) and he still does perfect poops every day.

He does look at the food -and lovingly rubbed noses with a hopper the other day before walking away!! The only thing he has eaten in about a week is a roach and that took some convincing before he finally took it.

I have read a couple of posts where geckos have become worryingly thin after 3/4 weeks and want to sort it before we hit that stage... but as Neo is not showing any signs of lethargy or poor health, not sure if a vet visit is necessary?

Any ideas on what to try to pick his appetite back up, or am I worrying too early?

 

[kvnsu]

Try enticing him with either waxworms/butterworms or hornworms.


Edit:If none of these things help/apply to your gecko, you might want to see a vet and have them check for any other illnesses. Metallic Bone Disease (MBD) and parasites are just two things that could put your pet leopard gecko off of food, as well as various infections. If this is the case, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi ~

It's been awhile. Any chance you can order some hornworms? Never "met" a leo who did not love them. Hornworms are excellent for moisture as well as nutrition.

When fed only waxworms, leos can get addicted to them and refuse healthy feeders. :-(

Click right here for a comprehensive guide on feeders including hornworms: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...ckets-blaptica-dubia-hornworms-silkworms.html

 

[congener329]

HI

It has indeed been a while - work pressures unfortunately

I live in the UK and from my research I am led to believe that Hornworms are illegal here as they are considered agricultural pests

 

[Completeleopard]

Hello,

What are the temperatures in the warm dry hide, on the substrate? Some Leo's prefer it warmer than others!

Do you have a moist hide?

Any chance of a picture of your Leo and the enclosure?

 

[congener329]

Hi

Temperature in dry hide is monitored by thermometer that holds a memory of a set period of time - so over the past week or so, the min was 88.4 and maximum 95. The moist hide is also in the warm zone with moss - humidity usually between 50-55%. Substrate is tile.

Pictures (if I am successful in uploading!) as you can see NEO still has a healthy looking tail, but this has only been a problem for a week so possibly weight loss wouldnt really show yet??

The black unit in the corner is the moist hide, the exo terra cave is his warm dry hide and the cool dry hide is under the rocks/log.