So my juvenile crestie Ian has been having problems ever since I got him back in early July. Ian won't eat, and I tried everything, including all pangea flavors, repashy, crickets, dubias, waxworms, and even mealworms. After a month or so he started losing weight, and I took him to the vet. After the vets examined him they said he was in pretty rough shape, and they put him on a medication (emeraid) diet to help. So far the diet has been working great, and hes gained 2 grams since being on it, but hes still not eating. My prime suspect is parasites, but im having trouble testing for them because I cant seem to find his poop, and im not sure if hes even pooping at all (I found one stool, but it was too old to be tested). I called the vet and they said to continue emeraid but they havent really given any other tips. Ive been reading into using meds like panacur to treat for worms, but im not sure if those would be safe without vet diagnosis. Any tips or suggestions? Im not sure where to go from here, cuz I cant keep feeding him medication forever. Thank you.
Crested Gecko Not Eating, What to do next?
- Thread starter dquadros
- Start date
panthergecko
Active member
I have not dealt with sick Crested Geckos. But I would not use any meds without a vet diagnosis, or at least a fecal analysis proving parasites.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Welcome to Geckos Unlimited!
Have you been syringe-feeding Emeraid? Emeraid is an all-in-one diet for geckos off bugs, worms, or powdered diets. Emeraid is NOT a medication. My male crestie George loves Pangea Insectivore mix and Pangea Watermelon mix.
What was Ian eating before you got him?
Are you misting Ian's enclosure 1x per day in the evenings? Then let his enclosure dry out until the following evening.
Please share an image of Ian's setup & a current image of Ian.
Have you been syringe-feeding Emeraid? Emeraid is an all-in-one diet for geckos off bugs, worms, or powdered diets. Emeraid is NOT a medication. My male crestie George loves Pangea Insectivore mix and Pangea Watermelon mix.
What was Ian eating before you got him?
Are you misting Ian's enclosure 1x per day in the evenings? Then let his enclosure dry out until the following evening.
Please share an image of Ian's setup & a current image of Ian.
- What are the dimensions of his enclosure?
- What substrate are you using? If not paper towels right now, how about switching to paper towels? That may help you find Ian's poop.
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Thank you, yes i realized it wasn’t a medication but for of an emergency diet when I first gave it to him. Unfortunately I got Ian from a reptile expo and forgot to ask the vendor what he was eating beforehand. As for his setup, it’s a 20 gal converted terrarium (I’ve been running it horizontally so it’s easier to take him out). Substrate is currently paper towels so I can check for poops.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
There are many hiding places in Ian's 20 gallon enclosure. That's excellent!
Where is the ventilation?
Please cover 1 side & the back with brown paper bags to help Ian feel more secure.
Leave Pangea diet in 2 places (high & low) in his 20 gallon horizontal to give Ian more chance to find his food.
Thanks to your Emeraid feedings, Ian looks healthy & well-proportioned.
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panthergecko
Active member
He doesn't look terribly skinny. One thing you can do is to cover the sides so that they feel less exposed.
Thank you, the ventilation is on the top (screen door the swings open). Every night I have been covering his enclosure with a blanket, so ill keep it on full time (making sure light can get in to keep day/night cycle). I am also pleased to update that Ian is now 26 grams and shed very recently.
Also this morning I did not give him any emeraid as I think I wanna try to start weaning him off it. Does this sound like a good idea?
Also this morning I did not give him any emeraid as I think I wanna try to start weaning him off it. Does this sound like a good idea?
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
You're welcome. Weaning Ian off Emeraid and substituting a powdered diet like Pangea is an excellent idea. Go for it!
I don't recommend covering Ian's enclosure with a blanket 24/7. I think that would be detrimental to his well-being. My suggestion is ONLY to cover both sides + maybe the back side with brown paper from grocery store bags (since you've confirmed TOP ventilation).
By the way what is the temperature in the room where Ian lives?
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panthergecko
Active member
I think a ceramic heat emitter connected to a thermostat would be best. Run it at 75-77 and it will be comfortable for your gecko
Not sure if anyone is still following but I wanted to give an update. He is doing relatively well, sitting at 27 grams, and his enclosure has been converted back to being vertical and is now completely bioactive. His food drive is still not great and I am still trying to hand feed him without great success. I found an exotics only vet about an hour and 30 minutes from me. Would it be a good idea to take him here for a second opinion?