African fat tailed gecko not eating

[VerdLord]

I am sorry if anyone reading this has already answered any of my questions, but I am inexperienced with geckos and get concerned over pretty much anything that goes wrong. My african fat tailed gecko, Arnie, last shed about 12 days ago. A couple days later, he ate two crickets, and then only one cricket the next feeding. It has now been about a week since he ate anything, however he shows no lethargy, he is fecating frequently, and I still find him active in the terrarium. The only other problem he has had is a consistent slight paleness that has been going on for a month.
I have good tempetures, and the last change I made in his terrarium was on November 30th. Please help. I have no idea what is wrong with him.

 

[acpart]

I've kept AFT 's in the past. Many of these geckos eat a lot less in the winter, which may be the issue. In general it's a good idea to keep offering and see what happens. If you feel that the tail size is going down, I've had good experience "jump starting" my AFT eating by holding them and poking a feeder at the mouth for them to bite. I have had leopard geckos spend the entire winter not eating and come out of it with no problem.

Aliza

 

[Herpin Man]

I concur. Most of my adult fat tails eat very little during the winter, regardless of temperature.
Juveniles, however, should continue to eat well. If your gecko is a juvenile and is not eating, double check the temperature, especially in the warm hiding spot. You might also try varying the prey items that you are offering.

 

[VerdLord]

Arnies tail has started shrinking slightly, and it has now been 1.5 weeks without any food. Acpart, you were saying that you have had leopard geckos go the whole winter without food? I thought that geckos could only survive not much more than two weeks. Many people are saying not to worry about just one week, but I don't know how long he will last, and I really don't want him to end up dead. He still has no lethargy or anything, but he has never even missed a single feeding the days before or after a shed, and not even in his first few days I had him.

 

[acpart]

Yes, I had a leopard gecko for 12 years who sometimes would go about 6 months without eating. I would offer, try to hand feed and occasionally would squeeze the guts of a superworm on his mouth. He would lose about 20 grams a season but by the end of the summer he was up to 89grams. I had a hatchling who escaped and was found 2 years later. There are a lot of crickets wandering in my house, but not that many. As I said, you can try hand feeding, but these guys can go a lot longer than you'd imagine without eating.
'
Aliza

 

[VerdLord]

Okay, this helps a lot. Thank you!

 

[VerdLord]

Also (sorry), one last thing. Should I be leaving out vitamin powder for him (repashy brand)? Without the crickets, aside from vitamin D3 (from my heat lamp) Arnie would not be receiving much nutrients.

 

[acpart]

You can if you want. It takes a very long time for lack of calcium to cause problems. You can also dip your finger in water, dip it in the calcium and rub some on his lips. He'll probably lick it off.

Aliza

 

[VerdLord]

I just found either vomit, or diarrhea in Arnies enclosure. I am not sure which, but isn't that a sign of illness? Correct me if I am wrong, but I think I might try to take him to a vet soon.

 

[acpart]

It's hard to tell what it is. It certainly is worthwhile taking him to the vet.

Aliza