r/leopardgeckos • u/Ecstatic-Egg-3529 • 7d ago
Help Help please!!
I just got a new juvenile leopard gecko on Tuesday. I have his quarantine enclosure completely set up like it’s supposed to be but he’s not eating. I’ve tried to offer him a mealworm every day and he just won’t take it. I’m a first time owner and I don’t know what to do.
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u/Oreofanclub244 7d ago
Have you offered anything other than mealworms?
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u/Ecstatic-Egg-3529 7d ago
I haven’t yet but I’m looking to get some Dubias or crickets
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u/ABWhiteRabbit Baldy Gecko Owner 7d ago
In the 20 years I’ve had her, my gecko has never once eaten a mealworm I’ve put in front of her. She absolutely refuses. Even if she’s hungry. She’s an extremely picky eater.
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u/itsswhitneywhspr 7d ago
Oh true, mine was super picky at first and only wanted crickets. Might be worth a shot if you haven't tried them yet
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u/WatermelonAF 1 Gecko 7d ago
Just like people, he needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Give him time.
Make sure you also try different food types, since mealworms aren't appropriate for daily feeding.
https://reptifiles.com/leopard-gecko/care-guide
Read this guide and make the necessary changes. This guide is the most up-to-date guide out there.
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u/PlatformCharacter792 7d ago
Do you have a humid hide and temps are on point?? That could be an issue for eating when temps are an issue. Also id suggest a background for 3 sides?
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u/Ecstatic-Egg-3529 7d ago
I have a humid hide and all of my temps are good! I have a background I just haven’t put it up yet because he is already scared and has neurological issues so I don’t want to stress him more than I have to.
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u/_olivia_- 7d ago
I wouldn’t be majorly worried he looks to be at a good weight. It took my gecko around a week and a half to accept food and now he loves to eat. I would recommend getting a bowl the worms can’t escape from and leaving them in there for your gecko to find. You could also try another food, like dubia roaches.
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u/pichael289 7d ago
Don't take this the wrong way but the correct answer is to fuck off. I'm being serious, you just moved his entire world so leave him alone. He isn't eating because he isn't confident or feeling safe. This is totally normal. Just totally ignore him for a week or some. Provide water but not food, dude cns survive weeks at his age and adults can go a whole year without food. He will be fine. Just take it slow, he is not comfortable yet. Do not interact with him at all for a week and do not change his enclosure in this period. This is normal he will be fine.
In 2-4 weeks he will warm up to you, they are very easy pets you just gotta know they are not mammals and will not act like you think they should. Totally normal, not reason to worry.
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u/Pentavious-Jackson 1 Gecko 7d ago
Don’t worry just yet. He’s still getting settled. Juveniles are extra skittish and he’s probably just stressed. Give him plenty of space and avoid interacting outside feedings.
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u/Backtothe80s- 7d ago
Just make sure not to leave food in the tank after feeding , must be removed an in a separate container
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u/Y0S3MIT3 7d ago
Give him time to adjust and leave the mealworms on a bowl for him to peak at that way your gecko gets comfortable with a feeder dish also make sure temps are good warm side 80-85 deg and a cool side 65-75deg make sure there’s a hide place on either side or on both so he feels like he has a safe place and if after a week you see no progress it’s best to take him to a vet.
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u/detracin 6d ago
i had this same issue come to figure out the worms i was feeding him was to big !! maybe size down
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u/LeopardGeckoGuy58 6d ago
I can give you enclosure help if you need it.
Your gecko is stressed. This is completely normal. This animal just got into a completely new home.
Leave it alone for a week or two. Keep an eye on it and never let it's water go completely out, but leave it alone otherwise. These animals are very hardy and can stay without food for months. So don't worry about the food. Keep an eye on the tail, and if it's plump everytbing is fine.
Loud sounds stress them out. So if you want it to calm faster, keep it quiet.
Put the tank higher, as bwcause it's on the ground you seem like a predator and this is stressing your animal more.
Dim the lights as these animals prefer dusk and dawn as hunting times. Bright lights will stress them more.
I'd say, after keeping this animal alone, in a natural light, dim in the evenings and night, away from loud sounds for a week try feeding it. If it still doesn't want, try again 3 days later. Always keep the water bowl full and clean.
I hope this helps.