Won't eat anything but waxworms?

bubblez825

New Member
Messages
2,059
Location
Glendale, AZ
I have a 9-10 month old female tangerine, and she won't eat anything except wazworms. she isn't interested in the crickets, but I got her to eat a mealworm last night. I'm worried about her, cuz she is starting to loose some weight, and idk y she isnt eating very much. I dont have a UTH under the tank, cuz it wasn't working, and my mom has to take it back when she finds the reciept. Meanwhile, I have a heatlamp, but she has been without under tank heat for about 2 weeks. could this be the problem?
Emily
 

Mel&Keith

Mod Squad Member
Messages
7,181
Location
Pasadena, TX
Not having belly heat could definitely have something to do with it. She could also be ovulating. Plus, wax worms are like gecko candy...
 

fallen_angel

Fallen Angel's Geckos
Messages
7,937
Location
Stockton, CA
I have used overhead heating for 5 years with no problems. However, belly heat is preferred (and so we do plan to switch soon..although I enjoy viewing them at night, which is another reason to use overhead heating).. as long as your heat light is making the substrate temps around 90 degrees on the hot side, I don't think the heating is the problem.. She could just be addicted to the waxworms, I am not completely sure..
 
Last edited:

bubblez825

New Member
Messages
2,059
Location
Glendale, AZ
She has not had male exposure so she definately is not ovulating. I can't get the temp above 87 deg. during the day and at night it gets below 78 deg. I cant help it.... Soon im gonna get a UTH. Any other ideas?
 
P

paul75

Guest
i have the same problem with the waxworms, ever since i started getting waxworms about 2-3 weeks ago he wont touch mealworms, he takes the waxworms from the tongs as i put them up to him, he has bit my finger when i have dropped the waxworm and he has been trying to get it :D although he does eat some crickets, either that or they are getting out the tank :D
 

bubblez825

New Member
Messages
2,059
Location
Glendale, AZ
the ovulating without a male is confusing me. my science teacher has had 2 female leos for 5-6 years and they have never had male exposure or laid any eggs. Hows it possible?
 

ataber

New Member
Messages
377
Location
Kentucky
the ovulation occurs without male exposure....this is the time when they are ready to breed tho....If they are not bred then they will usually absorb the eggs which is why your teacher has not had eggs in the time they have kept the leos.
 

nwheat

New Member
Messages
2,690
Location
Central California
You might try silkworms. Sometimes reluctant feeders will eat them. I have a couple of females that are ovulating early (too small to be paired up) that stopped eating their mealworms, but they will eat silkworms. Unlike waxworms, silkworms are a good nutritional choice.

Felicia has a good picture of an ovulating female on her site if you'd like to compare. You are looking for the pea-sized pinkish white spot in the center of her belly.
 

bubblez825

New Member
Messages
2,059
Location
Glendale, AZ
Ok, i couldn't get the spot exactly, but I took a pic of her stomach and marked about where it would be and what size.
 
Last edited:

Visit our friends

Top