New Gecko Hasn't Started Eating Yet

Emimee

New Member
Messages
28
Location
Northeast Texas
Just this weekend I got my first gecko, a gargoyle gecko, at an expo in Austin, TX. He hasn't started eating yet, and I'm wondering how long I should wait before I start to worry about this. I know it's not super unusual for new animals to take some time before they start feeding regularly after being transported to a new home, and given my previous experience with other reptiles, I didn't think that two days was really anything to be concerned about yet. I know that he hasn't been eating yet because he also has not been pooping, and the food looks pretty untouched (although I suppose that might be difficult to notice since it's mush.)

I've been giving him as much space as possible, I only reached in to remove, clean, and replace his food yesterday. I'm feeding a sample of repashy gecko formula that came with the little starting enclosure bundle I bought, but I think I might try some of the actual larger pack of Pangea banana and apricot fruit mix this next feeding to see if that goes over better. Right now there is no additional heating or any lighting on the enclosure, but my room stays fairly warm, and I've been getting temperature readings on my temp gun of around 76 or so. I'm misting the enclosure every morning; it's usually fairly humid here this time of year, so I've been forgoing the second evening misting, but I'm getting a hygrometer to make sure this is working as well as it seems. He has not been for a herp vet check up yet, but should be soon!

Basically I just wanted to check and see how long it usually takes a new gecko to start feeding for most people, and make sure I don't need to be concerned! I'm very excited for my future with this handsome little sticky pancake, and I want to make sure I'm setting everything up right!
 

mauvelous

New Member
Messages
22
Location
CA
I wouldn't be concerned within the first week if it's not eating.
The setups large breeders use are quite a bit different oftentimes than the vision cages we use so that can take some adjustment.
Not pooping is hard to say unless you're keeping them on paper towel. It does occasionally end up in the substrate making it more or less invisible.
Temperature sounds fine and since you're purchasing avhygrometer that should also be fine.
You're also correct to assume you may not see the food disappearing.
Until my crestie hit about 8 grams I didn't notice that much food gone ever and now she clears the bowl.


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Emimee

New Member
Messages
28
Location
Northeast Texas
Okay, thank you so much! That's a comfort for sure. I do have him on paper towel right now, for exactly that reason; the breeder I bought him from was very helpful and recommended it to me! I'm actually not sure how big he is yet, I'm planning on hunting down the scale soon to find out, but I'm reluctant to do it just yet since I don't want to handle him too soon and get him stressed. He doesn't look skinny or unwell in any way to me, and he has been moving around a bit, so I think he's probably doing alright. I just wanted to be sure!

Now I can focus some of that new-critter concern on planning his adult vivarium set up. :main_rolleyes:
 

yoshi'smom

OUROBOROS EXOTICS
Messages
25
Location
Waterford, Michigan
Gargoyles can be a particular pain when it comes to eating after a move. It can sometimes take weeks. I know it's stressful, but it's best to let him alone so that he can feel comfortable sooner rather than later. I'd make sure that there's plenty of foliage to add to a sense of security as well.
I once had a gargoyle not eat for a whole month after arrival. Talk about stress!
If you need anything feel free to pm me here (although I don't check as often as I should) or you can pm my facebook page (link in my signature). I'm always happy to help when I can! :)
 

Emimee

New Member
Messages
28
Location
Northeast Texas
Thank you so much! I'll definitely check out and like your FB page. ;) A whole month, oh my gosh... I'd probably be in tears halfway through with worry, I'm such a doting critter mom!

Thankfully it looks like little Aberforth has eaten at last! I put a very thin layer of food in this time to see if I could tell better and it looks as if there's a few spots licked clean in the food, and there's a definite poop in the back by his thermometer. :D I think it might have actually been the food itself; I was offering the sample of Repashy food I had gotten, because I figured I'd go ahead and use it up now or I'd never remember to try it. It seems he wasn't too impressed! I put the Pangea banana and apricot mix in last night and it worked its magic! I should probably have used that to begin with, since the breeder told me they use that and one of the other Pangea mixes pretty exclusively. I've learned my lesson!

I'm about to go camping for the weekend, so hopefully Aberforth will have some quality quiet time to settle in more! I also rearranged the leaves in his enclosure just a bit to give him a sort of screened-in back corner, and I think he likes it that way!
 

markl1561

New Member
Messages
11
Location
MN
I had my leachie shipped to me from TX and he was eating the first day :) Although when I got my python it took him nearly a month to start eating regularly. These things really depend on the individual. For now I'd be patient and keep offering food. If he doesn't eat within a week then you should be alarmed.
Also it wouldn't be a bad idea to offer some insects as part of his diet too.

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