Cool seasons eating habits

[moosassah]

I've read a bunch of posts about leos all of the sudden not eating or becoming semi-dormant. As this is my first year owning them, I'd like a heads up on what to expect. Do they go through a period of less interest in food? Any insight would be much appreciated.

I can tell you that my male appears to be bulking up lately on mealies--Thanksgiving-style.

 

[acpart]

I think it depends on the gecko. Most of mine are now hungry about every 2-3 feedings as opposed to starving at every feeding (every other day) which was the case a month ago. I think the most important thing to do is not to get upset when a formerly voracious gecko suddenly doesn't seem that hungry.

Aliza

 

[Leopardbreeder]

I never really noticed anything. I have all my temps on a Ranco, so they stay pretty stable.

 

[GoGo]

All my temps are stable but my leo's seem to KNOW its winter out. Usually they down superworms like pigs, eating 3-5 a day each. Now, theyve slowed down, and 5-6 can last them a whole week or so. If you definatly WANT them to think its winter, lower their tank temps a bit, like 5-10 degrees, and youll see a change right away.

 

[moosassah]

My leos are strictly pets. Their cages would have stable temps near the UTH, but as winter nears, my house's temps can drop to the low 50s. I'm trying to understand their habits & noticed a lot of us newbies to geckoland are seeing similar slow downs in behavior right now. Thanks for answering guys. Much appreciated.

 

[MichaelJ]

I've noticed it more with females, but i do have males that stop eating once they've mated and then stop for the season.. first time nearly gave me a coronary..

Although you keep temps stable at all times.. They seem to know when days are getting longer or shorter and go through their seasons on their own..

I have a few that seem to be doing now.. They basically will take less interest in food. If you have the type that usually attack their dish the minute you put it in they may be a little less anxious.. it may increase to where they just won't eat anything for a good while.. When it happens I usually try other foods to stimulate them.. IE - waxworms, supers, roaches, etc.