Fasting Gecko

[happysmile88]

I have a Male gecko and he's not a big fan of eating. I have never seen him eat since the past month that I got him. I've tried roaches, crickets, mealies, and superworms but he's not at all interested in eating when I offer them. In any case, I've made sure to leave a bowl of mealies for him all the time. He probably defecated 3 times over the course of a month but the feces were really small.

He seems healthy and active enough. I also don't have access to any other type of feeders like butterworms etc.

Does anyone have any insight as to why he isn't very hungry?

 

[mango+cola]

I would take him to the vet, he doesn't look healthy in that picture that you posted, he is very skinny and his tale should be fatter than that. He could have parasites which is why he might not be eating, and you can't figure that out by yourself, you need a vet to run some tests on him (parasites was a stab in the dark, there could be many different reasons why he is like that and only a qualified vet can give you the answer and the way to help). Once you have taken him to a vet and you know whats wrong with him, then we can help.

 

[happysmile88]

Sadly, there are no qualified reptile vets in the Philippines. His tail isn't as thin as you say, it's just the angle of the picture (it has more width). He's quite inquisitive and feisty for the most part. Also there is no rapid weight loss (3g) only.

 

[mango+cola]

Thats really bad that there are no vets there, I don't know what you would do if you run into a problem that needs vet attention. How much does he weigh and how old is he?
I'm just worried because he looks very small, his body is not proportional to his head at all. Maybe try mushing some mealworms up and try giving it to him through a syringe? Don't force him, just let him take it if he wants. I don't know what else to suggest because I'm not a vet and I don't know whats wrong with your gecko.
If he has only pooped 3 times over the course of a month obviously something is wrong. I wouldn't try anything fatty like wax worms because going from no food to very fatty food can cause more harm that good for your gecko, you need him to eat something nutritious.

 

[grboxa]

Fill this out. In my opinion, the gecko doesn't look in bad condition. I have seen much worse on this forum. Do you have access to silkworms?. And I do agree though, if you honestly have no qualified vets in your area, you should really refrain yourself from purchasing a gecko. As mango said, what if something bad happens?. Theres only so much a forum can help you with, beyond that is the vets job. If something does happen *knock on wood*, it's just stress on you, and especially the gecko since no treatment can take place.

About your leo:
- Sex
- Age & Weight
- How long have you owned your leo
- Where was he/she obtained (ex. Pet store, breeder, wild caught, friend)

A) Health/History
- How often do you handle your leo
- Is your leo acting any different today? If so how does he/she normally act which differs from now.
- Has he/she had any problems in the past, if so please describe.
B) Fecals
- Describe (look any different than normal)
- When was the last time he/she went
C) Problem
- Please briefly describe the problem and how long it has been going on

Housing:
A) Enclosure
- Size
- Type (ex. glass tank)
- Type of substrate
- Hides, how many, what kind
B) Heating
- Heat source
- Cage temps (hot side, cool side)
- Method of regulating heat source
- What are you using to measure your temps
- Do you have any lights (describe)
C) Cage mates
- How many (males, females)
- Describe health, or previous problems

Describe Diet:
A) Typical diet
- What you're feeding (how often, how much)
- How are you feeding (hand fed, left in dish, ect)
B) Supplements (describe how often)
- What vitamin/minerals are you using (list brands)
- What are you gut loading food with

 

[happysmile88]

I understand the points that you guys have raised about having access to a reptile vet. However I find it unfair to simply say to people that they shouldn't own a reptile just because there aren't any accessible vets that specialize in reptiles.

BTW he's eating fine now. He's not willing to eat mealworms but eats lateralis roaches. I suppose all he really needed was time.

 

[mango+cola]

Its great that he is eating now.

But it is not unfair what we said. If you own a reptile, you should have access to a vet, just like you likely have access to a hospital if you need it. Not everything can be fixed at home, and I hope that nothing ever happens to your gecko where you would need vet attention, but if it does, you need a plan there, luckily for me I have a reptile vet 2 minutes walking distance from my house which came in handy when she needed a vet when I was literally leaving the house to catch a flight.

 

[happysmile88]

Lets take for example where I live, there are many gecko owners and there are few to zero reptile vets because it isn't as popular as cats and dogs. A good number of these gecko owners have been keeping geckos for a long time and are well established. They are very knowledgeable and provide excellent care for their geckos. Would you tell them that they shouldn't own these geckos?

I do wish that reptiles were more popular in my country, then maybe there would be a demand for reptile vets.

 

[mango+cola]

Yes I would. Just because you have been taking care of geckos for a long time, does not mean you can treat a sick gecko, sometimes vets are needed. Do they stock all the equipment to do a parasite test? an x-ray? no I would say not. Let alone the actual medacine.

 

[happysmile88]

Yes I would. Just because you have been taking care of geckos for a long time, does not mean you can treat a sick gecko, sometimes vets are needed. Do they stock all the equipment to do a parasite test? an x-ray? no I would say not. Let alone the actual medacine.

There are no vets for tarantulas. Would you say the same for them, the hobbyists that they shouldn't own tarantulas if there are no vets accessible?

 

[houseb]

You could also say that people who don't have access to hospitals/doctors shouldn't have children. Not saying it's right or wrong, just pointing out that these things still happen.

 

[Anaseb]

Amen, alot of elitism here. If the guy didn't get the gecko lets hold no delusions, its demise would be a certainty rather than likelyhood.

My only suggestion to help is, well babyfood, not one jar either. One of sweet fruits for sugars, meats like chickens for proteins to at least get some nutrients in him. Dab little bits on his lips in a quiet darker setting, even if on a fast he should lick it off to clean, and hopefully relight his appitite. Also make sure this food and his water bowl is fresh at all times, he has cover to sleep in away from prying eyes, and lastly his cage at 30-35c

 

[houseb]

Amen, alot of elitism here. If the guy didn't get the gecko lets hold no delusions, its demise would be a certainty rather than likelyhood.

:main_thumbsup:

Happysmile regardless of whether or not you should/should not have gotten the gecko, the fact is that he is in your care now and you have to do the best that you can. I would really recommend PMing some of the more experienced breeders (I know Marcia from Golden Gate Geckos is VERY knowledgeable, as is Kelli, Mike Rekowski, and a bunch of people on this forum). Gather as much information as you can so that if this ever happens again you will have the ability to react. As Anaseb said, make sure your conditions are right, and hopefully you've got yourself a happy, healthy gecko that will be a great pet for many years. Good luck

 

[happysmile88]

Thank you for the comments, my gecko's doing fine now. He's eating a lot more these days.

You'd be surprised how different it is living in a 3rd world country. Reptile products are scarce and even rare in the Philippines. I was lucky enough to acquire and heat tape for my geckos while there was a limited supply. Now, I couldn't build a rack if wanted to.

 

[marauderhex]

What about ordering supplies online? Aside from the ridiculous shipping costs, you should be able to get most of what you need.

 

[happysmile88]

Extremely ridiculous shipping costs, especially when 1$ = 42PHP

I've got everything I need for my geckos, but if I wanted to get more, hello shipping.