Gecko feeding issue...

[EggsAndToast]

Right... Ive got two geckos in the one vivarium... a female and male. They are about 2 months old..... anyway when I first got them the male was at least 2-3 times the size of the female and both had skinny tails.... They refused waxworms AND mealworms and will only eat crickets... NOW the female is at least the size of the male... maybe a bit bigger... shes getting all her spots and getting a fat ol' tail on her. The male however is exactly the same size, and still has a skinny tail..... also whereas the female is quite happy clambering about the vivarium, and is coming close to walking up to the glass when you come over, the male stays in his hide about 95% of the time.... do I have a problem or just a really fussy, naturally slim/shy male with an ol' pig of a girlfriend?

 

[EggsAndToast]

I'm feeding about 10 size 4 crickets dusted with vitamin/calcium powder each day.... but they also have a bowl of mealworms/waxworms in there and they just ignore it....

 

[acpart]

There's a very good chance that the female is bullying the male and he isn't eating. In addition, there's a chance the male will ultimately breed with the female before she is big enough to lay eggs safely. Separate your geckos and see if the male does better. If not, contact the vet. Before putting them back together again, think about whether you are ready or equipped for breeding.

Good luck,
ALiza

 

[EggsAndToast]

I'm planning on seperating them when they get to a yr old anyway... but there doesnt seem to be any bullying... in fact they cuddle up with each other under the hide in the moist corner or under the leaves... Im awake 22hrs a day and havent noticed any bullying... in fact Ive noticed a lot of snuggling....

 

[acpart]

It is likely that they will mate well before they are a year old. It is possible that they are snuggling, but it is equally possible that what looks like snuggling is actually the dominant gecko sitting on the other one and preventing it from being where it wants to be. Of course, I can't see what's going on, so I don't know what's really happening, but you may want to consider the situation from this perspective and see what you think. In any case, it's probably worth separating them so you can see what the male is or isn't eating.

Aliza

 

[EggsAndToast]

Ok, sounds like a plan! .... will have to wait a fortnight until I get moneys for it...