Hormworms?? Force feed tips?Vet ordered force feed reptifood to gravid female.

[Leolady]

Hi,

Hi, I'm new here at the forum. My 1yr old leo female (bred in Nov in males tank) lives alone in 26"tank won't eat. She's layed her 2nd clutch 9 days ago and never resumed eating so being under my watchful eye a while - I called vet got appt (comes up tmrw) and he said force feed her the reptistart tube food by syringe 2-3 x a day until we come in. She is losing weight is lathargic but just pooped for 1st time in a month yesterday. yay for pooping!! Her stool is normal and my other Leos are very healthy. I'm hoping she is going to make it but a long season of laying ahead. I heard hornworms can end a hunger strike but the spike on their head scared me off. Anyone know if that is safe to try for Leo? Thanks!! any tips to lessen the stress of her force feedings for her would be great too! She fights it, turns her head away from any food source live or otherwise and none of the reflex tapping or lightly rubbing jawline work to get her to open.

Thank you!

 

[Kristi23]

You can try feeders like hornworms, silkworms, and waxworms to help stimulate them. I would not force feed though. When using something like reptistart or the slurry recipe, just put a dot on their nose or by the lips and let them lick it off. Forcing food could make it go down the wrong way and cause more problems. It's also stressful for the leo. Good luck and I'm hoping for positive news for you.