How long can hatchling go without eating?

[Bob]

I have a deformed hatchling that hatched on 7-2-2009. It can't open its eyes all the way just like 1/3 of the way, and it has a deformed head. I haven't seen it eat yet, I don't think it can. It doesn't recognize food. It is really thin. So, how long can this hatchling live? Can it live with help? I would be willing to keep it as a pet.

 

[acpart]

I have dealt with hatchlings like that before. What you do is somewhat up to you. Here are some choices, ranging from least likelihood of survival to most:

--if you feel strongly that this hatchling is not going to have a quality life and that it's going to suffer if it stays alive, you can take it to the vet and have it put down.

--if you feel that the gecko should have a chance but feel strongly that only those who can maintain themselves independently should survive, you could offer food and if it eats, it eats, if not it will die. If it doesn't eat and goes downhill, you could always have it put down.

--if you feel that the gecko should have everything possible done for it with a long term result either being that it will eventually be independent or always need help, then you can try this: moisten its eyes at least daily by dipping your finger in water and putting a drop on each eye. You may find that the eyes improve. Hold the gecko gently and push a mealworm or small cricket against its mouth. You may need to hand feed for quite awhile. Two or three mealworms a day is good for a start. If you're worried that it's not drinking, you can put a drop of water on its mouth. I have a number of geckos born around 7/2 that aren't eating much yet.

Last season I had about 5 geckos born either with eye deformities or just not eating well. I did what I suggested above. Many of them, including one with an eye problem eventually ate on their own and did well. The ones with mild deformities that did well independently I sold at a discount with full disclosure. The ones that may always need care I offered for free to people with gecko experience. They were all given away to people who are really invested in working with "special" geckos.

I hope this is helpful.

Aliza

 

[Bob]

I am going to keep trying. The eyes aren't its only problem, the head is weird shaped also. I also thinks its blind, it keeps running into things. I've never seen this leo close its eyes or eat. But I'm going to try my best to hand feed it. I really want to save it.

 

[geckoboy16]

good luck. i hope he does better!

 

[cwazy]

with assistance if it surrvives, it will learn its way around... IMO...

we have one of Alizas "deformities" she pretty much doesnt have front legs, she gets around almost like a snake... and let me tell you, we got her at 6 grams... she slowly got up to 12 grams... and i mean slowly... never saw her eat but mealies were always missing, needless to say she now muches supers like its going out of style, shes up to 35 grams now and she has got to be one of our strongest geckos... its really amazing... its cool to me that you are not giving up... i wish you the best of luck

 

[Kellyr]

Good luck to you with whatever you choose to do! I hope it all works out.

 

[Kristi23]

You could try feeding it slurry for awhile until it gets some strength to start eating on it's own. Good luck!

 

[acpart]

with assistance if it surrvives, it will learn its way around... IMO...

we have one of Alizas "deformities" she pretty much doesnt have front legs, she gets around almost like a snake... and let me tell you, we got her at 6 grams... she slowly got up to 12 grams... and i mean slowly... never saw her eat but mealies were always missing, needless to say she now muches supers like its going out of style, shes up to 35 grams now and she has got to be one of our strongest geckos... its really amazing... its cool to me that you are not giving up... i wish you the best of luck

Nice to hear that Hope is still kicking (so to speak).

Aliza

 

[Bob]

I tried the water drop on his nose, and he didn't lick it off. I tried the mealworm and cricket with no luck. I put the drop of water on his eyes, but can't tell yet if it works. I really hope he survives. I'm keeping his humid hide very humid, in hope he might drink the water drops.