Hunger strikes

[crayolaskies]

I've noticed that a there are a lot of cases in the wintertime where leos refuse to eat. I know it has to do with the colder weather, but how long do these hunger strikes usually last? Is there anything else that can be done other than waiting it out? I'm talking about hunger strikes from otherwise healthy leos, not from a medical problem.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

its more common in the winter, even if you do not cool your leos by cutting off the heat some just seem to do it themselves. As long as they don't loose weight its not a problem. Ive never had a significant weight loss from winter cooling, maybe 5 grams from a 70 gram leo.

It will normally go from about Oct-Nov til around Jan-Feb here in NC, and all you can really do is wait it out.

 

[Stitch]

Ditto on what Wendy said.

Also I would not call it a hunger strike. The reduction of food intake is due to the weather, it's a natural occurence. Hunger strikes should only be associated with food preference or illness and when they will eat no food at all. Leo's will still eat in the winter but they don't eat as much.

 

[acpart]

I'd say about half to 3/4 of my adult geckos significantly reduce feeding between about Oct. and Jan. For the ones eating crickets (too many for my preferences) if they stop being interested in the crickets I just keep a bowl of mealworms there all the time so they can eat what they want.

Aliza

 

[crayolaskies]

I said hunger strike because that's what it is with my leo. She won't eat anything. Not a single mealworm, cricket, or waxworm for about 2 weeks now. Before she was eating a cricket every once in a while and a few waxies but would refuse mealies. Now she doesn't eat anything.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

that is still seasonal like Brain mentioned, a true hunger strike is normally associated with illness or switching food items.

Ive had leos go with no food for 8 weeks or more during the brumation and not loose weight, they just self brubate sometimes. Just make sure they have plenty of water.

If you notice a weight loss, then worry, but like I said, the most of a weght loss Ive seen of a leo not eating all witner was 5 grams and that was on a 70 grammer.

 

[paulnj]

I had a male who refused food for the most part for 4 months and lost 1 gram. He snapped out of it once I gave him a girlfriend.

 

[crayolaskies]

Lol, do you think my leo needs a boyfriend? Just kidding, I don't have a male anymore. She's probably lost about 6 grams in the past couple months. She was 56 grams and now she's 49. So I guess I shouldn't worry and just wait it out?

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

if she is losing weight and not eating for 2 months there may be a problem. Sept was hot and Oct was pretty warm here and probably warmer down in FL, Id say that is not brumation, it sets in more this time of year here in NC and south of here.

2 months and 6 grams is not a big deal if is it brumation but you may want to get a fecal done to be sure, triple check her temps too, jsut to be sure the hot side is 90-92.

 

[crayolaskies]

I've checked the temps and they are correct. Haven't done a fecal yet. How much does that cost and how can I find a reptile vet?

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

It depends on the vet some will do it with out an exam some won't, a fecal can be from $8-20 depending but if they require an exam too, the exam could be as much as $75 again just depending on the vet.

Here is a list for FL, you can also check the yellow pages and call the pet stores (small family shops) and see who they use.
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/florida.shtml

 

[crayolaskies]

Do you think she could be ovulating?

 

[paulnj]

Flip her over and check. A red dot on her mid belly means she's ovulating and eggs forming are not hard to see usually.

 

[crayolaskies]

I checked and what do you know, a small pinkish spot and two oval-shaped eggs on either side of her abdomen. I know they're not fertile because she's never been with a male. The funny thing is a few weeks ago, she was digging in her moist hide a lot, even kicking peat moss up and out of it. I didn't think anything of it at the time, just that I have a crazy gecko. :main_rolleyes:


I guess she'll just have to lay them. Anything I can do to encourage her along?

 

[Stitch]

Just make sure the temps are right and that she has plenty of food and water. Oh yeah just in case, make sure she has a slightly moist egg laying area. It sounded like she was already looking at a spot.

 

[crayolaskies]

Okay, thanks.

BTW, how long does it take them to lay eggs? I just want her to hurry up and lay them so her appetite can get back to normal.

 

[Stitch]

Well from the start of ovulation I believe they can take up to 4 weeks to lay their eggs. For every clutch after that they can lay them any where between 12-30 days apart.