Is he sick? Or....?

[Metal_Gecko]

Hello all,
I picked up 4 Leos today, and the 3 females are very healthy, active, and have already gone through 3 dusted crickets, and 2 mealworms EACH.

The forth little guys is a male Bell Albino, and he not only hasn't eaten any crickets or mealworms, but he shows ZERO interest in them.
I asked the previous owners if he eats regularly, and asked what they feed them, and they said that the 3 females always ate crickets AND mealworms, but the little male NEVER ate a cricket for them, and only ate mealworms...

He is VERY active, and doesn't seem lethargic at all, but he has no interest in eating, and I know he's very under weight, and we want to fatten him up.
Any tips, tricks, or ideas are greatly appreciated!!!

Help us fatten this little guy up please!

-Wes

 

[fl_orchidslave]

He doesn't really look sick from the photos, just thin, as his body is proportionate with his tail. If he had to compete with others for food, he may be a shy eater. If you keep him separate from the others and his dish always loaded, hopefully he will start eating more. It's better for the leo to gradually increase food intake, to keep from regurgitating larger quantities. No need to add treat feeders, just a healthy steady diet and he will gain the weight.

 

[prettyinpink]

You just got him, you need to let him settle into his enviroment - don't pick him up...just let him settle in for a few days - keep worms in his dish at all times. He should after a bit warm up and start eating. My two girls took almost a month to eat. My other one ate right away.

I agree he's underweight but like Laney said, if he had to fight for food that might be the reason. I personally don't like how skinny he is, but just let him settle in. If you get worried take him to the vet and have them do a parasite check on him. Even some nice warm soaks might cheer him up a bit if he's dehydrated - BUT you just got him so it probably is just the new enviroment issue.

 

[sausage]

are his eyes always shut like that or was it a flash reflex??

 

[Jordan]

he is still settling in, he needs to time to feel comfrotable in his home and then he should begin to eat.

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Thanks for all the input and advice guys!

He was NOT housed with anybody else, he was alone.

The previous owners said that he was on a staple diet of mealworms ONLY, and he was the only one that wouldn't eat crickets. So as far as I know, he's NEVER eaten a cricket before...

No his eyes are ALWAYS open, and he is very active and alert. Oddly enough.... even more so than the others even.
He just seemed to always close his eyes when I take him in the kitchen, almost like the bright light bothers his eyes...???

As of me typing this, he still hasn't eaten since I brought him home yesterday...

Would it be a good idea to try some waxworms to fatten him up maybe?

Thanks,
-Wes

 

[Dog Shrink]

No. I wouldn't. Give him a few days to settle in before trying more appealing feeders. Eros didn't eat for 3 days after I got him. It's not unusual for them to not eat right away, a few days won't kill him. Feeding a leo in that kind of emaciated (or really thin) state should be a slow process. Not a put weight on him now kinda thing or you could risk re-feeding syndrom (please googe it).

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Thanks for the input.
I'll google search it right now.

Im the event he doesn't start eating, or an emergency, is there a guaranteed trick?
Like dabs of chicken flavored baby food or the like?

Thanks,
-Wes

 

[fl_orchidslave]

It won't hurt him to go a few days without food. Some don't start eating for a week or more while they are adjusting to new surroundings. Albinos have light sensitive eyes, its perfectly normal he would close them in a brightly lit room. Relax and give him a chance to get settled into his new home.

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Well.... some good news on the little guy.
Even though the previous owners said they've never fed him any crickets, he's eaten 3 dusted medium sized crickets in the past 24 hours, and hopefully some more tonight. :thumbsup:

He is by far the most energetic, and also the most friendly of the 4 I rescued, which is quite a feat, because two females of the 3 we got are as as laid back and friendly as can be, but this skinny little dude willingly crawls into your hand and right up your arm!

I really, Really, REALLY hope this little guy pulls through.....

-Wes

 

[WulfSC]

Best of luck, Wes. And nice coloration on the leo.

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Best of luck, Wes. And nice coloration on the leo.

Thanks brother.

Well.... even better update than before!
The little guy ate 4 small/medium dusted crickets today!!! :main_thumbsup:

I hope this is a sign that he's picking up an appetite!

-Wes

 

[prettyinpink]

He sure is being a trooper. Remember slow and steady

 

[Metal_Gecko]

He sure is being a trooper. Remember slow and steady

Agreed!
I can't believe how good he's doing!

-Wes

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Well, so far so good.
He's taken a shining to dusted crickets, and almost won't touch mealworms anymore...
He's full of energy, and very friendly.

He had his first shed(since I've had him) last night, and it was 100% successful too.

I'd say he's on his way to becoming much healthier.

-Wes

 

[Dog Shrink]

That's great... keep up the good work. Maybe if you feel comfortable he's large enough to try a superworm,it might be a good idea to try and do that before he gets solely addicted to crickets just so you can vary his diet a little bit.

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Superworms are a go then! :thumbsup:
I might as well seeing as how I gotta get some more crickets anyways.... LOL

-Wes

 

[Dog Shrink]

:main_thumbsup: