new gecko constantly hiding?

[Inter5tella]

I imagine this is a foolish question, but I got my gecko yesterday and he's spent a large amount of time just sitting in his moist hide; is it normal for geckos to just hide away like this when you first get them?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Yup! They can hide quite a bit when stressed or when well fed. I mostly see mine out and about when they're hungry or when temps on their warm side are too hot. I had a couple that wouldn't come out while I was awake for a few months. It would be especially likely for them to hide lots if there are bright lights on or around his cage and he is albino. The light really hurts their unpigmented eyes.

 

[Inter5tella]

Yup! They can hide quite a bit when stressed or when well fed. I mostly see mine out and about when they're hungry or when temps on their warm side are too hot. I had a couple that wouldn't come out while I was awake for a few months. It would be especially likely for them to hide lots if there are bright lights on or around his cage and he is albino. The light really hurts their unpigmented eyes.

there arent any bright lights, theres just natural sunlight and even then its not the full brunt of it, if that makes sense? like he gets sun but its akin to the sunlight in shade.
I just worry because he's a juvenile and I want him to eat everyday, and he didnt touch his mealies yesterday. THat, and hes on the cool side of the tank, even though the warm side is a perfect 90. I guess he may not feel as safe in the hide I made from a deli cup because of the clear lid, ill swap it with the cup he came in so it's darker. Just worried as a new gecko mama lol, want to make sure I do everything right.

 

[indyana]

They usually go on a little hunger strike after a move, so try not to worry too much, and don't keep rearranging things on him. Every time you change something in the cage, you essentially reset the settling in period. Just give him peace and quiet and continue offering food every day.