Picky Eaters?

[Sarah1228]

I have an adult male that seems to be a picky eater? I've had him for about 2 years and he pretty much eats when ever he feels like it? I give him a variety of different feeders. Is this normal??

I try not to feed him the wax worms as much since its like McDonalds to them. But are they that bad if the gecko isn't eating at all? He's been picky way before I introduced the wax worms in to his diet so I know it's not because he just wants those as his staple diet.

I have a friend who said some males are picky eaters and its not unheard of. It just kind of stresses me out. He has a fat tail, drinks regularly. And he defecates right after he eats. So what gives? Anyone else with this issue?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

If you're trying to feed him when he's not hungry that could be the reason he's picky. How often are you feeding him?

IMO most adult leopards don't need to eat every day. I feed mine every 2-3 days and if they're not hungry they wait till the next feeding or I leave 10 counted mealwoms in their bowl so I know if they ate. Even a week without eating isn't a huge deal for a healthy adult. Also, its starting to get into winter and with shorter days and cooler weather some geckos slow down their eating a bit around now.

 

[Sarah1228]

I try feeding him every other day. If he does eat, I wait a couple of days and try again. Or I do the same and leave a few worms in the bowl and see if he eats any. Sometimes he eats, sometimes he doesn't.

 

[stager]

Is he with a female? I have a male that almost stops eating if housed with a female. I also had a tremper giant that wouldn't eat anything till I tried meal worms he will eat as many as I give him.

 

[Sarah1228]

No he's housed by himself in a 15 gallon. A moist hide on the cool side (75-80 degrees) and a hide on the warm side (90-95 degrees). He gets fresh water every day and I use repti carpet. Also a small bowl of calcium powder is next to the water dish too.

 

[mudskipper]

What are you feeding him?

 

[Sarah1228]

Well he use to eat meal worms and crickets only. Stopped eating crickets completely. Sometimes eats meal worms, butter worms, or Phoenix worms. Now he's slowed down on eating those and only seems to be eating wax worms. I understand wax worms are like McDonalds for kids when it comes to nutritional value. But it's better then nothing, right?

 

[GeckosGalore]

I have a female like this. All she seems to eat is mealworms. I just let her eat those. She is a big girl and is eating great. She seems to be great!