Sick Crested Gecko

[Dune]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping to get some help. We have had a crested gecko for about 6 months. When we got him, he was about 6 months old already. For the first 4 months he ate an average of 10 crickets/3 times a week. We also supplemented his diet with grated carrots sprayed with Zilla Calcium supplement, as well as the occasional wax worm.

About 2 months ago he dropped his cricket intake to 2-3 crickets per week, would barely eat the carrots, and would no longer eat wax worms.

At the recommendation of a local pet store (where we purchased him), we started putting him in a smaller enclosure, with the crickets, and a hiding place, and then putting that smaller enclosure inside of his terrarium (for feeding). The next morning we would take him out of the smaller enclosure and just place him in his terrarium. There was no improvement.

We have been giving him crushed up bananas sprayed with the Zilla supplement. He eats the bananas, but pants (like labored breathing) after eating. He has developed a bump on his back, and he is no longer as active as he was only months ago. In fact, he no longer climbs into hiding places in his enclosure, something he did every day a mere 2 months ago.

We are at a loss and would appreciate any serious/informed advice someone is willing to supply.

Thank you for your help!

 

[DrCarrotTail]

It sounds like your crested is more than likely severely malnourished. Crested geckos need to be eating a crested gecko diet. Pangea crested geckos diet, Repashy CDG, Clarks or Big Fat Gecko are all good diets. Bannanas are super high in potassium and acidic and can cause issues with a geckos digestion unless they are given very sparingly (once every few months in very small quantities). Carrots are pretty much inappropriate as a food source. Insects are not their primary food source and should be provided sparingly, I give mine 4 roaches every week or two and CDG every other day. I'd suggest picking up one or two of the diets I mentioned above and offering that. If he is suffering from MBD or a vitamin deficiency you may need to bring him to a vet for additional treatment and support. A picture of him could help determine if this is needed.