Sparse Feeding

[Chevalrose]

I've had my leopard gecko for about 3 or 4 years now. I find that as my life gets busier I only end up feeding her about once a week (I feed her superworms until she stops eating them...usually 5 or so). She hasn't lost any weight from this feeding schedule (we take her to the vet yearly to get looked at) and seems in good health. I guess my question is feeding once a week acceptable if she's healthy? We're debating if we should rehome her otherwise because we want her to be care for well.

 

[Kjenkins]

Think about it this way if your so busy that your only remembering to feed once a week how much attention is your pet getting. Your awesome for taking your leo to vet and for caring about her well being. Leo's are suppose to be offers food every day tho. I personally think if your that busy you may want to give some real thought about finding her a new home. Take your time and find someone who will have time to play with her.

 

[acpart]

I understand where you're coming from, Kjenkins, but adult leos probably don't need to be fed every day. I feed mine 3 times a week and they all don't eat every feeding. I'd say if you can get your feeding up to twice a week (try attaching the feeding to something else you do twice a week; that's how I get my feeding done) it would be better. I also don't think that leopard geckos need someone to pay attention to them. It's different with bearded dragons, for example, who I think benefit from the contact due to their curiosity but I think leos are just fine on their own. I'm amused about how many people are rehoming their leos on craigslist because they don't have enough time for them. In actuality, I think the owners are feeling bad about having something at their house that they're not "using". That's not a problem for me. I can understand people wanting to rehome a pet that's not providing them with pleasure and is becoming more of a chore than something enjoyable, but as long as they're properly fed and housed, I don't think the leos have any problem with how much attention they're getting.

Aliza

 

[Kjenkins]

Aliza I understand your point I'v had dragons in the past they have such big personality's. I loved them so much. I do offer my leo's food every day tho that dose not mean they eat every day I just like to give them the opportunity. I will also admit I spend about an hr every day with them checking on them and handling them. I spend 2 hrs 2 to 3 times a week cleaning both tanks and change the paper out for my males in the rack every day to every other day. I spend a lot of time with my animals even for having a two year old. He likes to help me and it allows me to teach him to be gentle with them. Maybe thats just me. I'm with you tho I don't care for people who get ride of animals just because they lost there wonder to them. Some people do honestly feel like they neglect there animals tho because they have a good heart. So it really in the end doesn't matter what we tell this person or any other person with the same problem. They have to make there own decision in the end. I'm not being mean its just the way it is.

 

[acpart]

Sounds about right to me. There's nothing wrong with feeding every day, I just wanted to be clear that it's OK not to as well.,

Aliza

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I don't see a problem feeding a healthy leo once a week. I'd make sure she has water and a moist hide 24/7 tho. I feed most of my adults every 4 days or so and my older ones that are pets only and 5+ years old less than that. If I feed more often they tend to ignore the food or get so fat I worry about their health. If she's super starving when you feed her I'd bump it up to twice a week but if she's moderately hungry and fat and happy I'd leave it as is.