weight loss after laying

[GeckoRing]

My star breeder has just layed her 9th clutch of the season a week ago but has stopped eating. I have had females quit eating after laying before, and it wasn't good. I feed them a few pinkie mice after each clutch. Is there anything I can do before this turns into a major problem?

 

[crs]

I cant help you with that because I do not breed but I am very surprised that no one on here has replied. Maybe try posting it in the breeding section.

 

[Stitch]

You can try using different feeders, that may help stimulate her appetite. Or you could try Marcia's slurry to get something in her stomach.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

This can be a real problem. I have actually lost a couple of females over the years as a result of laying a clutch and never eating again. My vet could never find anything wrong, like parasites or a bacterial infection, and it got summed up as the catch-all "failure to thrive syndrome". I would suggest getting her on my slurry and a trip to a vet. Here is the recipe:


In a blender, combine:
1 small can Hill's A/D pet food (available at most vets)
¼ cup Ensure (not chocolate)
1 jar baby food squash
¼ cup Pedialite
2 tabs or contents of 2 capsules milk thistle (herbal supplement, liver purifier, found at most drug stores)
1/2 tsp. each calcium powder and herp vitamin powder
3-5 X-large handful of mealworms, added slowly while mixture is blending, until it's the consistency of milkshake

Puree all ingredients until completely smooth, and pour into ice cube tray(s) and freeze. Store cubes in zip-lock bag in the freezer until ready to use, then thaw out 1 cube at a time and store in fridge for 2-3 days. I use the empty baby food jar for this purpose, washing it thoroughly after each batch.

Using this mixture, draw a full 1ml dropper (eye dropper type) and place a drop on the gecko's nose, being careful not to plug the nostrils. Be patient and do not force-feed! The gecko will lick it off its nose, and as it does, slowly squeeze out a little at a time. Most geckos love this food, and will lap it up. Patience is a key factor.

 

[GeckoRing]

Hmmmm, I was afraid of this. The vet has found nothing wrong. I have had her on the slurry. The first time this happened, I thought it was because I was not feeding pinkies, so I got over my squeamishness about that and started offering pinkies. The female I am having trouble with now would eat them after every clutch...so I am a little surprised at her behavior. The other odd thing she is doing is switching to the cool side of the aquarium...all the time. Thanks for the help. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do!