How Long Can Leopard Geckos Go without Food?

Comments

Reptile Supply - June 25, 2021

Hi Makyla — Make sure to check your leopard gecko’s setup against our care sheet (https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/care-sheets/how-to-care-for-your-leopard-gecko) to make sure that she hasn’t stopped eating because something’s wrong with her husbandry. If things look alright there, we recommend taking your gecko to an experienced reptile veterinarian for a quick exam to make sure she’s not sick.

Makyla - June 25, 2021

Hi I’ve had my gecko for about a year now, and about 2 months ago she stopped eating she eats a meal worm once in a while and there are droppings but also only every now and then. She is not losing much weight but I am concerned I really thought she would eat by now.
Thanks.

Reptile Supply - April 19, 2021

Hi Cher — 21 years is impressive! Taking a 2 week break from eating is perfectly normal for an adult leopard gecko, even when they’re older. Just double-check your setup to make sure nothing has changed (too warm, too cold, too dry, too humid, etc.), and if the problem persists, bring it up with an experienced reptile veterinarian.

cher - April 19, 2021

I have a 21 year old leopard gecko. He stopped eating about 2 weeks ago. Still drinking water. He did shed his skin about 5 weeks ago which he ingested. Should I be worried? I heard this is normal but given his age.

Reptile Supply - April 1, 2021

Hi Melanie — It is normal for leopard geckos to go off food for a little while after they move to a new home, since change is stressful to them. However, it does sound like the previous owner may not have been taking very good care of the gecko. We recommend updating the gecko’s setup according to the instructions in our leopard gecko care sheet (https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/care-sheets/how-to-care-for-your-leopard-gecko). If you don’t see improvement after that, take your gecko to an experienced reptile veterinarian (http://reptifiles.com/reptile-vet-directory) for examination.

Melanie - April 1, 2021

Hello, I just purchased my gecko from another owner. She hasn’t eaten in a week there is no feces in tank. I have put several different insects mealworms, crickets, roaches still nothing. I cleaned her tank and took out sand and lined it with paper towel as I read sand is not very good. The previous owner only had a small heat lamp and said he kept it on 24/7 sometimes turning off during day time. I went out and purchased a heat pad and a ceramic bulb and a UVB bulb. Pervious owner also said he fed her in morning. I leave mealworms in tank but still nothing. She is five years old. He said he only fed her mealworms everyday. I’m starting to think this owner didn’t have any clue about owning a gecko and if he sold it because something was wrong.

Reptile Supply - March 3, 2021

Hi Kimberley — Going 10 days without food is concerning, but not life-threatening for a fully-grown leopard gecko. My best guess is that he’s adjusting to the new enclosure. However, double-check your temperatures with a digital probe thermometer or temp gun, and don’t handle him until he starts eating again.

Kimberly - March 3, 2021

I have a five yeard old lepord gecko. He is refusing to eat. It has been ten days and has lost weight. He did get moved to a bigger tank. It is typically colder but not by much. He is still energetic and appears to be out of hiding more than when he was in the smaller tank. What could be causing his food stike? How do i help? Should i take him to a vet?

Reptile Supply - February 25, 2021

Hi Dawn, I’m sorry to hear about your baby leopard gecko. If she hasn’t eaten at all since coming into your care, then it’s quite likely that there’s something off about her enclosure that makes her not want to eat. Please re-evaluate your setup with our leopard gecko care sheet (https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/care-sheets/how-to-care-for-your-leopard-gecko) and the attached resources.

Dawn Butcher - February 24, 2021

Hi we purchased a baby gecko in November since this she has never eaten we have taken her to a vet thinking she might have a parasite this us not the case and is now on end of life care how is it possible for her to survive so long with out food many thanks concerned gecko owner