How Long Can Leopard Geckos Go without Food?

Hi Katie — It sounds like you have an adult leopard gecko, which means that it’s normal for them not to eat every day. While juveniles should be fed daily because they’re still growing, adults will get fat on that routine. Reduce feedings to every other day or every three days, and you should see improvement. If not, take your gecko to an experienced reptile vet for a checkup to make sure he’s not ill.

Hi Ella — If your leopard gecko has a regular diet of waxworms and mealworms, it’s possible that they may be overweight. In that case, it may actually a good thing for her to fast for a bit and lose some weight. However, make sure to check your basking and air temps to make sure that your gecko is warm enough — cool temps is one of the biggest reasons why reptile stop eating. We also recommend taking your gecko to an experienced reptile vet for a general checkup, as lack of appetite is a symptom of many reptile illnesses.

Hi
My sons leo hasn’t eaten now for 3 nights we aren’t sure how old it is as pets at home.had no idea when we bought him we have had him about 5 months. He is just over 8 inches long and weighs 51 grams, he is stil having a poo everyday and is acting same when being handled although staying in his hide more when in his tank. Heat mat temp seems fine and cool end is within the range. Should I just continue offering food each night and how long should I leave him.for.
Thanks

I recently got my gecko and she’s 13 months. She hasn’t eaten in two weeks and she’s starting to loose weight, we have tried waxworms and mealworms which she used to eat all the time.

Hi Kenna — All things considered, it’s likely that your geckos may be entering a winter “fast”, which is fairly normal for adult leos, as they normally brumate in the wild. Keep an eye on their weight (a kitchen scale is useful), and if they lose more than 10% of their body weight, then take them to an experienced reptile vet for examination.