Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My little guy is on a diet of ants from life studies and crickets here and there. I have had him for a little over a year. He has always been very healthy. He has stopped eating and I haven't seen him poop in days. I've also noticed the base of his tail which is supposed to be chubby is shrinking. I am pretty experienced with most reptiles and he appears to be plugged up. I just recently heard crickets can plug them up. What can I do?? I have tried soaking him a couple of times a day. He is getting weaker.

Alright... I think I have read all posts, I am very glad I found this site! I have learned a few things and thinking maybe my HL is going into hibernation? I still think it is strange because it is March? I was just concerned because this is my first one and I know they are very different from other reptiles. My main concerns are dehydration (which I am going to mist once a day), not eating , and the base of his tail shrinking (it was always fat before). From what I understand the base of the tail is a kind of reserve and it should be chubby on a HL. I had been waiting on ants and fed him some crickets. In the process, he got a hold of one that was a little large. That is why I was concerned about him being plugged. But his body is plump, I can't feel any bulges.

Also, I have read they do better in groups or pairs, is there any truth to this? I had one that I purchased at the same time, about a year ago, but he seemed somewhat unhealthy, but I didn't want to split the two up. But anyways, I am concerned and I really could use the help!!! Thanks much!!!

Hello Sherry! Sounds like you may be right on about your guy getting ready to go down for hibernation. You definately don't want to feed your HL cricket's that are too big. My rule is when I do buy crickets for them, I buy ones just about the same size as the ants they're used to. (pinhead crickets)

About them doing better in pairs..
Well, I've never done any scientific studies on this, but I would have to disagree. I really don't think they care one way or the other if they have company. During mating season this may change.

What type of HL do you have? Do you still have 2 or just 1?
You should definately water them/him at least a couple times a week.
-Ryan

Thanks for the info. I only have one HL. I have a couple of pictures, but I have no clue how to attach them. I don't even know the age. I am guessing he is a male because of my experience with other reptiles. This has got to be the first animal I ever purchased without researching. The owner at the pet store told me to feed him crickets and that's about it. So as I researched, I found out about the ants and now, much, much more.

Just yesterday, I bought some Repti-Aid because of a suggestion from someone who has experience with HLs. I misted my HL with warm water last nite and he was absolutely thrilled. He ran up on his rock, puffed up and stood as tall as he could. He did lap up the water on his lips. I also misted the sand slightly. So this I will continue even after he gets better. I offered him the Repti-Aid which he did lap up, but only got a couple of drops in him. My main concern is that his tail is not chubby, but getting wrinkly. His behavior seems to fit the hybernation thing, but I am still concerned. I live in Chicago and it is March, spring is almost here. I don't want to over-react, but also I don't want to lose him. He still has quite a bit of energy, but not as much as before. I am going to get Exo Terra Electrodize today and mix that with his Rept-Aid (another suggestion from a HL owner) instead of the water and try a heating pad set at low. I am working on figuring out how to attach the pix.

Here are the pictures, i think. Hopefully i did it right. They are from 2 months ago.
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