Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted an earlier message titled new leopard gecko wont eat I would like to thank everyone who gave me info, I was following a tip I received and moving the humidity box to the warm side of the cage and collecting a stool sample, upon looking at the stools I realized they were entirely composed of vermiculite! Why would this gecko have wanted to eat vermiculite, I have other babies and adults with humidity boxes filled with it and have never had a problem with it, I have since removed the vermiculite and replaced it with large chunks of reptile bark, I don't think he has eaten yet, any input would be appreciated, do you think he will be alright? Why would he want to eat vermiculite?

Im not really sure why they would want to eat vermiculite. I know as for sand they eat it cause they think its going to give them calcium. Maybe same reason for the vermiculite? What kinds of foods have you tryed some leos are very picky eaters and only like certain foods. How long ago did you get him/her? you could try feeding him a little baby food and see if he will eat that until he comes around and eats regular crix and meailes. Hope this helps!

Im not really sure why they would want to eat vermiculite. I know as for sand they eat it cause they think its going to give them calcium. Maybe same reason for the vermiculite? What kinds of foods have you tryed some leos are very picky eaters and only like certain foods. How long ago did you get him/her? you could try feeding him a little baby food and see if he will eat that until he comes around and eats regular crix and meailes. Hope this helps!
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Owner Of:
1.2.3 Leos
0.0.2 Turtles(1 painted one red belly cooter)
0.0.2 Red Eye tree Frogs.
I also own 2 dogs and 2 cats!

I would like to thank everyone who gave me info. I have had him for 1 week 5 days he is about 2 months old a giant albino from ron tremper, I have tried to feed him crickets mealworms and waxworms.
I removed the vermiculite as soon as I noticed it in his stool, I replaced it with large chunks of reptile bark.
Do you think that now that he will not be eating that he will start eating???

That has happened to me too, i'm not too sure as to why some leos eat it but as long as your leo was able to pass it through it's system and "poop" it out then it should be fine. I would suggest using paper towels in ur humid hides. Since the incident i had with my leo eating vermiculite i've been using paper towels for their humid hides, unless the female is going to lay. Keep a close eye on him. Hope this helps!
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Just Another Herp Crazy Person

~Allan~

0.4.0 Leopard Geckos - Lea, Cleo, Aurora, Echo [2 eggs cooking]
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon - Luna
0.0.1 Fire Skink - Blaze

leos are known for eating their substrate for calcium. I would recommend, for babies at least, using paper towels all over, and shredded pts in the humid hide. Just a thought!
~Angela
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1.0.0 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1.0 Super Hypo-Tangerine Carrot tail
0.1.1 Whites Tree Frogs
1.0.0 Huge Black Cat
0.1.0 Cocker Spaniel
0.1.0 Brittany
0.0.1 Brother

I recommend you do not use vermiculite in your humid hides. Leopard geckos sometimes will ingest small grained substrates for various reasons. Use moist sphagnum moss (available at any garden center), they don't eat that.
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Peace-
Kelli Hammack
H.I.S.S.
email me

Ive noticed mine have done that also. mostly only when it is new to them. i havent had problems and they seem to cease doing it, but ive usually found a little in their poops when converting my babies(big enough) from paper towels(i hate but use)in their humid hides. Ive noticed the same when using moss or pete also though, there tasting or trying to get a drink from it i imagine.
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My posts and replies are my experiences only
1.2.6 Tokays
1.4.4 Leos(7 albino)
0.2.0 AFT's
0.2.0 Stenodactylus Petrii(Dune Geckos)