Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My leo has not eaten in over a week now. He ate the first few days I got him, but that was it. He does not seem to be losing any weight, and somedays he poops normal, and some days it is small things that look like blotches or something. The only vets around me are the regular cat/dog ones and I don't want to waste money to have him tell me nothing. Tonight he took a swipe at a cricket and missed him, but took off one of the legs, then went back in the hide and laid down...Any suggestions on what I should do? Tonight he seemed to be a little better, coming out of the hide, licking my hand, etc..but still has not taken any food into him. Any help would be greatly appreciated...Sorry so long, Thanks.

Im also a new leo owner and altho Im not an expert, my advice would be to stay patient. I got my leos 3 weeks ago and the first week and a half they ate nothing. Then it was 3-4 mealies or crix a night and they would hunt thier food from INSIDE their caves. I was stressing too but last night for the first time since I got them they ate like pigs! They had at least 10 mealies each as i watched them and when i woke up this am they had finished the rest. If it isnt an adjustment issue, I would pay attention to your temps because if it isnt warm enough they wont eat bc they cant digest it properly. Wait for other opinions tho. Good Luck!

There are lots of reasons a leo might not be eating. Like Peaches said, are your temperatures right? How long have you had him? If only a few weeks, it may take a while to get him adjusted. Also, when are you trying to feed him? During the day is not the best time since they're usually pretty sleepy. Usually a little after your "daytime" ends is a good time to try.

About the vet issue. You might try asking the cat/dog vets if they know of any herp specialists in the area. Ask your local pet stores that sell reptiles if they have a vet they use for their animals. Or post a question here -- "does anyone know of a good reptile vet near ______?" If there really isn't anyone, you can next ask your cat/dog vets if they will do tests on a fecal sample you provide. If it is a new animal, you really do want to get it checked for parasites, especially if it's from a pet store. They're easily spread, but most are also easily treated.

If you think he's not a very good hunter, you can pinch off the hind legs of the crickets before you put them in the tank, or try feeding mealworms. You can hold the food in tweezers in front of the leo and see if he will snatch it.

Good luck.
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0.0.2 leos
1.0.0 spouse

Mine is like that too. Ive had one for a week & 1/2 and he hid and ate the first night. Then nothing. poops normal, temps are fine,& drinks . he started exploring and coming out about 3 days ago and i think he should eat ok by next week . good luck and merry xmas