Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I have 2 young leos one is about 4 1/2 inches long the other closer to 3 3/4 is day. Ive had them about 5 days and they eat really well when I drop dusted mealworms next to them, but they dont seem to go to the dish of mealworms i leave in there cage. Its low enough for them to access easily and is on the cool end of the aquarium. Th aquarium is a 40 breeder tank and has a large cool hide large warm side hide and humid hide. Now for the question. Should I be concerned about them not going to the food dish or will they start going there when they become more comfortable with there surrounding? I change the worms out daily and theres always the same amount that i put in it. Should I refrain from dropping the worms in by them for a few days to kinda make them go out looking for prey or what? They just dont seem to ever get out of there warm end hide.
Thanks for the time,
Jason

They should be fine with time. Try feeding them from the dish right by the door to their warm hide when the lights go out. Also don't hand feed them before this.

They should find your dish with time, they sound like they have been eating very well. It may take up to a week for them to find the new food source, because they are probably stuffed now. As for what side to keep the mealies on, Id say it depends upon how often you check the mealworm dish. If you check it every day, keep them on the warm side. This will cause the mealworms to be more active, and more attractive to your geckos. I only have time to check them every other day, so i keep the mealies on the cool side. That way there is less chance of them turning into 'aliens'. I think you're doin' a good job of checking the mealie dish, keep that up. If you don't see any eaten within 1-2 weeks, your leo/s may need alittle extra tlc. I have a just a few leos who are very picky about how they eat, and i just work with them the best i can. I'd try crix also, almost all geckos love them. Best of luck with your guys.

DaveCable

Thanks for the helpful posts guys. I walked in my room today when i got home from work and saw both of them in the process of shedding do they normally hold off on eating a few days prior to shedding? I went to the pet store tonite got them some small crickets dusted em up real good and it was a feeding frenzy .