Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my yellow ackies yesterday, and they appear very healthy and alert. They are around 6-8 inches long (including the tail). I initially had a 38 gallon cage set up for them, but I didn't think they'd ever find food in a cage that big, so I moved them down to a smaller cage for now. The cool end of the cage is about 82 degrees, and the warm and is 95 degrees. they have a wooden stack hiding spot which increases in temp from 95 up to 130 at the top.

My question is in regards to their feeding habits. I have offered them 1/4 inch crickets which they seem content enough to stare at while basking. I did put a chopped pinkie in with them last night, and about half of it disappeared, but I have yet to see them eat any crickets. Is it normal for them to be shy feeders at first? I'm used to monitors like savs that eat anything that moves. should I change any thign in the cage or my feeding approach to get them going?

Thanks in advance.

No expert here, for sure, but I can relate recent experiences. I've had my red for approx. 1 month. He was about seven inches when I recieved him and has grown at least two. He did't eat the day I got him. I gave him the next day without any food, because I was worried that the crickets combined with the new environment were spooking him. He ate well on the third day, four or five crickets. When I asked essentially the same question on this forum, someone told me to use bigger 1/2 inch crickets. This seemed to do the trick, as he notices and hunts them right off the bat every morning. I've even used full size once or twice, and although he doesn't eat as many, still accepts and devours them. I've also fed him ground turkey, warmed, once a week which is eaten in small amounts, also immediately. One other thing he seems to really love is warm shrimp. I gave him some little pieces of freshwater locally grown prawns and he tore them up fast. Mine doesn't seem to be into eating tons of food at once. This is a concern for me, but, I have to say he continues to grow, look round and thick, show tons of activity (never stops moving), and poops like it's his job. I guess this means things are working out fine.
Good Luck. Oh yeah: Never leave bugs in there too long. I give them 20 minutes max.