Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My knightanole haven't eaten for around three weeks, and I don't know what's wrong. Temperatures are good, UV light is provided etc.
I have a pair of them, and the smaller one will eat, but not the larger one. They seem to get along well, sometimes seen on the same branch/plant.
I feed with tonges, and I've tried mealworms and crickets. I heard about waxworms from the other thread, and I'll try to find that.

About drinking, I don't know, both seems fine, but I've never seen one drink(and remember one is eating, very well even).

The tank is large, around 400 gallons I think and the anoles are fairly young (around 30cm including tail).

Does anyone have any ideas? Is a vet necesary or could forcefeeding help him/her get the taste for food and if so, how?
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CokeOfMan

My first time in the anole forum Coke, thanks

How long have you had these anoles? My first inclination is that the one isn't eating due to stress. Yes, it is the larger one, but it doesn't necessarily need to be inter-animal stress, and the smaller one may just be able to acclimate better. Another possibility is that they are male/female and the whole breeding season thing is getting in the way of the larger having an appetite. I don't know my anole species that well, thus someone else will have to pipe in about that.

In any case, if stress is the main contribution to this anole not eating, then force feeding is not a good idea. Obviously this adds more stress. Have you kept accurate weight records? If a loss of 10% or more has occurred a vet visit is needed.

If you do decide to "force-feed" I would direct you to assist feed by lightly opening the mouth with a spatula, cotton tipped applicator, or credit card. You can then place a silkworm or waxworm of appropriate size in the mouth (or mostly in). The lizard should finish eating this prey animal by itself. If this is unsuccessfull in turning things around withen a few days, and/or you notice any other symptoms in addition to anorexia, then a vet visit is needed.

Good luck with your knight anole!
Ian

I'm certainly no expert but my Brown Anole went 3 weeks and 2 days once without eating. I think it was stress. That was several months ago and she's doing well now. I wonder if separating them for a bit would help, but sheesh, why should you have to with a tank that big?

Why not try what I call "coax" feeding first? It worked for mine but it wasn't easy and took some patience. I used a long tweezers and the cut end (with the fat oozing out) of a wax worm and actually held it against the end of her mouth so she would taste it. She eventually (and reluctantly) took some. I had to follow her around some though. It's worth a try.

Andy

I usually just browse the frog and anole forum, so there's where it went wrong

Well, I figured humidity may have been a little low, now it's on its 60's though, which I've read is good during the day.

It still won't eat, but it may be drinking some now, since I've sprayed where it is sitting, and the drops around it is dissapearing, so I've sprayed a bit more.

I'll try to find waxworms aswell.

The big terrarium is due to that I orginally intended to get Waterdragons, but changd my mind.

I doubt this is it, but I'e read in one book that Knights may have a period during October to November where they wont eat. But, since it's August, it's not very likely.

Really appreciate the replys, thanks.
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CokeOfMan

I just hope you didn't misunderstand and think I was criticizing use of a tank that big. I think it's awesome! I just meant that I can't imagine stress showing up with that setup

Andy

Anoles go through periods of reduced appetite during the year. It is usually in the early fall but their "body clocks" can become disoriented in captivity and they can stop eating at any time during the year. It is usually linked to the length of day but when that is constant they become a bit confused as to which season it is outside.

No offence taken

Thanks for the replies
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CokeOfMan