Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought a leo from Albey and I recieved it on 12/29. I have her setup fine,15 quart sterilite tub, two hideboxes,hot end at 88-91, cool end at 78-81, a small water dish, and a small dish of supplement, newspaper for substrate.

Since she arrived, she has not eaten at all. No crickets, mealworms, waxworms nothing at all. Now, I thought the problem had to do with the lighting I have on her because I need to use redlamps here because the room my geckos are in is a little harder to keep warm. But all my other geckos dont have any problem with the red lamp.

Now the one thing I have noticed with since she came in is that she has a bizzare walk. I am not sure exactly how to explain it but her legs are fine, she just kind of throws or swings her head in a strange way that makes her seem a little off balance when she runs from me.lol. She hasn't spent much time out of her hide boxes so I have not had all that much time to observe it, but mostly when I see her she is running from my hand as I change the newspaper or add water, something like that. I am beginning to think something might have happened to her during shipping.

Thanks for any advice

Phil

Phil-

You probably have nothing to worry about, although you didn't say how long it's been since you got her. Your setup sounds good, she's probably just taking awhile to get adjusted. Be sure to talk to whoever you bought her from, and ask what she is used to eating. Some leos won't take mealworms and only like crickets. I'll bet a few waxworms would get her going, but don't let her get addicted to them. As far as the walking is concerned, I've had a few that really look comical, but I think it's just the way they are. My male likes to keep his head low to the ground and swing his tail from side to side, like he's on the prowl or something. He's healthy, and I'm not worried. As long as the legs look straight and strong, I wouldn't worry. If the legs were weak or bowlegged, I would worry about a calcium deficienty. If its' only been a week or two, she'll probably start eating soon. If it's been longer than that, I'd contact the breeder and ask for their advice.

Actually I did say when I got her, it was on the 29th of December. And I also said I offered her wax worms and mealworms and crickets. I know it isn't calcium deficiency because I just got her and it doesnt work that fast, besides, Ive only had he a week and Albey was the one caring for her. She is nearly 2years old so it couldn't be a deficiency. I have contacted Albey I just posted here to see if anyone else had some other good suggestions.

Thanks for the reply.

Phil

Most people say it takes about a week for a gecko to settle in to their new homes. If she doesn't start to eat again within another week and is noticeably losing weight (weigh her now, for record purposes), take her to the vet. She could just be in a bad mood from being shipped (one of my geckos goes days without eating for a few days after I clean his tank out) and is being fussy. Perhaps you could try an appetite stimulant. Where abouts do you live? I knwo there is a naturally occuring product in the U.S that people recomend. I will find the name of it for you.

However, the stress of being shipped and being introduced to a new home could have upset her internal balance and she could have become susceptible to parasites or an illness. So, if she stil hasn't eaten anything after another week, take her to a vet.

Good Luck!

The product I mentioned in my last post is called Acidophiliz and you can purchase it online (if you live in the U.S) from here ( http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=227 ) to help stimulate the appetite of your leo.

I hope everything works out ok for you both. Keep us posted.

Does she look to be developing egg folicles? That can cause females to not want to eat. Look at her tummy, if you can see two pinkish colored dots on either side of her tummy, that's most likely what they are. Have you contacted Albey to let him know about this?
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Peace-
Kelli Hammack
H.I.S.S.
email me

Yeah I have emailed Albey. He offered his suggestions and I replied to him with some more things to say to him, the only thing is that I am waiting for his reply. She isn't losing any weight in her tail or anything. I checked for eggs and I don't think she is forming any eggs, and I don't think Albey housed her with any males or anything. I also wanted to add that she has yet to poop since she got here. I am not keeping her on sand, just newspaper so shes not impacted. And when she came in, she had pooped in her shipping container, although I know that happens frequently.

Thanks for the replies everyone, they help.

Phil

I have a male I got shipped from garrick that refused to eat anything for nearly a month. Drove me crazy, but he lost only a few grams and is now doing fine, although he's still not a big eater. Just be patient and don't bother her too much. I would get a fecal done in any case, since I recommend one for any new acquisitions. Good luck!
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