Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We purchased a teenage Tokay Gecko from our local reptile store. Obviously this one was caught in the wild. We've had him for a couple of days now and he has yet to eat. I know sometimes it takes a couple of days for them to get settled in a new environment, but I am still concerned. He has been drinking when we mist the tank, but I haven't seen him eat the crickts or superworms we've put in there as well. How long until we should start worrying about him not eating? And is force feeding with a pump the only option? Any help or advice would be welcome. He's housed in a 40 long with lots of artificial plants and a climbing branch, with a red heat light at one end of the tank.

April in Florida

I've kept tokays for a while now, and with two of them, I witnessed something similar to that when I first got them. As it turned out, it wasn't that they weren't eating, it's just that they weren't eating while I was watching. Now both are hogs, and eat like maniacs. I'd throw crickets in there, and in the morning, most would be gone...maybe that's what's happening with yours, I'm not sure. If you're putting a large amount of crickets in there, try putting less, and count the number you throw in there to see if maybe the tokay's chowing down while you're not watching. I wouldn't resort to force-feeding, that's never pleasant. Maybe try a live pinkie, they love those as well. Anyway, good luck
Kevin

Thanks very much. I still see some crickets running around in there, but I'll remove them and put some fresh ones in today and see what happens. I appreciate your advice.

April