my leopard gecko stopped eating?

Question

lately he has stopped eating and i dont know why. even after multiple times of trying to feed him he just wont eat.its gone on like this for almost 2 months now and im getting really worried. nothing is wrong with his tank its the perfect temp and it has a moisture hide so i dont know whats wrong can anyone help me

by the way im 13 so i dont have the money to take him to the vet

Answer 1

some leopard geckos stop eating for a number of reasons.



one reason is often impaction. this is where the gecko has a build up in their stomach which they cant pass, which is often caused by ingested substrate. if your gecko is on sand/calci-sand/anything they could possibly ingest, move them onto paper towels (cost barely anything) immediately. if it could be impaction, try bathing your gecko in warm water for 10-15 minutes - the water can help get rid of impaction.



another reason they may stop eating is they might have just gone off the food. if you feed them the same thing constantly, they can get fed up and not eat. in this time they live off the fat reserves from their tail, which can keep them going for a long, long time. if this is the case, try switching up the geckos diet - mealworms, crickets, and occasionally silkworms or waxworms are all okay.



if your gecko doesnt seem to be acting as normal, they may have a parasite or illness. in this case, the only thing you can truly do is get in contact with a reptile specialist or vet.



i understand money is an issue as it is for many people, but there is a life at risk here essentially. explain this to your parents and try to encourage them you'll work hard for the money spent by doing things around the house and such. if not, call a specialist and explain your current situation - they may be able to give you advice over the phone.



if i am honest, if your gecko is acting normal and doesn't seem thinner, she may be eating with out you noticing. it is always possible, as they do most of their eating and hunting at night, as they are nocturnal.



good luck, i hope everything turns out okay :)

Answer 2

What are you using for substrate? Hopefully it's not sand because then there's a possibility of impaction. ANY type of sand is very bad for Leo's as they accidentally ingest it, paper towel and repti-carpet is the safest and best way to go. If he's pooping...then he's eating. He may just be eating small quantities at a time. Also check if he has a nice plump tail or not, if so then he's doing alright. 2 months without food for a leo with a plump tail is nothing for them anyways, they can live off their fat reserves in their tails for quit a long time. If he's stopped eating and pooping altogether and if he's been kept on sand there's a possibility of impaction. If that's the case you can soak him in some warm water(not hot) for about 15 minutes a day that can sometimes help pass the impaction.

Answer 3

It is possible for animals to suffer with depression. This could be it. Try brighter lights, take him outside. He needs to see the vet though ask your parents for money. Clearly he's eating something, because he's still alive, but needs attention nevertheless. Also try different food. But vet.