Leopard Gecko Not Eating?

Incorrect temperature is the #1 cause of leopard geckos not eating. Geckos are cold-blooded and need proper heat to digest food.

• Required Temperatures: Warm side 88-92°F (31-33°C), cool side 70-75°F (21-24°C). Use a digital thermometer to verify.
• Too Cold: If temperatures are below 85°F on the warm side, geckos can't digest food and will stop eating. They become lethargic and may hide constantly.
• Too Hot: Temperatures above 95°F can cause heat stress, leading to loss of appetite and dehydration.
• Solution: Check temperatures with a digital thermometer. Ensure you have proper heating (halogen or DHP) with a thermostat. Fix temperature issues first—this solves most eating problems.

Stress from improper setup is the second most common cause. Leopard geckos need secure, properly set up enclosures to feel safe enough to eat.

• Inadequate Hides: Geckos need at least 3 hides (warm, cool, and moist). Without proper hiding places, they feel exposed and stressed.
• Wrong Substrate: Dangerous substrates (calcium sand, wood chips) or lack of substrate can cause stress. Use paper towels, tile, or safe loose substrate.
• Too Small Tank: Tanks smaller than 20 gallons (40 gallons recommended) cause stress and don't allow proper temperature gradients.
• Excessive Handling: Too much handling, especially in a new environment, causes stress. Minimize handling until the gecko is eating regularly.
• Solution: Ensure proper setup with adequate hides, correct substrate, proper tank size, and minimal disturbances. Let the gecko settle in.

Leopard geckos often stop eating 1-3 days before and during shedding. This is normal behavior and not a cause for concern.

• Signs of Shedding: Dull, grayish skin, increased hiding, reduced activity, and loss of appetite 1-3 days before shedding.
• During Shedding: Geckos may not eat while actively shedding. This is normal and they should resume eating once shedding is complete.
• Moist Hide Essential: Ensure your gecko has a moist hide with damp moss or paper towels. This helps with shedding and prevents stuck shed.
• When to Worry: If your gecko doesn't resume eating within a week after shedding, or if shedding takes longer than 2-3 days, investigate other causes.

Illness can cause loss of appetite. It's important to recognize signs of illness and seek veterinary care when needed.

• Signs of Illness: Weight loss, lethargy, unusual behavior, discharge from mouth/nose, difficulty shedding, visible parasites, or abnormal stool.
• Parasites: Internal parasites can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. A fecal exam by a veterinarian can diagnose this.
• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of proper UVB or calcium supplementation. Signs include weakness, difficulty moving, and loss of appetite.
• Impaction: Blockage from ingesting substrate or large food items. Signs include no eating, no defecation, and lethargy. Requires immediate veterinary care.
• Solution: If you see signs of illness along with not eating, seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment is crucial for recovery.

Follow these steps in order to address the most common causes and get your gecko eating again:

• Step 1: Check Temperatures - Verify warm side is 88-92°F and cool side is 70-75°F. Fix temperature issues first—this solves most problems.
• Step 2: Ensure Proper Setup - Check that you have adequate hides (3 minimum), correct substrate, proper tank size (20+ gallons), and proper lighting.
• Step 3: Reduce Stress - Minimize handling, ensure quiet environment, check for stressors (other pets, loud noises, excessive activity).
• Step 4: Check for Shedding - If your gecko is shedding, wait for it to complete. They should resume eating after shedding.
• Step 5: Try Different Food - Offer different food items (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches). Some geckos are picky eaters.
• Step 6: Feed at Night - Leopard geckos are crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk). Try offering food in the evening when they're more active.
• Step 7: Veterinary Care - If no improvement after 1-2 weeks, or if you see signs of illness, consult a reptile veterinarian immediately.