Q&A for How to Take Care of a Leopard Gecko That Won't Eat

I would first make sure that your enclosure is staying at the right temperature throughout the day, since a gecko that's too warm or too cold won't eat. Secondly, make sure there's nothing in your gecko's environment that's causing it stress. If your gecko's still not eating, take it to the vet for help.

If the skin is looking dull or white, it is probably shedding.

He might be stressed. Give him some time. If he doesn't eat after time, take him to the vet.

You should be concerned. The shed stuck on it's lips could actually be stuck inside it's mouth, as leopard geckos will try to eat their shed skin. Try to loosen up the shed on it's lips by rubbing a moist Q-tip on the affected area.

Geckos are picky eaters. Try something new like wax worms or small meal worms. Your tank may not be hot enough (90 F). Also, if he's not used to you yet, he may just not be comfortable eating in front of you.

The reason his tail is getting thin is because he is not eating. Leopard geckos store fat in their tails, and the only way they get fat is by eating. Take your gecko to a vet immediately, as this is a serious medical issue.

Yes. They eat the shed as they take it off.

Put him/her in the sink with warm water that goes up to its waist. Do this for about half an hour. After that, pull it out and massage its sides. Put it back in the terrarium and by morning it should be eating again.

There are several options to choose from when picking a substrate for your gecko. You could use paper towels to line the tank because it is cheap, sterile, easy to clean and you can keep track of the stool more easily. Much like paper towel, you can also use newspaper. Some people use Eco Earth which is also quite affordable, and looks more aesthetically pleasing as it resembles soil. Eco Earth is made from coconut fiber, which is relatively safe for the geckos to ingest as they will be able to digest small amounts. Some people use sand as substrate but this can result in impaction (constipation) if your gecko eats it.

You need to wait a day or two because being in a new place will stress them out, and they need to calm down.

You can try different types of food, like mealworms, silk worms, crickets, etc., but if this doesn't work, I recommend taking it to the vet.

You should take it to the vet and see what might be causing the blockage. If you use sand as a substrate, it may be impacted.

If he is your class pet, I would notify a teacher. She should take him to an exotic animal veterinarian if he still refuses to eat. Try hand feeding (but not force feeding) the gecko. If he refuses this, you should be concerned, as he may have serious medical problems.

Do not use sand, especially for young leopard geckos. They ingest the particles and become impacted. I use ceramic tiles from Lowe's/Home Depot, which mimics the natural habitat and is really easy to keep clean.

Not exactly, but their system does slow down a bit. Keep feeding and she will get around to it.

Make sure the temperature, humidity etc. is right. It is normal for a new leopard gecko not to eat, as it might be getting used to its new habitat. If it continues not to eat, then consult a vet.

He/she could be impacted, and you can put them in warm water. Massage its belly. It will make them poop, and they will probably eat.

They do have fat reserves in their tail.

No, it's really bad for them. Try mealworms instead. They are slower and easier to catch. Also, if you are worried about nutrition, add calcium powder and protein powder.

Try to give him some variety. If you are using only crickets, try mealworms or waxworms. Likewise, if you are using just worms, try some crickets. Since your gecko is still a baby, I would try rubbing the sides of his mouth. Make sure the temperature in the cage is at least 90 F, but not over 105 F.

No nectar is good, geckos can not eat plants. Your Leo should be eating crickets and mealworms. No, you can not give honey to your Leo.

No! Try some crickets or pill bugs from outside. And you should release that poor reptile immediately unless it is hurt.

if the food you gave it is gone, it has eaten.

Try having a heating pad and some type of shelter your gecko can feel safe in.

No. You should not feed your geckos anything but gecko food that is approved by veterinarians.

Take the underweight gecko to the vet. She doesn't sound like she's in good condition, and the vet will be able to guide you.

You can either pic them up and gently rub the sides of their mouth until they open then place food directly in their mouth or squish the bug a little bit and let them taste the juice.

He may be stressed. As long as he looks healthy, then he is probably just stressed. If the issue continues, take him to the vet.

Yes, their ears look like holes on the sides of their necks and they are very sensitive.

It depends how long she has not been eating for, and what you are feeding her. It's pretty common for your gecko not to eat around the time of shedding, but this should only last for a few days.