Have you noticed your leopard gecko turning away from their favorite meal? It can be concerning when your scaly friend stops eating, but don’t worry!

This guide will help you understand the possible reasons behind their lack of appetite and offer practical solutions to get them back on track. Whether it’s a simple fix or something that requires a bit more attention, we’ve got you covered.

Common Causes of Appetite Loss in Leopard Geckos

1. Stress and Environmental Changes
Leopard geckos are sensitive to their surroundings. A new environment, handling, or even a change in their enclosure can lead to stress, resulting in appetite loss.

Solution:

• Ensure your gecko’s habitat is stable, with consistent temperatures and humidity.
• Use the Geckopia Premium Reptile Liner to create a comfortable, easy-to-maintain environment.
• Limit handling until they’re acclimated.

2. Incorrect Temperature and Humidity
Temperature plays a crucial role in your gecko's digestion. If their habitat is too cold, they might not feel like eating.

Solution:

• Maintain a warm basking spot around 88-92°F and a cool side around 80°F.
• Use a Geckopia Flex Bridge to create the perfect basking area and provide a cozy hiding spot.

3. Shedding
During shedding, geckos often lose their appetite. This is normal, but you should monitor them to ensure they resume eating post-shed.

Solution:

• Provide a moist hide to aid in the shedding process.
• Offer hydration using the Geckopia Triple Dish, which includes compartments for food, water, and a calcium dish.

4. Illness or Parasites
A sudden loss of appetite might be a sign of illness or internal parasites.

Solution:

• Consult a reptile veterinarian if you notice other symptoms like lethargy or weight loss.
• Keep your gecko's enclosure clean to prevent illness.

Dietary Issues

1. Inappropriate Food Size
Feeding prey that's too large can discourage your gecko from eating.

Solution:

• Offer food that is no larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes.
• Offer a variety of appropriately sized feeders.

2. Boredom with Diet
Leopard geckos can get bored with a monotonous diet of the same insects.

Solution:

• Rotate between different feeder insects like mealworms, crickets, and dubia roaches.
• Check out our blog on Healthy Treats for Your Gecko for more ideas.

Behavioral and Seasonal Factors

1. Brumation
During colder months, some leopard geckos enter a state of brumation, similar to hibernation, where they eat less.

Solution:

• This is a natural process. Ensure they have access to water and monitor their health.

2. Breeding Season
Males and females may eat less during the breeding season due to hormonal changes.

Solution:

• This usually resolves on its own after the season. Maintain their environment and continue offering food.

Encouraging Your Gecko to Eat

1. Hand-Feeding
Sometimes offering food directly can entice your gecko to eat.

Solution:

• Use tweezers to offer live insects. This can stimulate their hunting instinct.

2. Treats and Supplements
Adding occasional treats, cycling feeders, or dusting insects with supplements can make meals more appealing.

Solution:

• Use a reputable calcium powder and offer treats like waxworms sparingly.
• The Geckopia Triple Dish makes it easy to offer supplements alongside regular food.

Let’s Hear from You!

Have you dealt with a gecko that wouldn’t eat? What solutions worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!