If your healthy adult female leopard gecko has suddenly lost her appetite, there is a good chance she has entered her ovulation cycle. This can be concerning for new reptile parents, but in most cases, it is completely normal and temporary.

The Natural Appetite Drop During Ovulation

During the cooler fall and winter months, hormonal changes in female leopard geckos often trigger ovulation. When this happens, it is common for her appetite to decrease or stop entirely for several weeks. You may even notice small, pink, oval-shaped spots visible through her belly skin. These are developing follicles, a sign that her body is preparing to produce eggs.

Even if she has not been bred, her body may still form infertile eggs. This phase requires no intervention other than proper nutrition, hydration, and calcium support.

Supporting Your Gecko During Reduced Appetite

When your gecko is eating less, quality becomes more important than quantity. Every bite needs to deliver as much nutrition as possible to support her energy and health.

Choose Nutrient-Dense Feeders:
Dubia roaches are one of the best options during this period. They provide a balanced nutritional profile rich in protein, making them an ideal feeder for geckos with low appetite. To maximize nutritional value, always use gut-loaded insects from trusted sources such as Geckopia, where feeders are bred specifically for reptile health.

Even if she only eats a few insects, those meals will still offer meaningful nourishment when the feeders are of high quality.

Essential Tools for Monitoring Health and Nutrition

During ovulation, your gecko’s calcium levels and hydration are more important than ever. Low calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD), so maintaining consistent access to supplements is vital.

Hydration: Always provide clean, fresh water. Replace it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Calcium: Offer pure calcium powder without vitamin D3 at all times. This supports bone strength and reproductive health as follicles develop.

Organization: To keep everything accessible and tidy, use a multi-purpose feeding accessory like the Geckopia Triple Dish. Its separate compartments allow you to provide water, calcium, and food in one organized setup. This ensures your gecko can easily reach everything she needs, even when she is less active or eating minimally.

What to Expect Next

Patience is key during ovulation. Continue maintaining an optimal temperature gradient, monitor her weight, and offer food consistently. Her appetite will return to normal once the ovulation cycle ends.

Remember, ovulation is a natural and healthy part of your gecko’s life cycle. With attentive care and proper nutrition, she will stay strong, healthy, and ready to bounce back once her hormones settle.