Leopard geckos are a common pet, and while they may seem like low-maintenance animals, they still require care. One thing that can be concerning for leopard gecko owners is when their lizard stops eating.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of leopard geckos not eating and offer tips on how to get your gecko to start eating again. If you’re noticing that your leopard gecko has stopped eating, there’s no need to get discouraged.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why and some ways of solving it so they can continue with their healthy lifestyle

Reasons Your Leopard Gecko is Not Eating

There are a few different reasons your leopard gecko may have stopped eating. It’s important to consider all of the potential causes so that you can take steps to correct the issue and get your lizard back on track.

1. Lack of Appetite:

One potential reason for your leopard gecko not eating is that they simply don’t have an appetite. This can be due to a variety of factors, including stress, changes in temperature, or illness.

If your gecko isn’t eating and you suspect that lack of appetite is the cause, try offering them food at different times of the day or offering different types of food to see if that sparks their interest. Consider offering smaller meals more frequently during the day as well.

2. Illness:

Something may be wrong with the animal’s digestive system. It could also mean they’re sick. One potential reason for this change in behavior is the illness.

If you notice any of the following signs on your gecko, then it’s important to take them in immediately: lethargy or weight loss. The vet might be able to exclude underlying health issues that could affect their overall well-being and quality of life. 

Geckos need to be on the right track for their healing process, which means taking care not only of themselves but also you. Make sure that when they’re recovering from an illness or injury your vet recommends a course of treatment like antibiotics so everything can go smoothly.

In the meantime, you can try offering them food that is high in protein and moisture, such as insects or cooked chicken, to help them stay healthy and hydrated.

3. stress:

If your leopard gecko has recently been through a stressful event, such as being moved to a new home or cage, it’s possible that this is the reason they have stopped eating.

Stress can cause a loss of appetite in leopard geckos, so if you think this might be the case, try to make their environment as calm and stress-free as possible.

This may include offering hiding places, keeping the cage clean, and avoiding handling them too much. Some common sources of stress include:

-An overcrowded or noisy enclosure

-An inadequate diet

-A lack of hiding places

-Poor lighting or temperature conditions

4. Changes in temperature:

Leopard geckos are small lizards that originate from the deserts of Asia and Africa. Leopard geckos are sensitive to changes in temperature, so if their cage is too cold or hot, it could be the reason they’re not eating. 

Make sure that their cage is set up in a place where the temperature stays consistent and that they have a hiding place where they can escape the heat or cold if needed.

It is important to provide them with a calm and quiet environment they can retreat into when needed, like your pet’s “safe space” at home.

If you think your leopard gecko isn’t eating because of a change in temperature, check its cage and make any necessary adjustments.

5. Wrong food:

When leopard geckos don’t eat, it’s often because they’re not getting the right nutrients from their food. This species of lizard eats small insects, as well as occasional plant material in the wild.

In captivity, however, many leopard geckos are only offered live insects, such as crickets or mealworms. A healthy diet for these lizards also includes vegetables and fruits. 

If you’re concerned that your leopard gecko isn’t getting enough to eat, make sure that you’re offering a variety of food items. By doing so, you can ensure that your lizard is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and active.

If your leopard gecko has stopped eating and you’re not sure why to consider all of the potential causes and take steps to correct the issue. With proper care, you can get your gecko eating again in no time!

6. Eating old skin:

Before they shed, their skin will turn grey or milky in hue. The dying skin is covered with a layer of milky white fluid that forms between the old and new selves.

They scratch, eat and rub off old skin during a shed. A leopard gecko will not eat during this period since it is devoting its energy to the regeneration of new skin cells. Some, on the other hand, will consume their old skin. 

They will not feed for a few days before and after they shed because they are devouring their old skin and using their energy for skin regeneration.

If you see your leopard gecko eating its skin, don’t be alarmed—it’s just part of the natural shedding process!

7. Wrong UVB lightning:

If you have a Leopard Gecko that isn’t eating, it could be due to the lighting in its enclosure and may be they aren’t getting enough UVB light, they can become sick and stop eating.

If you think this might be the problem, take a look at the lighting in your gecko’s enclosure and make sure that it has a UVB light source. By providing your gecko with the right lighting, you can help them stay healthy and encourage them to start eating again.

Make sure you have enough UVB lighting for 8-12 hours every day. Also, instead of a coil UVB bulb, use a bigger UVB bulb that needs to be replaced every six months.

Place the bulb where it will be evenly distributed around the enclosure and will not be obscured by a screen lid. Leopard geckos only require UVB bulbs that are 5-6 percent.

8. Cold Tank Floor Temperature:

There should be an average temperature of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit on the floor of the enclosure. This can be accomplished with a basking spot and under the tank heater.

If the floor temperature is too low, your gecko will not be able to properly digest its food. As a result, they may stop eating and become sick. To fix this problem, make sure that the floor of your gecko’s enclosure is warm enough.

You can accomplish this by using a basking spot and an Under Tank Heater (UTH). By providing your gecko with a warm environment, you can help them stay healthy and encourage them to start eating again.

9. Passing stool:

A common reason why leopard geckos stop eating is that they are passing stools. When a leopard gecko defecates, it expels not only feces but also a small amount of urine. 

If you see any signs of diarrhea or wet spots, this is likely the cause of your gecko’s lack of appetite. To fix this problem, make sure to clean your gecko’s enclosure regularly and provide them with a clean, dry environment. By doing so, you can help reduce the stress on your lizard and encourage them to start eating again.

10. Injury:

If your leopard gecko has been injured, it may stop eating as a result. This is because the injury can be very stressful for the lizard and can cause them to lose its appetite. If you think this might be the problem, take a look at your gecko and see if there are any signs of injury. 

when you see any cuts, bruises, or swelling, this is likely the cause of your gecko’s lack of appetite. If you notice any wounds on your gecko, be sure to take it immediately for treatment.

The vet will know what’s best in order to help them recover and get back up again. By doing so, you can encourage your gecko to start eating again.

11. Shedding:

When they are shedding, they may stop eating because they are devouring their old skin. If you see your leopard gecko eating its skin, don’t be alarmed—it’s just part of the natural shedding process! 

If you see any signs of shedding, this is likely the cause of your gecko’s lack of appetite. To fix this problem, make sure to provide your gecko with a humid environment so that shedding is easier for them. By doing so, you can help your lizard shed its skin properly and encourage it to start eating again.

How long can my leopard gecko go without eating?

A leopard gecko can go for several weeks without eating, but it is not advisable to do so. If you notice that your gecko has gone two weeks without eating, it’s important for them to see a vet as soon.

The doctor will be able to determine whether or not there is an underlying medical problem causing this lack-of appetite and can help get things back on track. By doing so, you can help ensure that your lizard stays healthy and encourage them to start eating again.

When should you see a vet?

Take your leopard gecko to the vet immediately if they stop eating for more than two weeks. The doctor will be able to identify any medical problems and determine what should happen next. By doing so, you can help ensure that your lizard stays healthy and encourage them to start eating again.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a leopard gecko can stop eating for a variety of reasons. causes of leopard gecko not eating include stress, illness, changes in environment or routine, and dietary issues. 

In many cases, getting your leopard gecko to start eating again is simply a matter of addressing the issue that’s causing them to stop eating in the first place.

For example, if your leopard is stressed out because of a new home or changes in its environment, providing them with a calm and relaxing space may help get them back on track with its feeding habits. 

If your leopard gecko has If you think your gecko isn’t eating because of one of the above reasons, make sure to take action accordingly.

By doing so, you can help your lizard get back on track and encourage it to start eating again. Thanks for reading!

FAQs

Why has my leopard gecko stopped eating?

Your leopard gecko might not be eating for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include stress, illness, changes in environment or routine, and dietary issues.

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the reason for symptoms, but if you’re unsure of what could have caused them look out for any clues. Once you’ve determined the cause, you can start taking steps to correct it. 

How can I help my leopard gecko if it won’t eat?

The first thing to do if you think your leopard gecko isn’t eating is to try and determine the cause. Once we’ve figured out what might be wrong with them, then I can take steps toward fixing it.

In many cases, getting your leopard gecko to start eating again is simply a matter of addressing the issue that’s causing them to stop eating in the first place. 

How can I encourage my leopard gecko to eat?

First, make sure that their enclosure is clean and comfortable. Secondly, offer them a variety of foods to suit their tastes. Finally, make sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule so that your lizard knows when it’s time to eat.

Is a leopard gecko capable of starvation?

Healthy animals will not go hungry for long periods of time. If you notice your leopard gecko has gone two weeks without eating, take them to the vet immediately.

When the vet assesses your gecko, they will be able to determine if there is a medical reason why he’s not eating. 

How long can a leopard gecko go without food?

Although it is not ideal for your leopard gecko to go several weeks without food if you notice that they are eating less than usual and have stopped taking liquid shelters or mineral dust supplements then this could be an emergency situation.

It’s important to take them straight away so the vet can figure out what caused any issues with their diet as soon as possible.

Do you force-feed leopard geckos?

When you notice that your leopard gecko is not eating, it’s a good idea to force-feed them. Fill the syringe with a small amount of food, such as mealworms or crickets, and gently insert it into your gecko’s mouth. Gently push the plunger on the syringe until your gecko has eaten the desired amount of food. 

What are the signs that my gecko is dying?

If your leopard gecko has stopped eating and is losing weight, it may be dying. Other signs that your gecko is dying include lethargy, weakness, and an unwillingness to move.

Do leopard geckos get sick easily?

Leopard geckos are relatively hardy animals, but they can still get sick. Some common illnesses that affect leopard geckos include respiratory infections, digestive problems, and eye infections.

If you notice any changes in the behavior or health of your gecko, it is important to take them straight away so they can get treated quickly.

How do you tell if a gecko is stressed?

Some common signs of stress in leopard geckos include loss of appetite, lethargy, and changes in behavior. You should take steps to reduce stress if you suspect your lizard is stressed.

This can be done by providing them with a clean and comfortable enclosure, sticking to a regular feeding schedule, and avoiding handling them too much.