Gravid leopard gecko not eating: Is it normal during breeding season?

February to August is prime mating season for leopard geckos. A gravid (pregnant) female may become lethargic and spend more time on the warm side of the enclosure. Her midsection may begin to swell. Eggs are laid 2-5 weeks after mating. A female does not need a male to lay eggs, she will lay infertile eggs. Eggs should be visible through the thin skin. You can readily see them between her midsection and hind legs as she nears the time to lay. Neither female appears to be gravid but it may be too early to tell. It isn't mating season either but they can retain sperm for months after mating.

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Also, be sure you are feeding appropriately sized prey. Typically, you want them no bigger than the space between the eyes. For a younger gecko of Ben's size, you may need to find 2-3 week old crickets.

The black dot could be the kidney or liver visible through the skin. This is normal and no cause for concern. Eggs in a gravid female are easily seen through the skin as well. The female may become lethargic, hide more and eat less. Provide a lay box for her to deposit her eggs. A plastic container filled with moist peat moss or vermiculite should be placed in the cage.

Offer appropriately sized prey, no bigger than the space between the eyes. Confirm proper temperature as well. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. Be sure to dust prey at every feeding with a multivitamin and calcium supplements. Gutloading prey for 24 hours will also maximize nutritional value. Do not be concerned if she refuses food for one day.

Warm him up. Check your tank temps (ambient and basking). Low temps will affect activity and appetite. Use a timer to set a 12 hour light cycle. An infrared heat bulb can be used at night if room temp goes below 70F. See an experienced herp vet for an exam to diagnose illness or injury if symptoms persist. Follow the link for a comprehensive care sheet. http://geckoforums.net/f115-leopard-gecko-caresheets/54138.htm

The tank may be too cold. If so, Rita will stay on the mat. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Maintain a basking spot temperature in the 90s F. This will produce a gradient of the mid 70s to 80s in the rest of the cage. You can soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm her up and treat or prevent mild dehydration. Feed appropriately sized prey. Crickets or dubia roaches are recommended over mealworms for juvenile geckos. They should be no bigger than the space between her eyes. Gut load them for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value.

Give him a good soak (20-30 minutes) in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide hydration and warm him up which may stimulate his appetite. An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet is always recommended for "new" pets or pets that may be ill or injured. Offer food about an hour or 2 after the heat lamp comes on in the morning. This will allow him to warm up and he will be more likely to eat what is offered. Use a variety of prey if possible. This can include crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worms and the occasional superworm. Superworms are good to feed if you have a skinny gecko that needs to put on weight. Review additional care info here: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html