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Why won't my rescued leopard gecko eat after a diet change?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I rescued a 3year old leopard gecko I brought him home about 2weeks ago he is very tame after about 4days I started to offer him food the people I rescued him from feed him super worms I slowly try to change him to crickets since I know super worms don’t have that much nutrition value i gut loded the crickets and dust them whit calcium he didn’t show no interest in them then I try to feed him back to super worms to see if he would eat he hasn’t been eating it been about 2weeks and 3 days?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 23rd, 2018

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
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    Thanks for reaching out about Natsu. Anorexia should be investigated. Intestinal parasites or infections are common causes for anorexia, especially with new acquisitions of pets. Check environmental temperatures. A warm water soak for 5-10 minutes might stimulate defecation.
    An appointment with a reptile veterinarian should be able to provide you with the proper diagnostics and treatments.
    Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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