My pet reptile or amphibian won't eat its worms. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about Perceval and including a photo. First, check heat and other husbandry parameters, and fix any concerns. If too cold, there appetite center is depressed. Reptiles will often not eat because of other illnesses such as intestinal parasites or infections, kidney disease, dental disease, etc. A veterinary visit is recommended to help. On the photo, Perceval appears thin. Offering a Gerber's baby food (chicken, beef etc) might provide some nutrition until the primary cause is determined. Good luck.

Releasing it would not be recommended and in some locations, may be illegal. You can continue to feed nightcrawlers in addition to commercial frog pellets, brine shrimp, blood worms and small insect prey (nothing wild caught). Frogs are very sensitive to water quality and environmental parameters. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in amphibians and reptiles as can poor water quality. If you can provide the species of frog or an image, we can provide more comprehensive advice.

It may take a few days for Mocha to acclimate to the new surroundings. continue to offer wiggly prey and maintain the proper temperature and humidity. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles and amphibians.

Clean and sanitize the tank. Replace ALL the substrate with fresh organic topsoil or coco fiber. Do not use vermiculite or perlite. Avoid gravel, sand or wood chips. Ideal temperature ranges between 68F and 78F with the cooler end reserved for nighttime. Mist the cage several times weekly to maintain humidity. Provide a water bowl and clean it daily. Soak him in a tepid (75F) 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide warmth and hydration. A cold frog will not eat. Afterwards, offer live food. Something with a lot of movement like nightcrawlers or mealworms. If he still doesn't eat, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles and amphibians.

Have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Confirm proper environmental parameters. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. Be sure to feed appropriately sized prey, nothing bigger than the space between her eyes.

Check the temperature in his enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. If he isn't eating or not exposed to high quality UVB lighting, he can become calcium deficient which could account for the tremors. If he is less than 30 inches long, confirm a basking temp of around 115 F. If he is bigger, bump basking temp to between 125 F and 135 F. Multiple lower wattage lights over a larger area are recommended over one high intensity light source. Try to get him to eat and offer a calcium supplement. If you can get a liquid supplement, that would be best right now. Zoo Med and Fluker's offer such a supplement.Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration. if he doesn't eat or if the tremors worsen, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles as soon as possible.

Often when a reptile doesn’t want to eat, it is a sign that they don’t feel well. The most common reason behind them not feeling well is imperfections in their husbandry and diet. I would recommend consulting an online care sheet to ensure that your husbandry is as perfect as possible. Common areas of imperfection include temperature, lighting, and humidity. I would also recommend having Ash seen by a veterinarian, as they can help to counsel you about Ash’s husbandry as well. In addition to a thorough physical examination, they may recommend diagnostic testing including radiographs (x-rays) and blood work to evaluate systemic health. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!