Leopard gecko not feeding

[chuftonic]

Hello, I have recently recieved a leopard gecko which came with a 60x45x45 Exoterra viv. I am wondering if this is too big as I am having trouble raising the heat above 25-7 degrees c, and according to the guy who sold it to us, this is the reason why it has stopped feeding.

The wattage of the lamp is 40 watt and will be replacing it with a 60 watt bulb today, but because of the design of the viv I am unable to put the lamp inside and it is currently sat ontop of the wire mesh covering.

Any help would greatly appreciated as I have already lost 1 Gecko - which the shop replaced, and I don't want to lose another.

[andy007]

Hi
In a viv that tall you would be better off with a heat mat TBH. A mat covering approx 1/3 of the floor wired to a thermostat. My leos will laze around in the hot end especially after feeding as the heat on the stomach helps digestion You need the temp in the hot end above the heat mat at approx 85-89 (29-32), cooling off to pprox 73 in the other end.

[chuftonic]

Originally Posted by chuftonic

Hello, I have recently recieved a leopard gecko which came with a 60x45x45 Exoterra viv. I am wondering if this is too big as I am having trouble raising the heat above 25-7 degrees c, and according to the guy who sold it to us, this is the reason why it has stopped feeding.

The wattage of the lamp is 40 watt and will be replacing it with a 60 watt bulb today, but because of the design of the viv I am unable to put the lamp inside and it is currently sat ontop of the wire mesh covering.

Any help would greatly appreciated as I have already lost 1 Gecko - which the shop replaced, and I don't want to lose another.

Hi thanks for you reply, I do have a heat mat at one end which covers approx 1/3, but I am thinking that my wife - who bought it for as a present - was sold a viv which is too tall, making it difficult to heat. Do you think that could be the case?

[andy007]

Hi
As Leos are terrestrial the temperature should be measured directly on the substrate above the heatmat.
With an exo viv the mesh at the top will be letting heat out, so propably best to cover the mesh up. I have used perspex to do this on some exo's we have.

What substrate do you have, and is the heatmat inside or outside the viv?

[chuftonic]

I have not measured the temp of the map will do know. Could it be the size of the crickets - I think they may be too big.

[andy007]

Originally Posted by chuftonic

I have not measured the temp of the map will do know. Could it be the size of the crickets - I think they may be too big.

Its the temp directly above the heatmat that is important i.e. right on the substrate above the mat. Until you know that temp, everything else is guess work?

[chuftonic]

Originally Posted by andy007

Its the temp directly above the heatmat that is important i.e. right on the substrate above the mat. Until you know that temp, everything else is guess work?

I have measured the temp and it's about 30. the mat is outside underneath the viv, as told by the shop, can you put it inside with substrate on top? You will have to excuse my ignorance as this is my first gecko.

[andy007]

Hi
If the temp right above the mat is 30, then thats not bad. Can go to 32, but 30 shouldn't be causing a problem. I would cover the mesh at the top of the exo to retain ambient heat.

You say you recently got him. How long have you had him? It can take them a week or so to settle in and feel comfortable.

What are you feeding, or trying to feed, him? Try a variety of foods, mealworms, crickets, locusts or a "few" wax worms.

[Trottastic]

My gecko did the same after we had him for a few months, he was on crickets and then just started ignoring them, changed him to locusts and he started eating again, was told he just 'went off' crickets

[chuftonic]

Originally Posted by Trottastic

My gecko did the same after we had him for a few months, he was on crickets and then just started ignoring them, changed him to locusts and he started eating again, was told he just 'went off' crickets

Thanks for your replys. I have had him about 2 weeks, stopped feeding 1 week ago, I am going to try mealworms, and have moved the mat inside the viv as in some places it was about 26, not sure if this is advisable but it seems to have worked. how long can they go without food?