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Why is my new baby leopard gecko not eating, skinny, sleeping? Sick?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My pet leopard gecko isn’t eating. Whenever I put a mealworm in front of him he licks it and walks away. His tail is also skinny, he is a baby gecko by the way. He’s been sleeping a lot, I got him yesterday. Is he sick?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 21st, 2019

He could be stressed with the change in environment. Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. Offer appropriately sized prey, no bigger than the space between the eyes. For a juvenile gecko, this can be quite small. You can offer mealworms, just use freshly molted ones. They are softer and more easily digested. Crickets, dubia roaches and phoenix worms can also be offered. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Review gecko care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 1st, 2017

    Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Provide appropriately sized prey. A juvenile will need very small crickets, 1/2 inch or smaller depending on Qwert's age. Use the space between his eyes as a gauge. Crickets or prey should be no bigger than this space. Check enclosure temperatures as well. Juveniles require warmer temps than adults. Low temps can affect appetite and activity. If he won't eat crickets, try different foods such as dubia roaches or a commercial gecko diet. Follow the link below for more information. You can also request a change consultation to discuss care and set up in greater detail. http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

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