Hatchling Leopard Gecko not eating

[PaulBar]

I have raised many Leopard Gecko hatchlings but currently have run across one that won't eat.

Usually the hatchlings eventually start eating the small crickets that you provide, but this one won't. It is also losing weight and has very thin arms and legs, and thin tail, and I am afraid its going to die. Despite my best efforts to date it will not eat. (four-five days since hatch)

Is this just a case of "it wasn't meant to be" or the Gecko is defective, or is there something I can do? My heat and set up are fine, so don't go there, but any other advice would be helpful.

Paul

[Neo]

hatchlings usually wont eat till they've had their first shed in about a week.

[Bighead]

I would consider hand feeding insectivore diet. It's not fun, but it can stimulate them to start eating and save them if it has really been too long. My chameleon suddenly stopped eating one day and after hand feeding for about a week he started on his own again and was fine until I gave him to a breeder about a month ago. Hope everything goes ok. Keep us in touch.

[Wilma]

I agree with bighead, usually after a week of the liquid insectorzorus diet (you can find it at petsmart or make Bug juice)I find baby lizard start eating on their own.
Good luck!

[drewlowe]

Hatchlings normal don't eat until after thier first shed 5-7 days after hatching. Wait till after the first shed then see if he/she will eat.

[varanuskomodoen]

Make sure the leo can see it's food (good contrast) and make sure the food is lively. Go to a vet after 1 1/2 weeks of not eating.

[PaulBar]

Thanks for everyones replies. I know about the not eating before shedding, but this is different. This Gecko has 1/10th the eating propensity that the other baby Gecko's I raised had.

It just doesn't get it. To update you all I think it did eat a couple of small crickets or waxworms, and I have seen some feces, but I have never been able to see it actually eat. When I try to hand feed it like I did for the other babies I raised, it won't bite.

Anyway hopefully with time, it will eat better.

It just goes to show not all Geckos are born equally.

Regards,

Paul

[Painted Desert]

I have indeed heard of that in a hatchling.. and it did ultimately pass away. :( If you have bred leo's before, you obviously know they don't eat until after first shed. The sign of feces was good. Likely she ate her shed. I trust she is in a shoebox on papertowel... get out those 1/4" crix and literally stand there placing one cricket into the enclosure. Propell said cricket towards her numerous times until she gets interested. Attempt to feed at least twice daily, early morning and evening. Turn down the lights. Good luck.

[Ixidor]

I'd separate him/her and give it food see if its gone later

[PaulBar]

Shes eating now. Thanks all.