Picky eaters and refusal, crested gecko care
Appetite refusal is the single most common stressor for new keepers. In most cases, the cause is environmental (new home, wrong temperature, dehydration) rather than the food itself. Work the checklist before you assume a health issue.
Level: advanced. Part of: Diet & Feeding.
- Give a new arrival 7 to 10 days of no handling before evaluating appetite. It is normal to refuse CGD in the first week.
- Verify temperature is not above 80°F and not below 68°F. Misting schedule is regular.
- Rotate CGD flavor. A gecko refusing "watermelon mix" may eat "banana cream" from the same brand.
- Try insects. Even a non-insect eater will sometimes take a BSFL or hornworm when refusing CGD.
- Weigh weekly. A non-eater that holds weight is fine; one that drops more than 5% needs vet eyes.
- After 2 to 3 weeks of refusal + weight loss, schedule a reptile vet. Fecal float rules out parasites. Dehydration can be addressed with a diluted Pedialyte soak.
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