Leopard geckos are the perfect pets for anyone who loves reptiles but doesn’t have the time to commit to a large and needy animal pet. They’re small, docile, and come in various colors and patterns.
But like all animals, leopard geckos can sometimes suffer various health complications. One common ailment is weight loss. If you’ve noticed that your gecko has been losing weight, don’t panic. There are many reasons why this might be happening. The most common causes of weight loss include health complications, stress, egg binding in females, poor diet, and parasites.
This article will expound on the most common causes of weight loss in leopard geckos and how you can help your gecko get back to its healthy self.
Symptoms of a Leopard Gecko That Is Underweight
First and foremost, you should look for signs that your leopard gecko is underweight. This can include:
- Significant decrease in body mass
- Noticeable ribs or backbone
- Visible loss of muscle mass
- Thin stick tail
If you do notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to take action right away. An underweight leopard gecko can be in serious danger, and getting it back to a healthy weight as quickly as possible is essential.
5 Causes Behind Weight Loss in Leopard Geckos
Unbalanced Diet
If your leopard gecko isn’t eating enough, it will definitely lose weight. So, be sure to give your gecko various food items, including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and dubia roaches.
Parasites
If your leopard gecko has parasites, it will lose weight and may also have other symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Parasites are notoriously known for consuming food in the Leo’s stomach, depriving the gecko’s tissues of the much-deserved nutrients.
Health Complications
Some health problems that can lead to weight loss include metabolic bone disease, liver disease, and infections. Metabolic bone disease, caused by calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or kidney failure, may also lead to your leo being underweight.
Egg Binding
This condition is where female geckos do not lay their eggs due to stress or an obstruction. Egg retention can cause illness, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Consequently, it can make leos lose weight.
Stress and Anxiety
Leos can become stressed due to sudden environmental changes, poor tank setup, or incompatible tank mates.
How to Identify Whether Your Leopard Gecko Is Underweight?
Leopard geckos can become underweight for various reasons, so it’s essential to identify whether your gecko is at a healthy weight. Usually, you can only know whether your leopard gecko is underweight by comparing its size to the growth cart. Typically, leos weight will be different at different growth stages:
- Leopard gecko hatchlings weigh between 3 and 4.5 grams. The average weight of a one-month-old leopard gecko is 15–20 grams.
- Between ages 4 and 6, a leopard gecko’s weight can fluctuate widely, from 25 to 60 grams.
- Adult leopard geckos typically weigh between 40 and 80 grams, with the occasional larger or monster specimen weighing between 90 to 110 grams.
An adult leopard gecko weighing less than 40 grams is considered underweight. Additionally, baby geckos weighing less than 10 grams in the first few months will be considered underweight. Also, juveniles above four months should weigh above 25 grams.
Tips to Help Fatten Up a Skinny Leopard Gecko:
Now that you understand why your leopard gecko might be underweight, it’s time to talk about how you can help him gain some weight.
The first thing you should do is monitor how much food your gecko is eating each day. If he’s not eating enough, it may be because his food bowl is too far away, or maybe he’s just a picky eater.
Next, experiment with different kinds of food to see what he likes best. It is possible to increase the nutritional value of the food you give your gecko by “gut loading” the insects.
Geckos can be supplemented with gel products or pastes. Still, the best way to ensure healthy eating habits is to provide various dietary-safe insects at regular intervals.
Also, you need to ensure the enclosure’s settings are correct. Additionally, ensure the leopard gecko’s enclosure has the right temperature, humidity, and no harmful elements.
There should be lots of places to hide and climb for your pet, and everything that could cause stress should be eliminated.
What Should My Leopard Gecko’s Weight Be?
Now that you know what could be causing your leopard gecko to lose weight, it’s worth considering what a healthy weight looks like. If your leopard gecko weighs less than the average size for its age, it may be underweight.
Adult leopard geckos should weigh between 45 and 110 grams, depending on their size and breed. To ensure your pet is a healthy weight, you’ll want to weigh them regularly. That way, if they start losing too much weight or if there’s an increase in appetite, you’ll be able to act quickly and make changes.
Determining if your leopard gecko is underweight can take some trial and error!
FAQs on Underweight Leopard Geckos
If you’re concerned about your underweight leopard gecko, here are questions and answers to help you find out more.
How Will I Tell If My Leopard Gecko Is Underweight?
The average leopard gecko weighs between 40 and 80 grams, so if your gecko is below this weight range, then it’s likely underweight. You can also compare your leopard gecko with others at the pet store to gauge how it’s doing.
What Are Some Causes of Weight Loss in Leopard Geckos?
Weight loss in leopard geckos is usually due to inadequate diet, parasites, stress, and illness. You must consult a veterinarian if you notice unusual and unwarranted changes in your gecko’s behavior or health.
How Can I Fatten Up My Leopard Gecko?
The best way to fatten your leopard gecko is to feed it a healthy diet filled with insects such as crickets and mealworms. Also, ensure you’re providing a warm environment and that your pet isn’t stressed or ill.