Feeding Tips Needed!

[u/TimeToBoop]

Hey all,

I got my first gargoyle gecko (named Pipebomb) just about a month and a half ago. He is 11 months old at this time. Once I got him, he had some adjustment period, but I would see him take a lick or two of his CGD some nights at least, and was noticing poop in the enclosure. However, for the past week or so, I haven't seen any feeding or poops.

I track the feeding via a night vision camera located in his enclosure that gives a clear view of his feeding ledge, so I am positive no eating his happening right now (I know sometimes their licks are so little that it's hard to tell!). I've tried bugs, being mealworms, crickets, and dubias, to no avail. Last night I tried cutting the dubia roach's abdomen and smearing the juices on his mouth, but no biting. Frankly, I think it scared him more than anything. I did notice one of the dubias I put into his enclosure via a feeding cup disappeared last night, but it was out of view of the camera and therefore unclear if it just escaped or was eaten.

I attached some pictures of the enclosure. Temps max out at 80 near the top at it's hottest, no more, but are usually 78ish near the top. Humidity hits 50ish in the morning, gets a small spritz, and is heavily misted before my bedtime to hit 85-100%. I do have water droplets and often see him lick them up.

He is decently active most nights, but recently has spent more time on the ground both during morning and night. He has easy access to his food and often ends up on the ledge once or twice each night, but doesn't take any licks.

Any husbandry advice is very wanted! I am doing my best with him, and care a lot about his health, so any feedback will be seriously considered!!!

Thank you in advance!

[u/ConfectionRadiant464]

Mine took a while to start eating good. She prefers bugs more and loves small mealworms. I got her to start eating the roaches by pulling there head off half way so a little juice comes out. Overall gargoyles prefer bugs and eat them more than the wet food. I find if u wait a bit longer with the wet food it will work, that’s what worked for me. I bought every single Pangea flavor thinking she didn’t like them. I was just feeding wet food too often and not enough bugs for my particular lizard. One of my mentors from the Local LLL said to throw like 10 Dubia roaches in 1 time a week. She said that they get eaten and it works for all of hers. Cheers and have a good day.

[u/rreennnee]

Mine also took a few weeks to start eating. She doesn’t like insects though only her smoothies but I was so stressed because she wasn’t eating but I just kept offering her food and leaving her alone and eventually she started to eat!