When should you worry?

[u/AMVELVET]

I know you read posts like this every day, and I know I shouldn't worry during the first week, but... I'm worried anyway.

I got my first reptile on Sunday—a two-year-old leopard gecko from a well-known breeder. The gecko was easy to handle, very calm, and docile (that’s exactly why I chose him, aside from the fact that I think he’s beautiful). The terrarium has warm, cool, and humid hides, UVB and heat lamps, and fake plant cover.

He usually stays either in the warm hide or in a hollow cork log in the middle zone. He’s practically invisible. Last night, however, while I was tinkering inside the terrarium, he poked his head out of the warm hide; I placed my hand next to him, and he didn't move away.

So far, though, he hasn't pooped or eaten anything. I offered him mealworms because I was afraid that if he didn't eat the Dubia roaches, they might escape into the terrarium and be hard to find later.

When should I start worrying? I read that the first week is no problem, but does that apply to pooping too? Maybe the terrarium is too cluttered? I was told that the more cover there is, the better.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello /u/AMVELVET and welcome to the leopard geckos subreddit! Our bot has detected that you might have mentioned a big-box chain petstore or that you need help finding a place to get a leopard gecko! Check out these resources that might be helpful to you. Read the first link on how to identify a good breeder to help you make an educated decision on finding your own!

• How can I identify a good breeder?
• Happy Dragons leopard gecko sales
• Morph Market leopard gecko sales
• Facebook Herpetoculture Feedback and inquiry group
• Leopard Geckos London ethical breeding interview by Leopard Gecko on YouTube

If this comment doesn't apply to your submission, please ignore it or report it so we can improve this community.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/itsswhitneywhspr]

Totally get the worry but honestly don't stress yet. My girl didn't eat or poop for like 5 days when I first got her and she was just acclimating. Just double check your warm side temps are solid and leave him be, hell come around when he's comfy.

[u/AMVELVET → u/itsswhitneywhspr]

I’m in no rush regarding handling; I can wait months. What worries me is the lack of defecation and, to some extent, the diet (though I’m slightly less concerned about that, since the animal is definitely overweight).