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Why is my crested gecko lethargic, not eating, and not climbing?

Updated on September 23, 2025

I have a crested gecko and he has been very lethargic lately. He's not eating, not climbing, and spending most of his time on the ground.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 31, 2017

Anytime a reptile becomes excessively lethargic, you must check the ambient and basking temperatures. Low temps can dramatically affect activity and appetite. Set daytime temps between 78 F and 82 F . Night temps can drop into the low 70s F. A small basking area set at around 80 F should be provided. They are nocturnal, so don't expect a lot of daytime activity. Offer a variety of appropriately sized prey (crickets, dubia roaches, etc.) as well as a commercial gecko diet. You may need to hold prey in front of him or tap his nose to elicit a strike. Do not attempt to force feed him. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Gently stroking his abdomen during the soak may produce a bowel movement if he hasn't been defecating. The soak will treat or prevent mild dehydration.
If he continues to exhibit this behavior or does not start eating, have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on November 28, 2017
Check the enclosure temperatures first. If it is too cold, Coco will not eat. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles.
After proper temps are confirmed, check in and around the mouth. Look for redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. If you see anything suspicious, have Coco physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.
Offer smaller than usual prey or something different to stimulate the appetite. Mealworms, dubia roaches or waxworms are fine to feed. Be sure to gut load them for 24 hours prior to offering. A commercial gecko diet should also be made available. You can find one in the reptile section of any pet store.
If constipation is a concern, a good soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte while gently massaging the abdomen (front to back) may stimulate defecation.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 4, 2018
Low temps can result in a crestie going into partial brumation. A stool sample should be examined to rule out intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Bump ambient temps up by about 5F and see if that increases activity. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide warmth and hydration. Feed prey that are smaller than what you would normally feed just to get him eating more. Gut load prey for 24 hours to maximize nutritional value.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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