I never give my Leopard Geckos waxworms because I think they are an inferior food and too fatty.
Black crickets are the staple diet with the occasional superworm.
I do not agree that a fat leo is healthy, all my Leopard Geckos have plump tails but are not fat.
Have you tried black crickets, New Gecko Guy?

Why not try putting a couple in the tank and leave them in there -the gecko should eat them overnight. Also, how are you trying him with food? If you are trying to hand-feed or offer with tweezers the gecko may not be used to this and will see your hand as a threat rather than something offering treats. Also, as you are feeding him I guess you have the room lights on? - leave him overnight with the food, when it is dark and quiet and natural for him to come out and feed.

I would also recommend not handling him for a few days or a couple of weeks - we let our new animals settle in and start feeding regularly before handling, as the move alone can upset them, and handling can just make the settling in period longer. Let him get into a good feeding routine, and then start handling him. I'm also with Rich - if he has good weight on him then you don't need to worry too much at this moment. Good luck.

__________________
"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Excellent advice there.

Hello,


I am glad you feel that way. So far in this thread, there is no mention of a fat leo representing a healthy leo. Since you were trying to use my post as the reasoning for that comment, allow me this chance to repost it with an explanation now.

If you read that the way it was intended to be read, you would note that I said that Rons Leopard Geckos are healthy, but they were fat. I didn't say that the plumpness was a "sign" of health.

The misconception with wax worms is that people believe they are overtly high in fat content. That isn't the case. In comparison to other feeder insects, their fat content is more obvious.

The problem with waxies isn't that they are high in fat, it is that they lack a quality makeup of nutrients. Since they lack in some other nutrients, feeding them exclusively isn't a good idea.

I personally use them in my rotation. The leopard geckos like them, they add diversity, and they help to make up the "entire" diet.

Have a look at the caresheet on HC. It can be loacted here:

http://www.herpcenter.com/showthread...3049#post23049

You are right, Rachels advice to give the leo some time to adjust is accurate. Thats why my first post in this thread said this:

Hope this helps clarify some things.

__________________

I do read that as saying that a leo can be extremely healthy and fat at the same time and I am afraid that I do not agree with the statement,Rich.
When a reptile is fat, it is due to fat being laid down in it's body including in it's vital organs, particularly the liver. The efficiency of the vital organs is reduced and the life of the leo shortened.
In the wild this can happen in times when food is plentiful, but the time will come when food is scarce and it can draw on the fat reserves in all parts of the body, so the fatness is not permanent.
In captivity, fat reptiles usually stay fat when they are fed all the food that they can eat, and in my opinion, are unhealthy.

NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF INSECTS:
CRICKETS:
Moisture: 69.07%
Fat: 6.01%
Protein: 21.32%
Fiber: 3.2%


MEALWORMS:
Moisture: 62.44%
Fat: 12.72%
Protein: 20.27%
Fiber: 1.73%


WAXWORMS:
Moisture: 61.73%
Fat: 22.19%
Protein: 15.70%
Fiber: 7.69%


SUPERWORMS:
Moisture: 59.37%
Fat: 17.89%
Protein: 17.41%
Fiber: 6.80%

Note the high fat content of waxworms. Three and a half times that of crickets.

I have to agree with Rich and the others when feeding waxworms. Definitely not used for a staple, but should be included in their diet as a treat now and then. They are also recommended for a sick and recovering Leo to help get there weight up. I also like to give them after my female has laid eggs so that she can get her weight back up to prepare for her next clutch.
I also agree that a fat Leo is healthy. By fat I mean that they have a plump tail and a solid body. An "obese" Leo is not healthy, meaning that they are so fat that they can barely move because of fat deposit under there arms and they are not very active.