I got all these lovely worms for my adult Leopard Geckos to try: silkworms, butterworms and phoenix worms. They each ate one silkworm and won't touch them again. One of the girls pigged out on butters one night (she ate 6), but hasn't wanted to have any since. One leo ate a single Phoenix worm -- no interest now. Neither leo wants any mealworms now. I have repeatedly offered one or more different types of worms in addition to crickets per feeding (every other night), and even went 3 days with only offering silkies and withholding the crickets (which they seem to really enjoy, though they don't eat tons -- maybe 4 crickets each per feeding, max). But all they will touch are the crickets. Their weight is steady, and climbing slowly (they are both at 56 grams this week, both up a few grams from the weights they were at when I adopted them). I think part of what's happened is that the Leopard Geckos now really like to hunt the crickets, and get very excited by the process (which is great fun to watch). They pay no attention whatsoever to their food dish, and generally look at worms that are placed in front of their noses, maybe even lick them, but then turn away.

If it's crickets they want, I have no problem feeding just crickets, but I'm wondering if I should really work at it to try to get them to eat more variety. The worms (other than the mealworms) were mail-ordered and pretty expensive. Is it worth it for my Leopard Geckos' health to keep trying to get them to eat these worms? Should I be tough and not give them any crix for a couple of weeks to try to push the worms? Or should I stick with the crix and not mess with success? Phoenix worms and butters aren't hard to keep around for a few weeks, but the silkies need a bit more attention.

Thanks for any advice.

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Amy

I see that no one has responded to you Amy....I think whatever works for you is best. Some "breeders" use ONLY mealworms and are successful. Some people feed only crickets and are successful. I had leopard geckos who would not touch worms at all and some that were completely confused by crickets. So its what your geckos are used to eating. I think that a total cricket diet is healthy as long as you supplement with vitamins a couple times a week. and of course gutload before feeding....good luck....

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

Thanks, Lyn! I think it'll be easier to just feed 'em crickets.

So, who in NOVA wants some free silkies??

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Amy

Ummm where in NOVA do you live??

Woodbridge, the Manassas end of it.

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Amy

P.S. Savannah, I might even be willing to deliver, if you do a herp show-and-tell for my kids!

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Amy

i'll do one for you...need to get my hands on some silk worms... let me know when you coming round.

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Don't be jealous the voices only speak to me...

www.herprecon.org

Oh sweet, Ill definatley do a herp show and tell for the kiddos!! Haha, thats one of my fav things to do Ill PM you

Caudalis, I'd LOVE to come to SA! Lemme just run and check that budget... LOL! [panting from all that running] Hmm. Looks like I can afford a seat for the silkies on that flight, but not for me and the kids. You wanna meet them at the airport?

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Amy

You're on, Savannah. I don't know if I'm pm-able. I'll go check.

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Amy