he seems like a big guy. the lizard, too. j/k, but in all seriousness, how big is Darwin? I've always wondered how docile these guys are - clearly he's not viscous =)
He's just over 4 feet long, but only the first 18" or so is body length. He's quite docile, but docility breaks down strongly along species lines - some species are sweet and even show affection, while others are basically a radial saw that can chase you. It's also something you have work at - during his first year of life, I handled him or let him roam my bedroom almost every single day, sometimes for hours.
If he's been fed wild crickets, a parasite screening is definitely called for, and may show part of the reason for his thinness.
What you're doing sounds good, and the only things I'd add is mealworms (just to get him fatter), maybe silkworms (nutritious and delicious but expensive and a pain in the ass to keep), and if you need to induce feeding, you can try meat-based babyfood.
As far as crickets vs mealworms, I use both for my leopard gecko, but only feed mealworms rarely because of the high fat content.
Heh... no need to induce feeding here. He is quite the enthusiastic feeder.... inhaling the worms, chasing down the crickets, and the proceeding to check his food bowl again and again wondering why there aren't more worms in it.
Oh man... silkworms have got to be a messy meal! Hahaha. Do mealworms have more fat than the waxworms? I thought the waxworms were fattier?
I will definitely get a fecal done asap though... some meds for that (if there is a parasite issue) plus a more consistant diet and I expect he'll be as he should be in no time. I hope.
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:-O
That sounds scary as hell.
He looks awesome though. I'd love one that shows affection! But I'm not ready to be a reptile parent... totally outside my expertise.
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What you're doing sounds good, and the only things I'd add is mealworms (just to get him fatter), maybe silkworms (nutritious and delicious but expensive and a pain in the ass to keep), and if you need to induce feeding, you can try meat-based babyfood.
As far as crickets vs mealworms, I use both for my leopard gecko, but only feed mealworms rarely because of the high fat content.
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Oh man... silkworms have got to be a messy meal! Hahaha. Do mealworms have more fat than the waxworms? I thought the waxworms were fattier?
I will definitely get a fecal done asap though... some meds for that (if there is a parasite issue) plus a more consistant diet and I expect he'll be as he should be in no time. I hope.
Anyways, thanks! :)
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Mine doesn't do that yet, although he does give his prey a good shake to make sure it's dead.
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Although...he does sort of invite a few vaguely lewd lizard jokes--
"I've got an 18 inch lizard..."
"I have to walk the lizard. Literally."
"I've found women like men with a big lizard."
etc.
XD
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