It's normal for a new skink not to eat, right?

[stinkyskinky]

I've had our guy (or gal) 2.5 weeks. He was eating every other day with the previous owners. I was feeding him every other day, but he was eating less and less. He's supposedly 8 months old. So, I decided to wait a little longer. Fed last Thursday, he ate a small teaspoon of food. Put some food in on Saturday (we were gone most of the day, so I thought he'd enjoy the peace and quiet). There was a hole in the pile of food. Not sure if he ate a bite or stepped in it. Waited til today to try again. I've been out of the house or in the office all morning. He didn't even come out from hiding to check it out. Now, I'm going to get the kids....which means things are about to get loud. So, I took him out of hiding and put him near the food. He laid on it. I've read it's normal. I've read they can go a long time without food. I've read a picky skink isn't a hungry skink.....but yet, the new mommy in me is getting worried.

He acts fine when get him out. He explores, is allert, and seems very calm with us. He huffs when we get him out (once a day) and if he starts showing signs of stress (heavy breathing) we put him back. He is usually active in his tank after we put him back, but other than that, he hides (which seems normal to me....he's out a whole lot more than the snake! ha!).

I'm just wondering if I should do anything special to get him to eat, or just keep offering, and when he gets settled in or hungry enough will he just decide to eat? Do you think I should offer every other day or space it out more like I have been (about every 3d day). Thanks, worried new momma Becca

[Spindown]

They can start eating every few days at that age, and it IS winter (although I dont know if that applies to one that young, or in your particular area since its so warm).

I wouldnt worry as long as hes pooping and not showing signs of illness (lethargy, respiratory issues, etc) which it sounds like he isnt since hes active and alert.
They can get picky when fed too often, my adults get fed once a week.

[donkeybuff]

The only time I would worry about my skink not eating is if he didn't poop, showed signs of a respiratory infection, showed lethargy, or lost weight.

[kenn]

lost weight.

Still not eating, Becca?

How is your temperature (day and night)?

[stinkyskinky]

90-95 on the warm side and 75ish on the cool during the day. It hasn't gotten below 74 at night in weeks. Even if we were to have a cool night, our heater will kick in when it gets to 70....we're whimpy South Floridians!

I did catch him nibbling a bit of food yesterday. So, I guess he's getting something. I've been watching his eyes and nose like a hawk. No sign of discharge.
Becca

[stinkyskinky]

I've been meaning to update this. A few days after I posted this he shed! He's taken all meals (3) since shedding. So, I guess that was the problem. its so nerve wreaking to be a new mom.

Becca

[Katrina]

Glad to hear that! Lots of things will cause appetite loss, it's scary as a new owner but just take a weight and then weigh again every week or two and make sure they aren't losing weight.

They have very slow metabolisms so a bite or two of food that might seem like nothing at all to us is actually a lot for them! Glad it was just a shed and nothing more serious.