Why Isn’t My Reptile Eating?
Beginner-friendly clarity for the single most common reptile worry 🦎🍽️ | 🕒 Reading time: ~ 5 minutes
🔍 Intro
We get asked this all. the. time.
If your reptile has suddenly gone on a hunger strike, don’t panic — they’re not plotting their dramatic exit. Even the happiest, healthiest reptiles sometimes skip meals.
Unlike dogs (who would eat drywall if allowed), reptiles are slow, thoughtful eaters with Very Strong Opinions™ about when, where, and what they eat.
This guide walks you through the most common reasons reptiles refuse food — and when it’s time to worry (spoiler: usually not today).
1. First: Is This Actually Normal?
Sometimes the answer is simply:
“Yes, this is totally normal. Reptiles do this.”
Completely normal reasons for skipping a meal:
✔ Coming home to a new setup
✔ Being handled too soon
✔ Shedding
✔ Seasonal slowdown
✔ Minor temperature fluctuations
✔ Stress from noise or movement
✔ Choosing violence (emotionally)
If your reptile seems otherwise healthy and alert, don’t stress yet.
2. New to the Family? Expect Appetite Drama.
Nearly ALL reptiles refuse food the first week or two after coming home.
New environment =
new smells,
new sights,
new humans,
new “WHY IS THIS PLACE EVEN EXISTING.”
Give them time.
Let them settle.
Offer again after 5–7 days.
(Nothing is wrong — they’re just processing the shock of your curtains.)
3. Shedding = Zero Interest in Food
Shedding is like trying to go about your day in a tight, itchy jumper you can’t take off.
Cue moodiness.
Cue refusal.
Totally normal.
Wait until the shed is complete before offering food again.
4. Temperature = The #1 Culprit
If a reptile is too cool or too warm, digestion becomes uncomfortable — and they simply won’t eat.
Don’t guess. Check your temps.
Compare to reliable, species-appropriate guidance (not random forum opinions).
If temps are wrong, fix them and try feeding again in 24–48 hours.
5. Stress and Overhandling
Handling a new or nervous reptile every day = “No food for me, thanks.”
Overhandling can cause them to:
Hide more
Act jumpy
Refuse meals
Say rude things in reptile language
Stick to calm, predictable routines.
Let them feel secure.
6. Your Reptile Doesn’t Like the Food (Yet)
Reptiles are dramatic little food critics.
Common issues:
Prey too big
Prey too small
Too much movement
Not enough movement
Wrong colour
Wrong smell
Wrong vibes
Try offering:
Slightly warmed prey
Smaller prey
Tong-feeding
Different insect option (for lizards)
Small tweaks = big results.
7. Enclosure Layout Can Affect Appetite
If they feel too exposed, they won’t eat.
If the hide is too small, they won’t eat.
If the hide is too big… also won’t eat.
Reptiles need to feel SAFE to eat.
Checklist:
✔ Warm hide available
✔ Cool hide available
✔ Enough clutter/plants
✔ No giant open spaces
✔ No cats staring at them like wildlife cameramen
8. Seasonal Slowdowns & Brumation
Many reptiles naturally slow down — or stop eating — as days get darker and cooler.
This is not illness.
This is biology doing its thing.
If they’re alert and acting normally, this is usually nothing to worry about.
9. When It Might Be Illness
These signs = time for an exotics vet:
Visible weight loss
Sunken body shape
Bubbles or wheezing
Regurgitation
Lethargy
Staying on the cold side constantly
Refusing food for several weeks plus odd behaviour
If you’re unsure, it’s totally okay to get things checked.
You’re not overreacting — you’re being a responsible reptile parent.
10. How to Encourage Eating (Gently)
🟡 Try these first:
Fix temperature issues
Reduce handling
Offer food in the evening
Warm prey slightly
Add clutter/hides
Keep the room quieter
Offer smaller prey items
🟢 Avoid these:
Forcing food
Handling on feeding days
Offering food too often
Switching food items constantly
Small changes → big appetite improvements.
🟣 Still worried? You're not alone.
Feeding is one of the biggest beginner stress points, and you’re doing brilliantly just by seeking clarity.
If you want a gentle, confidence-building starting point, check out: 👉 Beginner Mistakes New Reptile Owners Make
It covers the most common setup mistakes that quietly affect eating.
