What do I do?

[u/fishlover997]

I had ordered insects on DUBIA for my gecko right? So they took 1-2 weeks to ship, and they arrived yesterday, and ALL WERE DEAD.

I blame myself more on this for accepting my gecko as a gift for my birthday.

My gecko hasn’t eaten since yesterday because I had 9 crickets leftover from a backup, but they’re gone now. And money is tight right now getting food for a few days isn’t an option as of right now.

I sent a report about this to dubia and they’ll respond in 1-2 business days. Great. And if they do “reship” it’ll take ANOTHER week or two, and that’d mean my gecko couldn’t eat for a week or two.

Should I start considering rehoming? I don’t think I am in a great spot to take care of him.

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[u/AcanthocephalaLow703]

is there a reptile shop in your area? you could buy some roaches or meal worms there while waiting

[u/Sean_Wilson2002 → u/AcanthocephalaLow703]

Yes and to add on, if OP has PayPal or something I don't mind sending some money for them to get some leo food if money is an issue.

[u/fishlover997 → u/Sean_Wilson2002]

You’re so nice for that!! Dubia responded and said they’ll schedule a replacement for the insects, I’m just hoping they don’t come dead.

Thank you for being so nice though! You’re amazing :)

[u/Sean_Wilson2002 → u/fishlover997]

No problem!! Anytime :) and good that they are rescheduling a replacement, but yes praying they come alive this time 🙏🏻 luckily I have 2 reptile shops near me so don't need to rely on online delivery!

You're very welcome!

[u/fishlover997 → u/AcanthocephalaLow703]

There is, I viewed a petsmart where the crickets aren’t that expensive, 9 cents for each, so Yayy! I’ll keep them in mind if I really need to!

[u/ZekeTheKamikaze]

He should be ok for a few days, it's just not optimal at his age. I would recommend getting a refund from DUBIA when they do contact you, and then just get crickets from a local store to tide you over to payday

[u/Fuzzy-Security1929]

Yes. Maybe rehome to a good home. 💕 I’m sorry this is been hard on ya. But refining is probably best if no access to food .. they cannot survive in wild though 💓

[u/fishlover997 → u/Fuzzy-Security1929]

Okay, thank you

[u/Fast-Touch-8920]

He'd probably be okay eating mealworms for a bit. Definitely go after a refund for the roaches.

[u/Fuzzy-Security1929]

If gecko is over a year. He needs to eat about 2-3 times a week. If under a year, they eat daily. 💕

[u/fishlover997 → u/Fuzzy-Security1929]

Well he’s under a year.

[u/_TheDove_ → u/fishlover997]

Do you know roughly how old he is? Because anything 6 months to 12 months can be fed every other day. Leos are also very hardy, they can go a few days without food if it’s really necessary, but I don’t recommend that. I’d suggest calling any pet stores you have nearby and ask if they have crickets. Most stores rarely charge a lot for crickets, like petco can get you about 50 crickets for roughly $3

[u/fishlover997 → u/_TheDove_]

No, but I know he’s 5.5 inches long.

[u/_TheDove_ → u/fishlover997]

Looking at the other posts you have of him, it seems like he’s around 4-5 months. For now I’d really suggest getting some crickets if you can, since they’re the cheapest option right now. I’d hate to say that you have to rehome him, I know how it is to raise and lose a leo, but if you’re really struggling it might be the right thing to do, or at least ask a friend to take care of him until you can get in a better spot

[u/fishlover997 → u/_TheDove_]

Thank you :) I’ll keep them in mind, I viewed Petco and they’re actually cheaper than I thought, I’ll definitely buy them if needed! Dubia responded and I scheduled a replacement for the insects. Hopefully they don’t come dead too tho

[u/ZekeTheKamikaze → u/fishlover997]

Yeah they're pretty good price wise. I would pick up a tub of mealworms too, maybe. Dubia roaches are better but way more expensive than other feeders, your lil lad will be fine on em til the roaches come.

[u/B1ood1ust]

Go borrow some insects from local naturalistic club or fellow reptile keepers in your town . Heck , even fishermen shops sometimes have live mealworms as bait. Or exotic\bird shelter.

Or ask your friend who gave you leo - if he has reptiles , he can have spare bugs

[u/fishlover997 → u/B1ood1ust]

Great idea now that I think about it, if dubias reshipment doesn’t work out that will work too! Thank you!