---
title: My reptile is not eating – causes and first steps
description: Reptile refusing food? The most common causes from stress to shedding, a checklist for your vivarium and when a visit to the vet is necessary.
---

[Skip to content](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/reptile-not-eating#main-content)

- [English](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/reptile-not-eating)
- [Deutsch](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/de/reptil-frisst-nicht)

English

Show submenu for translations

<https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en>

![Logo M&amp;S Reptlilien](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/hs-fs/hubfs/ms-reptilien-logo-desktop.png?width=250&height=90&name=ms-reptilien-logo-desktop.png)

- [Shop](https://www.ms-reptilien.de/en)
- [Help-Center](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en)
- [Contact us](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/kb-tickets/new)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Shop](https://www.ms-reptilien.de/en)
- [Help-Center](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en)
- [Contact us](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/kb-tickets/new)
- - [English](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/reptile-not-eating)
    - [Deutsch](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/de/reptil-frisst-nicht)

  English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- <https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/kb-tickets/new>

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [M&S Reptilien - Help-Center](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en?hsLang=en)
2. [Care & Husbandry](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/care-husbandry?hsLang=en)

August 5, 2026

# My reptile is not eating – causes and first steps

## A checklist from stress to shedding – and when to see a vet

### First step: leave it in peace

Stress is one of the most common reasons for a refusal to feed. Leave your animal alone as much as possible and avoid handling for the time being.

### What to check

- **Temperatures:** are the basking spot and the temperature gradient in the vivarium correct?
- **Cover:** are there enough hides? Too little cover means constant stress.
- **Vivarium size:** a vivarium that is too large and open can also stress young animals.
- **Shedding:** many animals stop feeding around a shed – that is completely normal.
- **Feeding:** is the prey the right size? With frozen food: warm it thoroughly and dry to body temperature (around 36 °C) and offer it in the evening or at night.

Feel free to send us a photo of your vivarium setup as well – it makes it much easier for us to spot possible stress factors.

If your animal refuses food over a longer period, visibly loses weight or appears lethargic, please see a reptile-experienced vet. Advice by email is no substitute for a clinical examination.

- [Orders & Delivery](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/orders-delivery?hsLang=en)
- [Returns & Claims](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/returns-claims?hsLang=en)
- [Payment & Invoices](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/payment-invoices?hsLang=en)
- [Animal Documents](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/animal-documents?hsLang=en)
- [Selling & Rehoming](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/selling-rehoming?hsLang=en)
- [Equipment & Accessories](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/equipment-accessories?hsLang=en)
- [Care & Husbandry](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/care-husbandry?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Care Sheets](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/care-husbandry?hsLang=en#care-sheets)
- [Buying Animals](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/en/buying-animals?hsLang=en)

[![Logo M&amp;S Reptlilien](https://help.ms-reptilien.de/hs-fs/hubfs/ms-reptilien-logo-desktop.png?width=250&height=90&name=ms-reptilien-logo-desktop.png "Logo M&amp;S Reptlilien")](https://www.ms-reptilien.de/)

© 2026 M&S Reptilien - All Rights Reserved.