rapid weight loss in female leopard gecko

Question
QUESTION: hi,just before xmas we introduced a male leopard gecko into our females tank(tank size 4ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft),we monitored them to make sure they did not fight,they seemed fine not really bothered by each other,without really realising it i think we reproduced breeding season as the temp in the house fell a bit and we left it a couple of extra days between feeding!about 3 weeks ago i turned up the heating in the viv by about 3 degrees.both geckos were feeding well and looking healthy,last week my female started looking thinner,this week she is almost anorexic,she is still walking properly but i am really worried please help.thanks malc.

ANSWER: Hello Malcolm,

Wow you have a huge tank for only 2 geckos.  That is awesome though.  Did they successfully mate?  If so, did she lay eggs?   
How quickly did she lose her weight?  Can you post a picture of her for me?  
If she is losing weight noticeably, on a daily basis, you will need to get started feeding her some baby food with a plastic syringe or dropper to get some nutrition into her.

Let me know how she is doing.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi tracie,thanks for getting back to me so soon.i dont know if they mated successfully or not and she hasnt laid any eggs yet.she lost all her weight in 2 weeks but doesnt seem to be exceptionally weak.unfortunately i do not have the means to post a picture,sorry.everything i've read seems to point to calcium deficency.i've just bought smaller crickets and waxworms and i'm moving her to another viv,loading crickets with orange and will dust before feeding.hope this helps.thanks malc.

Answer
Hello Malcolm,

Ok, that is fine.  Are her hipbones sticking out.
It is a possibility it is a calcium deficiency.  Are you using a UVB light?  I would suggest getting a Reptisun 10 tube bulb.  you can get it for a good price here:
http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-rept

It has been shown that some UVB exposure will help them absorb the calcium more efficiently.  
Make sure that the crickets have food 24/7.  Feeding them chicken laying mash is a very good feed for them, it is rich in nutrients.  They should be dusted with calcium 3-5 times per week.  You can also leave a small dish of calcium in the tank with them so when they need it they can get some, too.  

Let me know how she is coming along.

Tracie