Karl's experiences with the time of first feeding by neonates correlates well with what I have experienced. Individuals from all of the litters born here typically started feeding at two to three months after birth. Some in the first few litters however held out for 4 to 5 months before beginning to feed. One thing we have found is that the initial feeding time can be shortened by using chicks as a first food item. Some will start on rats, but most seem to prefer chicks as an initial food source. With really stubborn hold-outs, ducklings are the best bet. I don't believe I have ever seen a neonate refuse one. With the last few litters I had, I just started them all with chicks, and then switched to juvenile rats after they fed well on a few chicks. It made getting them going much easier and helped to get them feeding a little earlier. Plus I believe the most common food source in the neonates natural environment is small water and shore birds.

Kelly

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