Now that I have your attention LOL. Actually Frank I just thought this was a good topic too talk about since many people have hatchlings now. I used Mexicana as an example because time and time again I read things like "these can be fussy babies but once they start eating there's no stopping them" etc. There's also talk of certain Corns from extreme South Florida that tend to prefer lizard scented food to start them feeding...and then people will claim that it is because of where the line originates from. I fully understand the FR way of thinking and know how strongly you feel about what's appropriate for the snakes....but this is not easily achieved in a tiny container. I often see peoples confused look when they enter my air conditioned snake room. As if how can my snakes thrive in a cold room? But this temp gradient we have talked about a lot this year is easier to achieve in a large cage. I have actually experimented this year with one corner of my small non-adult cages by putting in a window of sorts with many more air holes on the one end of one corner. For a box roughly 12 inches long I am happy to have a 10 degree gradient, and as you have mentioned I definitely have seen snakes use both sides at times when I'd not expect them too. I only have Corns and Mexican Black Kings feeding right now, my Gophers have not shed and nothing else is out of the egg. Many of my Corns are in tiny zip lock containers, and to attempt to give them some variation I keep them warm quite often but do move them to a lower shelf too cool them off as well....especially if many are active and seemingly uncomfortable. It is all I can do at this time....my room is not perfected to my content yet. I would like to hear how you make the ideal quarters for hatchlings...and what you would try if you did not have the set up you have now. In closing I want to say I have recently heard of a big time Python breeder who will actually freeze reluctant feeders....even high dollar snakes, because they feel that introducing these snakes into the hobby will spawn more problematic feeders. Thanks for the replies everyone,.,,,and I look forward to hearing more Tom Stevens

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