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Stimson's hatchlings won't eat (HELP)

SnakeBiteJunkies May 30, 2006 01:38 PM

My hatchling Stimson's Pythons are refusing everything. Here is what I've tried: pinky mice, washed pinky mice, washed/scented with lizard blood pinky mice, a small night lizard. All offerings have been refused. I have yet to see any hatchling sideblotch lizards in my area this year. Besides I don't think I'd be able to catch 16 of them at a time. Does anyone know any tricks for these guys? It is my first time producing this species. I did not know that they would be so difficult.

Replies (6)

zach_whitman May 30, 2006 10:39 PM

How long has it been since they hatched? They can take quite a while before theyre hungry enough to eat.

jaykis May 31, 2006 09:44 AM

It can be a month or two AFTER the first shed before they eat.
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

SnakeBiteJunkies May 31, 2006 11:22 AM

since they shed. I started offering pinks immediately after the shed. I will give them a couple weeks off then try again.

Once they are hungry enough, should they begin to accept pinks, scented pinks, or will I need a ton of baby lizards?

Thanks for your posts. I really appreciate your insight and expertise.

Sonya May 31, 2006 07:49 PM

>>My hatchling Stimson's Pythons are refusing everything. Here is what I've tried: pinky mice, washed pinky mice, washed/scented with lizard blood pinky mice, a small night lizard. All offerings have been refused. I have yet to see any hatchling sideblotch lizards in my area this year. Besides I don't think I'd be able to catch 16 of them at a time. Does anyone know any tricks for these guys? It is my first time producing this species. I did not know that they would be so difficult.

One thing I found HUGELY helpful in getting my little Children's (parents are a pound and 27inches long at 7yrs) is to set up each hatchling in a shoebox with an inch or two of damp long fiber spagnum moss. While I do watch to be sure they don't eat the moss I feed them in their enclosures and let them come out of cover to 'hunt' the tiny live pinks the first few feedings. Soon they are out and after my fingers the second the lid is open. You may have to wash the live pinks first...or at least rinse them. But I didn't with my last clutch. This year...who knows.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

SnakeBiteJunkies Jun 02, 2006 12:51 PM

Sonya, how critical do you think the shoebox set-up with the damp moss is? I've currently got each baby in a deli cup with paper towel. When you say that you watch them come out of cover to hunt, are you saying that each had a hide box or are you simply referring to the moss?

Thanks again.

SSSammy

Sonya Jun 02, 2006 05:01 PM

>>Sonya, how critical do you think the shoebox set-up with the damp moss is? I've currently got each baby in a deli cup with paper towel. When you say that you watch them come out of cover to hunt, are you saying that each had a hide box or are you simply referring to the moss?
>>
>>Thanks again.
>>
>>SSSammy

I think the moss is the critical point, less so the room to move around. Constant cover seems key. I had had mine on newspaper with hides and a bowl. When I switched to moss or Carefresh, fluff stuff once you aren't as worried about humidity, the babies ate next offering. I tend to keep moss in there for a couple months since then it is easy to keep them humid.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

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