Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This year I tried something different with my kingsnake hatchlings. After the clutch hatched I placed them in a sphagnum moss - filled container and left them in the incubator. Once all had shed, they were put into medium sized deli cups ( with paper towel linings, 1/2 paper towel roll hide spot and small water cup) and left in the incubator. first feedings consisted of thawed pinks, still warm and wet, placed in the deli cups.
Two things are new for me- 1) 1st house being a deli cup instead of a shoebox rack and 2)keeping the hatchlings in the incubator. Of 33 hatchlings, 30 have eaten their first offering- 90%. A couple times I have been lucky to get 60-70% to eat the first offering.
I don't think these are new ideas, but so far have worked well.
BTW, the incubator is a creation I modified from the instructions on John Hollister's web page. It is 24" x 48" with 1/2" insulation and heated with 3" tape controlled with a proportional thermostat.

Any comments or -, or variations of this technique, I would be interested in hearing from you all.
dB

I keep my hatchling in small deli tubs with a water dish stabple to the side. That really helps the small smake to find their food. I think that is better than a 10 gal. aquarium for their first couple of feedings. But I have whole clutches that feed first time around and I also have clutches where only half will feed first time around, and then most the second time around. Every year is a little different. And different with different cal king clutches. Some of the baby cal kings are HUGE when they come out and may not feel the need to want to feed right away, but will take food later. It is not all that important that they feed on their first attempt, just as long as they end up feeding. IMO

Kerby...