Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just hatched out my first clutch of JCP's. 10 of 11 hatched out May 1st. They've had their first shed, but so far only one has fed. I know they usually take a couple weeks to get started, but was wondering if anyone has any pointers, and when I should start to worry. I've tried f/t pink rats (one eaten), f/k, live, and brained mouse fuzzies, and "cupping". Of course I've waited several days between attempts. Anything I'm not thinking of? Figured I'd ask before too much time went by! Thanks.
Mike

First off, for sure don't start worrying. They will be fine for quite a few weeks. Once you hit 6-8 weeks I would start to worry some if you have been trying all along with no success, but until then I wouldn't worry too much.

Secondly, I have found that getting them to take PK or FT right off the bat can be pretty difficult, but as a second or third time eating they will frequently take either. That first meal not many of them seem to be able to identify the nonmoving rodent as a meal, but after they have eaten a few times they seem to catch on and do fine.

Also, starting right away with rats also seems to be a little slow, even if they are live...but it sure is nice if you can do it this way so that you don't have to switch them later. So, I usually try live rats 2 or 3 times and any that don't take them, then I leave a live fuzzy in with them overnight and I would say by this point I usually have 80%-90% eating for me. The few that still don't eat, I usually start taping them on the body (usually mid body and tail region) with a mouse fuzzy to get them to strike, and quite often once they strike a few times they will eventually go ahead and constrict and then eat. After they have done this a couple of times they usually catch on.

Anyway, there is some brief info, let us know if you have any other questions.
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Ben
www.australianaddiction.com

Funny, every hatchling for the last two seasons I have had started on f/t rat pinks. Mine were afraid of mice scent apparently...lol

These guys keep us guessing don't they?!? lol
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Ben Team
Mark Davis
New Paradigm Herpetoculture
Captive Bred Morelia
404-438-2135
chondro776@yahoo.com

Wow, that really is interesting. How do you start them on FT rat pinks? I mean, do you just set it in there warm and leave it, or do you have to work with each one tapping the hatchling with it until they take it? That is really nice that yours will take rats for you so easily!!!
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Ben
www.australianaddiction.com

Honestly, they usually take them pretty easily....a little bit of a tease but not much. I do use warmed rodents. Don't get me wrong, there are always one or two that require some futzin' around. With those I do usually leave it overnight.
Making sure they are perched helps, and I don't wait for 1st sheds.

*BTW now I have jinxed myself and eggs for this year....lol
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Ben Team
Mark Davis
New Paradigm Herpetoculture
Captive Bred Morelia
404-438-2135
chondro776@yahoo.com

and the only one that ate for me took a thawed, not warmed rat pink lying motionless overnight....Score! The advice sounds pretty much like what I've been doing, but it's good to know I'm on the right track. I was a bit concerned about how long before worrying, so thanks!
Mike

Yeah, I honestly think the biggest problems people have come when they start worrying. They are pretty hearty little things, and they usually come around LONG before any problems arise. Good luck with them, and keep us updated and let us know what ends up working for you!!! Oh, and most importantly, LOTS OF PICS!!!
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Ben
www.australianaddiction.com

I'll definitely post pics as soon as I get a program to re-size them. I'm noticing some cool head patterns, so I' pretty excited about that. I just added some perches to their shoeboxes so they no longer have to use their water bowls, and I'l try another feeding in a day or so. I'll let you know how it goes.
Mike

Just keep at it, they will eat for you.
The biggest mistake new breeders make is to use food items which are too small. Rat pups or hopper mice are appropriate.
The second would be not trying both rats/mice.

Try tapping them on the side of the nexk and wiggling the rodent there to get them to start coiling...usually that works for me.
Congrats on the clutch!!!
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Ben Team
Mark Davis
New Paradigm Herpetoculture
Captive Bred Morelia
404-438-2135
chondro776@yahoo.com