Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, as standard with BHP hatchings...the "lookout" pipped 22 hours ago.

Today, another head around 6:30.

And the lookout has left the egg.

That's the highest band count I think I've ever seen on a BHP.

The others should pip tonight and tomorrow.
As always..I'll get more pic's up as they emerge.
I happier than a.........well you know.
D.

Congratulations Derek. That is a magnificent looking specimen. How many eggs did mom lay?

Very nice contrasty baby! I love all those stripes! Dan

HOLY SPIT!!! Dude, that baby is SICK! I love it. So nice!

>>That's the highest band count I think I've ever seen on a BHP.

I'm starting the feeding thing. I think it's going to be a small battle. We'll see. Any tricks?

All the best with that clutch!

Matt

I wouldn't even try to feed them for 6 weeks. I love it when you pass your hand over their head and they flatten their heads out...
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma
4.2 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.1 Bloods
1.1 Balls
2.2 IJ Carpets
1.0 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.2 F2 Carpondros
2.0 Jungle Carpet
0.1 Carpondro
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
.1 Brazilian Rainbow boas
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

O.K. Here's a couple more that got out today.

Happy times.

Matt, I don't think there are any tricks per-say.
I started assist feeding them 4 days after they hatched last year.

Half of them started on their own about 3 months after they hatched.
The others went another 2 months before they started.

It was about on the same schedule that other keeper....who waited to feed....were on.

I think that when it's time for them to eat.....they'll eat. Regardless if you have started them by assisting or not.

Keep us posted on their progress.
Cheers everyone.....more to come.
D.

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"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

agree with you on the feeding. As an example, we breed green anacondas and have had several litters over the years. The neonates are also very slow starters. Many take several months to begin feeding, and I don't believe that it is unnatural, or harmful for them. I have never assist fed a healthy neonate of any boa or python species, and have never even come close to losing one. Some people get over anxious and worried if their neos don't eat within a few weeks, and then resort to force feeding. Totally unnecessary and a risk for injury. If the hatchling is healthy, offered proper prey items, and set up in the correct environment, it will feed when it is ready.

Kelly

Cool snakes. Amazing that 20 years ago this species was very little known. Not many zoos even had them. Now, beautiful captive-bred BHP's are being raised by dudes in southern Florida! Good job; my 2:1 are doing great.
Tim

Funny isn't it Tim.
I wouldn't have thought 15 years ago... that I would even own 1... much less the group I have. Haha.

Glad your 2.1. is doing well.

Cheers everyone.
Maybe some more will be out today.
D.