Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I'm still waiting for my female to deliver, I have some questions though. When she has her litter, how long after the babies are born can I feed them? When do they need water in their tubs? Would it be better to feed rat pinks or mice pinks? I would appreciate to hear your thoughts on this, thanks in advance.

> how long after the babies are born can I feed them?

I normally wait until after they've had the first shed.

> When do they need water in their tubs?

I provide a water source the day they are born, just not so deep that they can drown.

>would it be better to feed rat pinks or mice pinks?

Start with rat pinks, I try f/t first and then live if I have to. Normally the ones that would only take live can then be switched to f/t the next feeding without problem.

Good luck!
-April
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'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow

Sometimes they will eat right after shedding, but I usually wait 5-7 days after their shed and they will often be more willing to eat. This is especially true if they are born with full'er bellies. Boas born thin may be more ready right after the first shed.

I do just like Browns Boas does with using mice at first. Some will take rats, but I've always had more success starting with mice, then switching later on.
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Snake room janitor

Most if not all boa constrictor babies are born large enough to take a mouse hopper for their first meal. Some people start them on rat pinks as well! Their is always a debate of which is better! I have always started by babies on mouse hoppers and after about 20 meals on that I offer them a rat fuzzy! I will then alternate back and forth over the next year and a half between mice and rats. When they are big enough to take small rats exclusively they stay on rats! I'm actually going to try starting my babies this year of African Soft Fur rats instead of hoppers! I will keep you posted!

Hope this helps!

Al Brown/Brown's Boas