Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How long after the ball pythons emerge from the eggs should you introduce their first meal? What is the best method to get hatchlings to take f/t mice? What size is suggested for ball python hatchlings?
Any recommendations how to stop an aggressive hatchling from striking?

I'm sure this has been covered, but I could not find it when I searched the forums and other websites. This has been my first successful attempt at breeding my two normals. All 5 good eggs hatched, there was one slug that I knew wouldn't from the beginning, but I was surprised to see all 5 make it. Now that I have it down I hope to add a pinstripe and spider to my collection.

How long after the ball pythons emerge from the eggs should you introduce their first meal?

They have a few weeks worth of yolk in them when they hatch - usually after their first shed (7-10 days after hatching) they will start eating.

What is the best method to get hatchlings to take f/t mice?

Thaw out mouse heat it up and wiggle it in front of the snake and hope it strikes.

What size is suggested for ball python hatchlings?

I start them out on small rat pups - others go with mouse hoppers, adult mice or rat fuzzys - it's a preference thing but around that size is fine.

Any recommendations how to stop an aggressive hatchling from striking?

You are Godzilla to them - so they strike. They'll grow out of it.

Congrats on the babies -- good luck!
-----
Tosha
JET Pythons
Toshas Blog

Herp Medicine does not equal a bottle of Baytril - Dr. Scott Stahl

Thanks for the help, I was afraid I was starving them. I didn't know how long the nutrients in the yolk would last.

Thanks again
Brennen