Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I hatched out a small clutch of 5 babies about a month ago. So far, all the babies have shed with no problem but have not started to feed. I have been offering live hopper mice once a week for the past three weeks and haven't had one of them feed. I'm a little worried since these babies are not as big and fat as many that I have seen in adds for sale. They are currently being kept individually a small AP rack (shoe size boxes). They are being kept on moist paper towels with a hot spot is around 93 with a cool side of about 88. They are snappy little guys but have not shown interest in food. Does anyone have an idea on how to help them get started to feed?

W. Smith

I would get rid of the wet paper towels and try feeding them at night with the lights out, maybe try giving them a hide as well.

After their first shed, I don't keep mine on moist paper towels. Have you tried a live rat pink or fuzzy? I had one that would not start eating for me, and I even had to assist feed him a few times. Kept offering a hopper mouse when I fed the rest of his clutch, and nothing. This past week I offered a live rat fuzzy and he took it with no hesitation. Guess he was a ratter at heart!
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Robins Nest Reptiles

I suggest changing the bedding to something that the babies can snuggle in. (I use pine shavings) Definitely add a hide box. Home Depot has some paint trim trays that work perfectly in a shoebox and they're cheap. Offer live or try prekill. I had a runt this year that didn't start feeding like the rest of the clutch, it took a hopper a few days after I gave it a hidebox... but the next meal had to be prekill. In short, experiment and only assist feed if necessary. Good Luck!