Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi, i have just got 3 baby collards, and was wondering what other people do for watering them, as they are so tiny.i am feeding them small crix. and have them on a heatmat with a eccoterra 8%uvb a couple of inches above them. they seem to stay still for long periods then run around alot. is that normal. thanks for your time and help.

cheers Danny

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/1560amycollards4-med.JPG

those collared definately could use a drink and some meat on their bones. Are they eating well? I would recommend increasing their food to as much as they can eat. IN conjunction with this, I'd offer them food at least twice a day. Add in some small wax worms, as this can help put some weight on them.

For water...for starters, I'd by a syring and put drips on their snouts, until they lick it off. Once they start licking, they usually keep licking, so you will be able to keep adding water for a good long drink.

For the norm, I put a nice flat rock, with an irregular surface in the cage...I either use ice cubes, or a glass with a tiny hole punched in the bottom (pin-size is just right). I put ice under the incandescent light, or the cup with a hole right over the top of the flat rock. The dripping and running water will usually get them interested.

That little hatchling you posted looks dehydrated. I'd offer water with a syringe 2 or 3 times a day. Check the temps, and be sure you have at least one basking site of 105-107 F. Keep a cool side for sleeping too.

Best of luck,

John (Collared "Dud"

Hi Danny,

Your new ones look very skinny. You have to give them a lot of food to fatten them up - all they can eat. Wax worms or mealworms have a high content of fat so they will be a good supplement to the crickets.

Watering: you can spray some water on the rocks or glass. Another way is to put some drops of water on their snout - they will then begin to lick up the drops. Remember always to have a water dish in their "home".

What substrate do you use? Make syre that they are not eating it and get impacted.

Jesper

The guy in pic is cute, but yes, keep him warm, temps up where they should be, and Fatten them up !!! GOOD LUCK, let us know how you make out, Eve

....do you have an adequate UVB source mounted close enough to the tots to be in its useful range? They should have UVB exposure or some regular periods of unfiltered sunlight (NOT through glass) while they are in their rapid growth stages. If you give them exposure to sunlight, remember, never put them out in a glass enclosure and make sure they can get OUT of the sun so they can control their own temperatures. You might want to post a bit about how they are currently housed, and get a few pointers. The vent pics can come later LOL.

DC
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