tried for the first time today and no luck...any tips?
thanx
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tips on getting hatchlings to eat for the first time?
gardenia
Oct 01, 2003 12:16 PM
Replies (3)
JP
Oct 01, 2003 12:43 PM
what did you offer (mouse/rat) and what size? live or dead? how was it presented? Let us know and we can help.
Joe Pociask Pythons
Christy Talbert
Oct 01, 2003 04:57 PM
I put them in small containers (shoebox size)with hide, etc. Wait until after they shed. Then, I offer small hopper mice, live. Leave the mouse in with them a while as it will probably take them a while to get the courage up to strike. Offer food a couple of times a week until they start eating. If they go a month without eating I assist feed them a fresh killed hopper mouse. Most catch on after an assist feeding or two.
Christy
Al-G
Oct 01, 2003 11:11 PM
I ALWAYS start with rat pups, I wait till a few days after the animal has had its first shed, place the live rat pup in the shoebox for 1-2 hours. If it doesnt work on the first try, I try it over and over every few days up to about 1 month.
All of the baby Balls I hatch are quite nippy, so if they decide not to feed for over a month, I will then lightly smack them upside the head a few times with the rat pup. After a few taps they will strike the pup, and so far have wrapped and consumed the pup after.
The "smacking" worked this year with 2 stubborn feeders.
After 6 weeks of age I have 0 problem feeders.
I keep all of my hatchlings in a shoebox rack with a temp of 84-86 all the time.
Good Luck!
