Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Please help!! I posted several weeks ago about my seven JCP hatchlings having problems feeding. Well it has been six weeks since they hatched,and I have only had one feed.I tried many ideas,using fuzzies instead of pinkies,put them in deli cups with the food and even went as far as trying to force feed one pieces of a f/t fuzzy.This is getting really frustrating and I am worried that I am going to lose them. Any other advice? They have all shed and are kept in a rack,in separate shoe box style containers at about 85 degrees. Thanks,Nick

Hopper mice, rat pinkies, scenting with lizards, both live and dead food, tease feeding. Make sure they're kept in small cages with perches at the appropriate temps.

jake

with a little nose tap. Also, try to tap the animal with a fuzzy right begind their head off to the side. I have seen this work alot as the animal just snaps and coils the prey. 85 degrees is fine for the high end of the enclosure but I would also offer the little guys a cooler alternative and this might help them feel more comfortable. I would say lower side in the 77 degree area. I would also not try to offer to often or use force feeding yet. This will probably just stress out the animal and slow down the process. If the habitat is right (hide area, clean, good temp's, fresh water etc..) then they will come around. Good luck and keep us posted.

Have you tried live pinky rats. After dealing with dozens of hatchlings, some of which came to me refusing rats, live pinky rats were all that was needed. Just make sure there is a perch in the cage, and it should all be good.

Tim

How are your breedings going?

Jake

Breeders doing well. Back on their feeding regimen. I didn't get eggs from my thin banded female, but my other two clutches hatched. 15/15 for one and 13/18 for the other.

Tim

That sucks about thin banded one--she was the main one I was wondering about. How do the babies look?

Jake

I was a bit disappointed she didn't take, but she'll hopefully go this upcoming year. She is a big girl, and I'm hoping for a big clutch, so we'll wee.

The little ones all look great. I'll get pics up sometime.

Tim