Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any advice would be appreciated. 3 of 5 yellowhead babies have died; and I have no idea why.
1) they are in a large tank with sand and rocks
2) They have a incandescent and flourescent UVB bulbs
3) They have a water dish
4) they have eaten like pigs with calcium fortified/ D3 baby crickets
I just lost a chubby "healthy" looking female today.
Could it be the play sand they're ingesting and blocking them up?
Or lack of actual sunlight? I don't want to lose the other two.
Anyone with experience with raising little ones, help.
Thanks Todd

"Or lack of actual sunlight"

All the "experts" I talk to always say that it is VITAL to get hatchlings REAL sunlight!

Geesh thats so very sad ! They are very young yet, I would get them off the sand. I use paper towels, for a few weeks.

You say a water bowl? How high is it? I ask because are you sure they are able to drink from it and are NOT dehydrated?

I use a shallow plastic lid of a bread crumb container, VERY shallow, they can run through the water, its that low. Use a dropper and give water to make sure they are getting plenty.

As important as SUN light is, I dont think that would have killed 3 babies in a couple weeks. My 2 week old has NOT been in any sun yet.

No one knows for sure, but I would make sure they are drinking, and dump the sand, for a couple more weeks anyway.

Also Are they warm enough?

Thats so sad ! I sure hope they others will do well, I know how long and how excited you were waiting for them
( I totally understand) they are so adorable, Let us know how you do.

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Eve

I really liked how your babies looked.
I think the problem would be te sand, too.
I put mine on paper towels until they were good enough cricket hunters. I hope the other two will make it.
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Collaredkeeper