Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm expecting a few new hatchlings towards the end of July. I've just build a new box for them to go in but I have one or two questions.

Temperature.
What Temperature do they need to be kept at? They are being incubated at about 82-84f to produce females.

Substrate.
I've seen people suggest newspaper, paper roll etc. I'd like to keep them on something that not only looks good but also is safe for them. I was thinking about Repti-carpet but I think that may be a bit too abrasive. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Feeding.
I've heard so many diffrent stories as to when they start to eat would it just be better to put a crix or two in with them a day or two after they have hatched just in case?

Thanks for any help/information.

Regards

Jil.

Hi.

Temp ... hot spot of 88-90.

Substrate ... IMHO .... nothing but paper-towel for at least the first 4 months. I (unlike some people) use and like repti-carpet for both legged and legless reptiles, but 1) not for cricket-eaters and 2) not for critters under 6 months of age.

As for feeding ... some people report hatchlings eating before the first shed, though I've never seen it. After the first shed is finished, offer a couple of crix or mealies, at your choice. In my experience, a hatchling will take a few small mealies the day after its first shed (don't forget that they will eat all or some of the shed ... this must take up some room in the little belly).

Hope this helps,
Joel

Thank you for the information.

I've just realised I could use slate as the base substrate and use large stones / Plastic plants for decoration. Should be ok I think.

As for the feeding thanks for that I will certainly keep what you have said in mind.

Just a reminder - the gender is set in the first 2/3 weeks. After that, its fine to incubate them at a higher temp (90 max... cooked eggs are a bad thing). Eggs incubated closer to 90 degrees TEND to have more yellow overall. They hatch faster as well.

Absolutely nothing wrong with continueing to incubate them as you are, of course.
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Andrea A.