Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Had my first litter this year. Small litter-only 6. Anyway, they are over a month old now and refuse everything. I've tried live pinks, thawed pinks, head-split pinks, geckos, anoles and even a tree frog. I've read all the articles and care sheets I can find. One of them said the "trick" was patience. Any suggestions? Thanks

My newborns liked mice that ran around. If you raise mice (or have a friend who does) you can sometimes find a few dinky little hoppers that are smaller than the rest, but run around and jump a lot. My baby ATBs loved those. You would be surprised what they could eat when they wanted to.

I agree with Kathy about the movement thing, specifically jerky, abrupt movements. Also, I think the fur makes a difference sometimes too. I have had baby snakes (and monitors too) that would refuse pinkies but would take furred babies straight away. Also, since you bred them (unless they came from a w/c gravid female) I would guess you have them set up properly, but some things to remember are separate containers for each individual that are fairly small with high humidity and night time feeding attempts with no interruptions. They REALLY like to feel secure. Good luck with them! Billy

>>My newborns liked mice that ran around. If you raise mice (or have a friend who does) you can sometimes find a few dinky little hoppers that are smaller than the rest, but run around and jump a lot. My baby ATBs loved those. You would be surprised what they could eat when they wanted to.

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Try bagging them with a live pink. You can also get a finch and rub the pinks on the finch, that may work. Some just never eat, some of the best ATB breeders I know can't get some babies to eat ever. It just happens.

I tried the shrimpy hopper method, and it's working! A couple are eating as I write this and the others look VERY interested. I can't believe what a difference it made. Thanks a bunch!

>>I tried the shrimpy hopper method, and it's working! A couple are eating as I write this and the others look VERY interested. I can't believe what a difference it made. Thanks a bunch!

n/p