Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up my 1.1 baby red pigs from Delta yesterday...They were susposed to be feeding on baby anoles... These guys are tiny and skinny.... In a few days I'm going to try and offered frog scented pinkie heads (tease feeding adn night).... Anyone have any good tips to help get these guys eating ... although they were susposed to be "feeders" they look like they probably haven't ate (ie skin folds on sides).... Thanks again...any advice is greatly appreciated.

Are you absolutely positive that the animal has shed yet? Does it have a prebutton, or a button? It sounds as if it may be a little dehydrated. Hydration, may be argued to be more important than feeding when starting neonates, along with shedding. Clean moisture reataining substrate, hides, shallow water dishes, should all help in getting them to feed.
Or, if they are really bad, you might have to assist them, with water and food.
creep

Thanks.... I misted down the bark chip substrate..I figured it'd hold enough moisture for them... I soaked them yesterday in deli cups.... heat lamp, heat pad on warm end...room temp on cool end...multiple hide spots (cork bark 1/2 tubes)....
I can't get red backed salamenders here in Texas but my friend is bringing some baby ground skinks over tonight...we also have lots of neonate mediterraian geckos running around..if the skinks don't work then I'm going to leave them in a deli cup overnight with a baby gecko... I guess I'll go from there.... Thanks for the advice..it is greatly appreciated!

Graham

Where did you get the babies from?

Joe

I got the pair from Jay @ Exotic Jungle (Florida)... I believe he has 1 more male left..... ($175 ea). Strictly has babies and a adult group of carolina reds.... I forgot the price but a little cheaper I believe (I ended up slpitting an order w/ friends from Jay so it worked out about the same for me).... Marcus Lucas had some on his site (hand picks for Strictly...probably well worth the extra $ ea). And last but not least, Glades herp (www.gherp.com) has themfor $275 ea!

Hope that helps... It's going to be challenging but I like the challenge.

Graham

They're actually $350 from Glades....outrageous!

I recently sold/shipped three Carolina red pigmies born back in April. While newly morphed anurans (Bufonids, Hylids,Ranids, etc) were abundant locally, these snakes were picky eaters. I kept them fat for three months simply by force-feeding day old pinks every ten days - wasn't going to let any starve. Once over the 3-4 month hump, they now eat w/ gusto. Just have to be patient.

I went out 2 days ago by a local lake and got PERFECT sized frogs... left in deli cups overnight with the red pigs.... No luck.... I ended up forcing mouse tails.... Thanks for the "support" I can do three months... They are turning out to be trickier than I had planned.

Graham