First Time eating, rats, mice, or ASFs

[ClarkT]

What's the success rate on new babies eating rats for their first meal?

[WingedWolfPsion]

I'll clarify my poll response: MOST of my babies take rats for their first few meals. The few that refuse rats a couple times in a row, are then offered a mouse. Most of the babies that refused rats will take mice when they're offered. I have only had one go on to refuse mice a couple times, and then accept an ASF. (She was easy to switch to rats, once started).

I only have a small handful of problem eaters each year that don't really want to eat any of the above. Some have to be assisted, but so far, I have not yet had any fail to start eating on their own. (A few were sold as difficult starters not feeding on their own, but the new owner always later reported that they got them started).

[Emilio]

95% of my hatchlings this year got started on rat pinks. The key is to get fresh pinks that have not been away from mom long that way they are moving and energetic.

[ClarkT]

My question stems from preparing for our first breeding season. I just want to know if I need to worry about a small ASF or mouse colony for the babies. And if so, the percentage of babies that won't eat rats at first is great to know. Thanks for responses.

[jjmitchell]

I would worry more about havin pinks on hand (in quantity ) than nearly anything else hopper size mice are easy to come by... and asf would be a hard route to go... I have a small colony of asfers.... but dont think i would offer those to babies....

[ClarkT]

So now I have a few more questions...

-How many times to you let them refuse rat pinks before you give them a mouse?
-How frequently do you try the rat pinks? (once ever other day? once/wk? once/3-4 days?)
-How long after their first shed do you wait before you give in and let them have a mouse?

[chago11]

I'll clarify my poll response: MOST of my babies take rats for their first few meals. The few that refuse rats a couple times in a row, are then offered a mouse. Most of the babies that refused rats will take mice when they're offered. I have only had one go on to refuse mice a couple times, and then accept an ASF. (She was easy to switch to rats, once started).

I only have a small handful of problem eaters each year that don't really want to eat any of the above. Some have to be assisted, but so far, I have not yet had any fail to start eating on their own. (A few were sold as difficult starters not feeding on their own, but the new owner always later reported that they got them started).

how do you get the problem feeder to eat?