Hatchling care question

[samh0114]

I have 8 eggs in the incubator, that should hatch in about two weeks and I am trying to be as prepared as possible. I have done a lot of research but I would like to get other opinions from you guys on here. What is the best temp for a hatchling ball python? What should the hot spot be and ambient temp? Also, how wet should the paper towel in the hatchlings tub be? Thank you.

[don15681]

my hatchling rack has a 90 hotspot, and around 82 air temp. paper towel for bedding that is really damp also a small water bowl. once they have their first shed, I switch to dry paper towel. and offer food a few days later. I check on them often but handle as little as possible until they eat a few times.

[samh0114]

my hatchling rack has a 90 hotspot, and around 82 air temp. paper towel for bedding that is really damp also a small water bowl. once they have their first shed, I switch to dry paper towel. and offer food a few days later. I check on them often but handle as little as possible until they eat a few times.

Thanks, whats the best way to get your paper towel damp. Do you spray it or put it under the sink? how can you tell when it is wet enough. Also is the 90 hot spot the temp on top of the paper towel or below. Thanks again for the help

[samh0114]

One more thing. Is it alright if each baby gets its own tub in the hatchling rack or is it better to leave them together in one tub until their first shed?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I do

78 cool side and 88 hot spot or just 84/85 ambient no hot spot (depends on the time of the year).

Tub setup: together on damp paper towel until their first shed.

Afterward individually on aspen.

[don15681]

Thanks, whats the best way to get your paper towel damp. Do you spray it or put it under the sink? how can you tell when it is wet enough. Also is the 90 hot spot the temp on top of the paper towel or below. Thanks again for the help

One more thing. Is it alright if each baby gets its own tub in the hatchling rack or is it better to leave them together in one tub until their first shed?

I get the paper towel wet with the water in their water bowl. it's close to the right temp. and then I just add or renew this water in the bowl. you're wetting it for extra humidity for that first shed. as long as they aren't sitting in very wet conditions you should be ok. when measuring temps for a hot spot. always the tub surface at the hottest point. I always separate my hatchlings as soon as possible. some breeder do leave them until their first shed. my reason is most won't feed until they shed and it gives them time to adjust and some may feed a little sooner. I know a few breeders who even leave them with each other and in the incubator until they shed or close to it. as long as they have enough fresh air, what ever works. good luck don

[samh0114]

Awesome! Thank you guys so much. I will post some pics when everyone is out in a couple weeks.