Is he too teeny tiny ?

[mamaodie]

I've been reading post on post on post gleaning all the information I can. I apologize if I'm repeating, but I just can't settle. I got my baby pastel last week, he weighed 50 grams and was hatched out 6 weeks prior. He isn't eating yet for me, but I'm working to correct any husbandry issues I may be failing. He is now down to 49 grams.

Currently he's in a room that ranges from 78 to 81 over the course of a 24 hour period. 20L tank. Humidity between 50 and 60. His cool side sits right at 80 +/- tenths of a degree according to temp gun, warm side about 88 with Temps of 90 to 92 in the hide (uth to achieve). Two small water dishes on either end. Two identical caves on opposite sides and large mopani logs to clutter up. I havery a light hanging about 2 feet above the screen set on a 12/12 schedule. He comes out at night and cruises around for a bit, seems Uber curious about everything, lays across the mopani a bit then hides away again. During the day he is tight squished in the cool side hide.

Out of ignorance I've tried to feed him three time. I recognize the error now. The ad I responded to said he was 4 months eating rat pups, but when I picked him up I was told he ate live mice. I've offered a live rat pinky, live mouse (it was too big for sure), and f/t fuzzy mouse. Snek buddy here wasn't the slightest bit interested in his offerings, but after reading here I understand it may be stress of the move.

He doesn't seem to show signs of going into shed.

My point here is that he is so teeny, should I be thinking of other options? Should I worry that he is too thin? His belly is concave a d it seems his spine is protruding.

I hate to disturb him, but I will include photos for reference... once I figure out how...

[mamaodie]

clear eyes

concave belly

his back

little tail

is that his egg tooth?

[mrbugz_bunny]

not sure if it's just me, but I don't think your photos showed up.

[mamaodie]

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Yes he is that's the size out of the egg for your average hatchling, he is not eating and won't be if you do not change your setup entirely and this is very important to do it ASAP.

Do this to a T http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-hatchling-101

Did you buy it as unstarted? What did the breeder tell you about feeding habits?

[PitOnTheProwl]

^---Deb has it right there.
That is a hatchling and probably has not ever eaten.
Live small hopper mouse does it almost every time.

[mamaodie]

I was told he was hatched June 6th, but the ad for him stated he was 4 months old. When I called I was told he was eating rat pups, but when I got there I was told small mice. I have nowhere local to purchase anything live smaller than an adult mouse. I have been searching craigslist with no luck. Any suggestions?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I was told he was hatched June 6th, but the ad for him stated he was 4 months old. When I called I was told he was eating rat pups, but when I got there I was told small mice. I have nowhere local to purchase anything live smaller than an adult mouse. I have been searching craigslist with no luck. Any suggestions?

First you need to completely change your setup and follow the link provided that will give you a week to find food, try craigslist, and reptile stores or those that sell feeders.

[mamaodie]

Even if I can find a hopper for him, should I wait a week to try to feed him again? If I have to move him into the small box wont he need the time to acclimate?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Even if I can find a hopper for him, should I wait a week to try to feed him again? If I have to move him into the small box wont he need the time to acclimate?

Yes that is why you need to follow everything switch, wait a week (NO HANDLING), than offer food.

Chances are if he was 50 grams when you purchased him, he never ate or at least not more than once.

Usually breeders sell animals that have at least 3 to 5 meals in them, and in cases when they hatch out extremely small (in the 40, 50 grams range) I myself wait even longer and I do not let them go until they reach at least 75 grams, especially if I sell an animal to a new owner.

It can be fixed but it's important to do it rapidely because while older bigger animals can go a while without food, an unstarted hatchling or barely feeding one that is that small can't.