Rescuing a Baby Dumerils

I'll try to make a long story shorter:
My sister-in-law acquired a baby dumerils from a local guy, because she works with his wife and was told about them. Apparently, the wife was already concerned, because her jerk of a husband has been so careless with snakes in the past, and has let previous litters just die because he doesn't want to make the effort of feeding them, let alone separating them, heating them, etc...He basically keeps the breeding pair together 24/7 and occasionally notices babies have been born. So my sister in law took one in. Under her care, her little lady is thriving!
Fast forward: my sister-in-law texts me saying her friend at work informed her that while 3 of the babies are still somehow alive, after never having had a first meal at just over 2 months old, one has recently died, she doesn't believe the rest will last through winter, or much longer at all, especially under her husband's care. That's where my husband and I come in. Apparently there is a wee "runt" who is about half the size of the others... and we are going to try and save him along with one of his siblings.

My main concerns... these babies have never eaten before, and I know its a risk taking them on. Dumerils seem to be picky, finicky eaters already, and this doesn't help things...
I want to give them time to settle in, but they've never even eaten before, and it looks as though food soon is critical. Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom? Any experience with bringing back a failing dumerils in the past? Anything would be appreciated, thanks!

Dums typically feed voraciously. I would set them up in a hatchling tub like a ball python but with the hot side around 83-84*F. Give them deep enough aspen so they can bury themselves.

After 48 hours offer each a live mouse fuzzy (or pinky if that's more appropriate for the runt) at sunset. You can leave it in overnight, as they are too small to hurt the snake.

Am I the only one thinking his guy should be called in and have the snakes removed?

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Originally Posted by BPGator

Am I the only one thinking his guy should be called in and have the snakes removed?

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It depends on how well educated the local animal control officers are. Some are clueless about exotic pet hudbandry and are out of their depth if the animal isn't either cute and furry, or livestock.

Also bear in mind many animal shelters don't have the facilities to house exotic pets.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Dums typically feed voraciously. I would set them up in a hatchling tub like a ball python but with the hot side around 83-84*F. Give them deep enough aspen so they can bury themselves.

After 48 hours offer each a live mouse fuzzy (or pinky if that's more appropriate for the runt) at sunset. You can leave it in overnight, as they are too small to hurt the snake.

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Hatchling tub and in a shoe box sized tub, right? That's what a few of my hatchling BP's are in now, so that's do-able. But I figured that wouldn't be enough space....hmm. How long would you recommend him being in there?

As for calling the guy in, our local animal control doesn't really provide exotic services. Not to mention, I'd feel terrible, as this poor lady has already stuck her neck out for the snakes and irritated her husband. I feel like if he were to be notified, it would trace back her and not be so good...just things to consider.

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Originally Posted by VanSickel_Balls

Hatchling tub and in a shoe box sized tub, right? That's what a few of my hatchling BP's are in now, so that's do-able. But I figured that wouldn't be enough space....hmm. How long would you recommend him being in there?

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Neonates should fit just fine in those tubs. How long to keep them in there depends on how fast they grow.

The important thing now is to get them feeling secure and eating.

No experience or advice, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for the babies!


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[emoji22] Poor babies... definitely keep us posted!!


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