Got my tubs set up and a couple questions (pictures)

[SlitherinSisters]

I have them set up 1.2 per tub. I didn't realize that there was already one male in with the females and zillion babies so I left him in there. I took out two females who are about to give birth and put them in a tub with a male (who had been there for a little while). So now I'm just waiting for 4 females to get up to breeding size so I can make two more colonies.

When are they up to breeding size? Do you go by weight or age.

The babies eyes are open, I'm not sure how old they are, but when do you wean them? Maybe you can tell by the pictures.

Also, if they are going to kill the male, do they do it right away or not? They were kept in a 100 gallon tank all together before I got them.

The rack (I obviously need to order some more water system supplies)


Babies (believe it or not there are three adults in that pile as well!)


There's one!


Does this angel make my butt look big?




And I took some cute picture for you Jon! This cute little guy was such a ham! I think he enjoyed the photo shoot and seemed to like being pet. I haven't been bit yet and have pet most of them. I also haven't been wearing gloves. I don't know if that's a really bad idea or not.....

[SlitherinSisters]

Gosh dang it! I do that every dang time! I even thought about it with I was typing
I meant angle, not angel

[NotaMallard]

Looking good! I love those pictures of the male. The babies look a bit skinnier than they should, though. I'd wean the babies after another two weeks or so. Like I said, they look skinny, they need some milk before weaning.
I go by weight (more like looks) when it comes to determining if they're at breeding size. You'll notice a big difference in coat type after the babies reach juvie size, and a few weeks after that they'll suddenly fatten up and get that "adult" look.

[SlitherinSisters]

Yeah I'm not incredibly shocked that they are underweight. They belonged to the lady's husband who suddenly died. I'm sure she had more things to worry about than the ASFs unfortunately. All the adults looks nice and fat. You can tell that one litter is larger/healthier than the other.

Thanks for the info. I'll let them fatten up a couple weeks or so before weaning them!

[edgarboy]

My wife and I buy the mixed bird seed food and feed that to the baby hoppers along with their rodent food. It seems to teach them how to search for food and fatten them up a little when they wean. For the adults we give them usually once a week as a treat, they love the different kinds of grains and nuts and even dehydrated fruit.

[PurplePython]

It's too bad ASF's have to be so cute looking lol.

[twh]

is that 1/2" hardware cloth? if so your going to lose young ones if you haven't already.

i wean at mouse hopper size,appox. a week after they open there eyes,this gives the mom a break before the next litter.

[SlitherinSisters]

is that 1/2" hardware cloth? if so your going to lose young ones if you haven't already.

i wean at mouse hopper size,appox. a week after they open there eyes,this gives the mom a break before the next litter.

Yeah....I found that out. I have the babies in a large plastic tub right now for that very reason!!! I'll be making another rack with 1/4 inch hardware cloth soon!

[twh]

Yeah....I found that out. I have the babies in a large plastic tub right now for that very reason!!! I'll be making another rack with 1/4 inch hardware cloth soon!

as a quick fix you could lay another piece of 1/2" hardware cloth on top slightly offset so the openings are half size then wire it in place.have fun !

[suzuki4life]

babies look fine to me...

once their eyes open you should separate. They will be competing for food and even if there is enough you don't want that with adults around.