Hatchling Care?

[Spiderballs]

Hi,
I have two new hatchlings from different clutches. 1 is a normal that I think is about 3 weeks old that has eaten once. The other is a 1 week old spider. I have kept older bp's in the past so I understand proper husbandry but I've never dealt with one so young, let alone two.

I have a couple questions that kind of concern me because I want to get it right.

1st, Is it ok to keep them in the same enclosure for now? I have only one set up for at least a couple days until I can get the other stuff I need for a second. If I need to I suppose I could split the aquarium longways with a piece of cardboard giving both privacy and the ability to thermoregulate. They are cuddled up together most of the time but the 1 week old is very loathe to move much at all while the older one I have seen drink and go to the cool hide once or twice.

The other question is how long after hatching until the first shed cycle begins? I see no signs as of yet except he does scratch his nose on the hide box briefly. Do all brand new hatchlings feel a little soft and squishy before they've shed or eaten? I was worried perhaps he might be sick or it could be normal. It is pretty hard to find info on 1 week old ball pythons.

Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated! I want to give these two the best chance of being comfortable, happy balls as possible.

Thanks

[llovelace]

Hatchlings usually have their first shed 7-10 days after hatching, but this can vary.
How many meals did they take before you purchased them?

[Spiderballs]

The normal has eaten once and the spider has not shed yet or eaten.

I know its not wise to buy a snake that has not eaten but the guy who had them needed some to go asap. Plus, they both looked fairly healthy and I felt if they were left alone and not handled for a bit they would get comfortable they would eat.

7-10 days? The spider is about 10 days old and his eyes don't look foggy or anything. I dunno maybe I worry too much

[GoFride]

...the 1 week old is very loathe to move much at all while the older one I have seen drink and go to the cool hide once or twice.

What happens when you keep two (or more) together is the dominant one (king of the castle) may eat and drink, while smaller, younger, less dominant "roommates" may be too stressed to attempt to eat, drink, or even move. Separate them, however you can, so that baby has his/her own bowl and hide. Oh, and congratulations!

[Spiderballs]

Makes sense. Separating now, Thanks!

[Don]

Also, if they are new to your home, it might be best to leave them alone for several days before trying to feed them again. If the Spider has not shed, wait until about a week after she sheds to offer her food.

[Spiderballs]

it might be best to leave them alone for several days

Thanks. I am patiently employing a hands off policy probably for a few weeks until they have fed several times. Haha. Not easy to do but worth it if it would cause stress to them

The spider is taking big deep breaths. I hope thats not a symptom of RI, I lost one to that a couple years ago. He's not wheezing or popping or anything though, so he's probably ok. Im thinking he really is stressed from being in with the other one. He flinches when I move around the room. I got another set up and as soon as I clean everything and get the temp right I put him in his own castle.

[rabernet]

First, it was very irresponsible of the breeder to sell one before he got it started himself. You shouldn't be breeding if you aren't prepared to care for the babies that result from a breeding. There are only a handful of people that I would allow to take possession of one of my hatchlings before they've even had their first shed, much less their first meal, and that's only because I know them very well and they are experienced breeders with experience starting their own hatchlings. And that would only be if they insisted they wanted to take possession right away. OK - off that soap box.

Go to the BP Breeding Forum - there is a very good sticky on hatchling care written by Heather (Lady Ohh).