Baby has not shed yet

[Jay_Bunny]

Its been almost 2 weeks since little Rubii hatched. She hatched out on 7-7-09. She's moving around her tub to regulate her temperature and I'm keeping the paper towel slightly damp to help with humidity, but she's not showing any signs of shedding. I don't want her to go too long without food. Should I go ahead and feed her, or wait. She's so tiny. I can't imagine her going too long without something to eat. She only weighs 37g.

[Jay_Bunny]

Anyone? I'm really worried about her. I lost all her siblings while they were still in the egg and I don't want to lose her too.

[Jay_Bunny]

So no one has had experience with a hatchling that hasn't shed 2 weeks after hatching?

[adrenalinejunkie]

I don't have any experience with hatchlings yet; but if it has been 2 weeks already it couldn't hurt to try feeding a small meal, probably would be better if it was live. Good luck with her!

[dr del]

Hi,

Has she went through any part of the shedding cycle at all?

I would try offering some food I think. But don't be surprised if she doesn't take it.

The first shed skin is really thin and "velvety" compared to normal sheds so I don't see the same problems arrising from it being retained a little longer than usual - but someone please correct me on that if I am wrong.


dr del

[WingedWolfPsion]

Do you have a photo? Are you completely sure she hasn't shed? There's a very distinctive difference in appearance after that first shed. Sometimes the shed can be found stuck to the underside of a hide, or even under a water bowl, depending on the type of bowl.

Usually hatchlings emerge with a stomach full of egg yolk to live off of for a few weeks. They often don't eat until 4 days to a week after their first shed. Is she opaque at all? I have a clutch that hatched out 5 days ago, and the first ones are already starting to go opaque.

[Jay_Bunny]

I will get a picture right now for you.

[Lucas339]

i had one go over a month without sheding.

[Jay_Bunny]

Here are four pictures of Rubii. She doesn't seem to be getting darker and her eyes are still shiny black.

[Jay_Bunny]

But they can't possibly go that long without food, can they? She's so tiny. Would it hurt to try and get her to eat something? A mouse pinky or fuzzy?