hatchling feeding

[jharris08]

I just had my first clutch of bp hatch..all the hatchlings have shed a couple days ago...how long do they usually take before eating? I already offered a some mouse crawlers and 2 of them did eat, but the rest still seem too stressed out, so I figured I would leave them alone for a few days and try again. Is this normal? Im thinking I probably offered food too soon anyways??

[MarkS]

I generally offer right after they've shed. If they eat then good, if not then try later. I like to use live mouse hoppers as a first meal, they're more active then crawlers and catch the notice of the snakes better.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

First feed can happen the day they shed and can take as long as several week.

A few pointers

Make sure that the temps are not too hot, a hot spot of 88 in a 6 quarts tub is ideal, hotter then that and it really does allow proper gradient temps since the tubs are so small.

Use aspen as bedding, if offers added security allowing hatchling to burrow themselves in.

Do not offer to often once a week for now and once they are eating and are consistent you can offer more often.

Offer the proper size food (not sure what you call a mouse crawler since crawler refer to rats), ideal prey for an hatchling out of the egg is a hopper mouse or crawler rat.

Make sure they remain well hydrated.

Add crumble newspaper if needed or add a small 6 inches plastic flower pot saucer for added security.

If after 3 feeds some still refuse, offer a different prey (rat or asf)

Be patient, keep an eye on them.

With an average healthy BP that is well hydrated I do not contemplate assisting before at least 6 to 8 weeks after their first shed so they can go a while.

[Freakie_frog]

After they shed I set them up in their own 6qt tub, let them settle in for a week then prescent the room and offer a rat fuzzy (they need the movement to key in on). if they eat great if not give them 4-5 days and offer again. 9:10 times they will eat by their 3rd or 4th offering. Ive had them take their rat the first week first offering and then I've had them have to be assist fed for weeks before they will eat. Also mice hoppers are snake crack, feed them once or twice on those then offer a rat chubby the next time.