Hatchling Non-Eaters

[boasandballs]

Ok, taking your suggestions into consideration, I need to keep the snake in their same tube, leave the hide in, and feed the same thing as the breeder was feeding them. I breed ASF’s, but because the breeder told me he used mice pinks I’ll go out and buy some and try to use those. Thanks, I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

mice pinks are to small try hopper mice, maybe fuzzy mice.

[Rije682]

I was thinking the same thing but thats what he(the breeder) said he fed them, I'll upgrade though, mouse hoppers it is.

[boasandballs]

I was thinking the same thing but thats what he(the breeder) said he fed them, I'll upgrade though, mouse hoppers it is.

Could he have meant pinky rats? That I could see. But I like hopper mice best. They hop around and that gets the snakes feeding response going.

[Rije682]

Well I bought a couple mouse hoppers and had no luck with feeding them. One of the babies died and over a week later and the second is still refusing food.

[stratus_020202]

I'm so sorry for your loss. If they aren't eating, and dieing then I would sure be trying to assist feed. It's not the best resort, but if it's all you can do, then do it. There are video's on YouTube and most vets will show you how to do it if you can find a good herp vet in your area.

Get something in it's stomach before it passes away. Are you weighing her, to keep track of how much she is loosing?

[WingedWolfPsion]

Very odd, I cannot imagine any breeder starting ball pythons on pinky mice. Something sounds fishy, there.

[Clint Bundy]

Pinky rats would be the smallest thing i would offer. Unless they were twins then I could see offering a little smaller. I would be a little cautious buying hatchlings that small anyway. The stress of going to a new cage and the ride and everything else will take a toll on hatchlings. I wouldn't buy anyhting that hasn't eaten atleast 6 times. Just my personal rule and a rule that a lot of breeders I know follow also. I am soory for your loss. I would definately be trying to assist feed thte other little one.

[Rije682]

Thanks, I've never gotten anything this small before either. The breeder assured me that they had all had multiple meals with no problems. Having said that I have learned my lesson and will not be buying anything this small ever again.

[WingedWolfPsion]

All the 'wait until next week' advice does NOT apply to such tiny hatchlings. It's very important to get them feeding within 2 weeks of bringing them home (or sooner, depending on their condition), or assisting is necessary.

I wait 2 to 3 days between feeding attempts with small ones. Assist-feeding has had a good track record for me--done properly, it can get most hatchlings eating on their own after one or two assist-feeds. Never force feed, and always be aware of how delicate the babies are--avoid breaking teeth, or using too much pressure which may tear the throat lining when you put the pinky rat in the back of their mouth.

I do send hatchlings out after 3 feedings, but I feed my hatchlings rapid-fire, every other day or every 3 days, when I start them--so they're bulky. You would be absolutely amazed by how fast they grow on this schedule. I believe it's better to feed hatchlings up as often as they'll eat for the first month or two, to get some bulk on them so they can withstand stresses and short fasting periods.

It's possible the hatchlings you bought DID eat multiple meals with no problem. But, what were they eating, and how often? In a brand new place, how much reserve did they have to draw on while they get used to it?