When to feed hatchlings

[dj091673]

I know that you wait until their first shed. I was just wondering how soon after that do you feed them. I have attempted to feed them a day or two after their shed and they strike at the food but will not eat eat. Do I need to wait longer or is there a trick to getting them to eat.

Thanks for your help

Danny

[stratus_020202]

I don't have much experience with hatch-lings, but I did pick up some 4 day old females at our last show. I fed them right after their shed, and the bigger one eats like a champ. The smaller one is pretty picky. I used live thinking the movement would help, but I just dangled it in front of her, and after striking it about 10 times she finally took.

I feed them every 5 days and the smaller one always takes awhile to eat hers. I would say just keep trying, eventually they'll get it. What size are you feeding? And, are you using live?

Hopefully some of the more experienced with chime it, I would love to hear how they do it.

[dj091673]

I have been attempting to feed them live rat pinks. I was told some people use small mice and these are about the same size.

[stratus_020202]

I used hopper mice. I think it's more movement and gets a bigger response out of the hatchlings. Maybe try that?

[jjhall8]

try feeding at night with the lights out

[dj091673]

If all else fails I will try that. I just don't breed mice that is why I haven't tried them.

Thanks again

[BallsUnlimited]

hoppers always get my hatchlings to start eating.

[RichsBallPythons]

Hatchlings IMO need to be started on Mice whether live or pre killed. Its got a more natural smell to them over rats do. Once they establish a good feeding habit you can switch them easily to fuzzy rats or rat pups when needed.

I have female 1 month old would not eat anything for 28 days. Finally laid a pre killed fuzzy mouse in her hide with her and she ate it 3 hours later. So yes thier first meals DONT have to be live but it helps.


I personally after 10 days from hatching offer meals if they shed or not. 90% of them take it no problems. Its all on you if you want to wait or not most will eat for you if they haven't shed.