hatchling feeding tips request

[merdcme]

will anyone share some secrets to getting hatchling to take their first meals?
thanks in advance

[don15681]

keep them in something small, like a 6 qt tub from wal-mart. wait about a week after they shed to feed them. get them to take live before f/t. don't try to feed them something too small, they might not see it as food. most important, don't panic, when one doesn't feed right away. give them a few days between trying to feed. If a hatchling is a normal size, I wait 30 days after shedding before I consider assist feeding, so don't panic. most of the hatchlings I had to assist feed, became great eaters once they started. this is what works for me, good luck, don

[WingedWolfPsion]

Try rat fuzzies 2 to 3 times, and if that doesn't work, then try mouse hoppers. Make sure the baby has an appropriate hide. Feed at night, at least a half hour after the lights go out. Don't hover--toss the food in with minimal fuss, and leave. Do not uncover the hatchlings if they are hiding.

If the hatchling still won't eat after 3 weeks after its shed, fill the bin with crumpled paper, wait a day, and try again with a mouse crawler. If that fails, assist-feeding is in order.

Be prepared to assist-feed if you get a holdout that simply will not eat. Generally after one or two assist-feeds, the hatchling will begin taking food on its own. Seems some of them need a 'jump-start'. It's rare--exhaust other methods first. Do not, however, wait so long that the hatchling begins to look too thin. Assist-feeding is stressful, and if it has to be done, it should be done while the hatchling is still strong and healthy.

[stratus_020202]

Try a mouse hopper. It's a little small I think, as my babies are usually out moving around after 24 hrs. But, they move really well and can get the hatchling into feeding mode. A few of those, and they'll be ready for something bigger.

[mykee]

Live hopper mouse.
Pay attention while it's in there.