Hatchling Feeding Question

[jimbravo9]

I had a six for six hatch recently with 4 spiders and 2 normals. All shed at 10 days after hatch. All are in their own 6 quart with temps at 90 warm end 82 cool with a water bowl and hides. I have them on aspen.

My problem is they are just about three weeks old and only two of the spiders have eaten. They all appear outwardly healthy and look great and are active. In regards to the other four when should I start to think about an assist feed? I've tried rat pinks/fuzzies and live hopper mice so far. I give it a few days between attempts.

Thanks

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I generally do not consider assisting before 6 to 8 weeks based of course in the general condition of the animal and whether or not yolk was fully absorbed.

Do not offer food too often only offer food once a week to those who are not yet started and preferably offer live hooper mice for now and worry about rats later.

[sho220]

Great advise above...Did you record their hatch weight? That's a good idea so you can keep track of any weight loss...

[jimbravo9]

Great advise above...Did you record their hatch weight? That's a good idea so you can keep track of any weight loss...

I did record birth weights on all. No weight loss as of yet.

Thanks for the quick responses.

[sho220]

I did record birth weights on all. No weight loss as of yet.

Thanks for the quick responses.

I wouldn't get too concerned yet. Odds are they'll start eating, if not you'll get some experience on how to get them going! Like Deborah said, don't offer food too often and limit handling and they'll probably come around. Good luck and keep us posted.