Assist feeding question

[RestlessRobie]

X2 on the setup needs to be changed. You need at least one more hide and aspen or some other substrate the can burrow in is a must. I am not a fan of tubs like to see my snakes but for those little guys you could put a tub in the tanks untill the get a little more regular with thier feeding. Remember baby snakes are food for biger snakes so security is very very important. I would also cover 3 sides of your aquarium at least until you move to a 20-40 gal at that point you have enuff room to put driftwood and fake plants to offer the security you snake will need. Your big girl is well established and comfortable where she is but the breeder I am sure kept your little ones in tubs. I have had luck after several feedings 3-5 switching to F/T no problem but only after the security/husbandry was taken care of. I hope this helps and love the look of youe littel guys
Robie

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Forgot to ask - they're okay eating in aspen? I thought that wasn't a good idea.

It will be fine

[JulieInNJ]

Last question (I swear!) - after the security issue is taken care of, do you think I should stick with the f/t ? Or try switching to live, then back to f/t?

[RestlessRobie]

I would stick to F/T if that is what you want to feed them. Make sure the food is warm enuff to register as prey about 100f thermal gun is a must here but it should feel warm to the touch. And do the zombie dance and should work great.
Robie

[JulieInNJ]

Thank you all so much. It didn't even dawn on me that it may be a security issue. I just thought they were super small/young. I'll follow up and let you know how it works!

[JulieInNJ]

So here's what happened. Changed the set-ups and moved from tanks to tubs. Humidity and temps are steady. After a few days to settle in, today was chow time. And here's how we did...

My little boy had his first strike! It was a little off center and got my tongs, but he did it nonethelesss.



Yep, that's his mouth around the tongs. Gently got him off, wiggled the mouse again, and he had his first successful strike!

But as for my little girl, she was interested but didn't strike. Had to do an assist feed. But she scarfed it down as soon as her mouth opened!



So we're making progress, slowly but surely. Thanks everyone!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Glad to hear it worked out for you

[Jessica Loesch]

Wow they are small. Glad to hear the boy is up and running ... girl should not be too far behind, good luck!

[JulieInNJ]

Wow they are small. Glad to hear the boy is up and running ... girl should not be too far behind, good luck!

They were super tiny when we got them. They're both up 10g in three weeks!

[Jessica Loesch]

10g in three weeks isn't much, but as long as they are gaining !