Hatchling Questions..

[cdavidson9]

Hi guys,

Had a nice clutch of four eggs hatch 15days ago to this day (10/13). Two black pastels and two normals. Mom was in the 1300g range so the eggs and babies were on the small side. Two normals and one black were all 57g and the last black girl was only 37g.

First off, only one of the better size hatchling s has taken a hopper, others have not yet. How long do i continue to offer until I switch to assist feeding? I would hate to stress them.. But I just don't know when enough is enough.

Second, the small runt Black Pastel STILL hasn't shed yet. She is still in the Incubator on wet paper towels and as of this morning hasn't even blued out yet. 15 days! What's the longest u have seen one go?? Should I be worried? She is extremely active and responsive.. She tries to tag me pretty much ALL the time.

I really appreciate any advice. First clutch so I'm a novice. I can post pics if need be. THANK YOU!!!

[cdavidson9]

Please... Anybody? I'm worried about the little one. I have never heard of a hatchling going two weeks w out a shed. Also when is too long w out eating??

[Annarose15]

Are the non-eaters losing weight? I starting offering mine a week after their sheds. My runt that wouldn't eat, I let go a month post-shed before assisting because she had lost 30% of her hatching weight.

Have you tried offering to the girl that hasn't shed? Her attempts to tag you could mean she would eat, and I don't think it's set in stone that you have to wait until post-shed to offer.

Also, make sure you are waiting at least 3-4 days between attempts to feed. Offering too frequently will just further stress them and deter feeding.

You can search this forum for tons more info on feeding tricks that have been discussed repeatedly (leaving food in overnight, etc.).

[cdavidson9]

They haven't lost any weight yet at all. And yes I have offered the tiny one food as well and she just strikes at it. I'll leave them alone for 3 or 4 days and see if theyll take. Also have left the hoppers in there over night as well, twice. If they don't eat in a month and start to lose the weight then I will try assisting. Thanks!

[LadyOhh]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...77#post1576077

[CoolioTiffany]

They all will take food eventually at their own time, as well as shedding. Are you offering live or F/T? Usually, or so I've heard, that live hoppers are like candy to hatchlings. If you haven't tried live, or more so live hoppers, then I would give that a shot. I would start out with live rat pinks first.

I would wait another couple weeks to begin assist feeding if those babies still end up not eating for you. Sometimes little Balls can get funky. Good luck with getting them to eat. Can be frustrating at times .

[cdavidson9]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...77#post1576077

Amazing thread here Heather. Much appreciated and I truly do feel more at ease now with my babes.

Just one other question, u said if the hatchling does not end up shedding after a few weeks or so, in which as stated above mine is currently at 15 days.. What would u consider I end up doing in that I would then be in "danger mode"? Btw, I love ur terminology.. Lol. I hope and seriously doubt it would happen but just wondering what u had done at that stage.. If u have ever been to that stage.

Again, amazing post and thanks for putting me at ease!