Newbie from FL

[MootWorm]

I don't have any suggestions about feeding, but do yourself a favor and buy mice from an independent source, either a reptile shop or mom n pop pet store might have frozen on hand, or Craigslist if it's not too sketchy lol. Those petsmart mice work in a pinch, but they straight up ROB you. Not sure on your prices, but mine sells em for $12ish. Reptile shop is 1.25 each. You'll have enough for a good Tstat in a few weeks in what you'll save on feed lol.

[bigball23]

Yep, as long as he stays eating i dont care how eats. I still think hes a little on the thin side. i havent weighed him yet. but hes healthy i think.

Oh wow. Thanks for the tip. i never really paid much attention. ill have to swing by the reptile store close by once i run out and stock up for cheap.
Thanks

[bigball23]

Once again my guy is being a pain to feed. He hasnt eaten in a few week. Im assuming hes going in to shed soon, what do you guys think of him soaking like this?

[MsMissy]

Too deep I think? I'm still pretty new to this and like you, learning as I go along.

This is how I soak my girl: small tub with a locking lid, plenty of holes for air... Soft towel on the bottom and some warm water. She likes to go under the towel and slither through it. Probably feels good on her skin. 15 minutes or so with no air blowing directly on it.



*note* I'm probably not doing it right but she seems to take it pretty well.

[bigball23]

He was just soaking himself. But im still having feeding issues , he wont eat and it has been weeks.

[MsMissy]

Have you tried live? *note* I'm still kinda new at this and learning so these are my very uninformed noob-like suggestions.

I think I would clear the tank out a little, I.e. remove those black rocks perhaps? Change the bedding to maybe reptibark or Eco earth (that also helps humidity a bit) and go ahead and blacken the back and sides. You did say the tank is backed up against a corner, good thing but it's still very light in there...I think they prefer it kind of darker? One of the veteran guys could confirm that. Let him sit for a week with the adjustments, them offer live.

He doesn't look skinny but are you monitoring him for weight loss during this?

[Inarikins]

Actually, the clutter helps and anxious baby to calm down and relax. I would leave it in. But have you tried live? Do you have access to ASFs? I would also block out the sides.

[MsMissy]

Actually, the clutter helps and anxious baby to calm down and relax. I would leave it in. But have you tried live? Do you have access to ASFs? I would also block out the sides.

Clutter is great, I use vines and leaves to clutter mine, cover hide entrances etc. the rocks in his tank though I do not believe really count as 'clutter'? Lol, I think I clutter mine too well. Find myself with a flashlight looking to find the little hiding buggers.

[Libby]

You didn't say where in FL you are, but I can highly recommend Family Reptile in Lakeland and somewhat recommend Pinellas County Reptile (several locations). Pinellas County is good source of feeders/supplies, but sometimes give dubious advice. (Feeding in paper bag, etc.)

The thing that seems to make the most difference in feeding for my baby, as long as she's not in shed, is the temp of the rat itself. We use a temperature gun to check the rat after defrosting in hot water in a baggie, and she won't touch under 85F and shows stronger interest 90-95F. (She also goes total derp and strikes at the heat lamp if it's not off and turned away.)

There's lots of good advice on the forums about humidity, but I can tell you it gets harder as soon as you turn the air conditioning on for the summer!

Good luck!

[Annarose15]

You didn't say where in FL you are, but I can highly recommend Family Reptile in Lakeland and somewhat recommend Pinellas County Reptile (several locations). Pinellas County is good source of feeders/supplies, but sometimes give dubious advice. (Feeding in paper bag, etc.)

!

What is dubious about advising feeding in a paper bag? This can actually be a very good method for getting a non-feeding hatchling to eat. You put it in the bag with a small hopper mouse, put the bag back in the cage, and check the next morning. It provides security, close quarters for the prey, and is breathable material.