Quote Originally Posted by Alicia View Post
I second getting smaller hides. That can make a WORLD of difference. Also, what temperature are they at? By tubs, you mean 6 qt, shoe box tubs, right?

As someone who has pretty good luck starting babies on f/t, here's what I do (please note that this refers only to healthy babies, not preemies or hatchlings that had problems):

Every baby has its own shoe box and baby hide. I use RB Small Hide for hatchies. Each tub starts with paper towel, because it's quicker maintenance for me. Quicker maintenance for me = less stress for them. My hatchling rack runs at 87 degrees. Some people run warmer, but I've had more success about there.

After the shed, I wait a whole seven days before offering a f/t (and warmed) mouse hopper. I warm under an incandescent bulb. Babies who are secure in their hides act just like adults, sitting in the hide with their heads or noses poking out. I quietly lay the hopper in each tub after dark, no zombie dancing for babies, and walk away until the following morning. I wait an entire week again and repeat, without changing prey. If a baby doesn't eat within three offerings, I switch the substrate to aspen and repeat. If after a couple more weeks the baby does not eat, I use a live crawler mouse, between fuzzy and hopper size, as I've found that the babies who don't eat for me under this system tend to be my shyest babies -- actually too nervous for hopper mice.

So, I'd really suggest fixing the hides before trying a new species of prey.
Thanks everyone! I'll try smaller hides. We have their hot spot at 91 degrees, and yes, they are in their own 6qt tubs.