First Time Eaters Hatchling Help

[Galaxygirl]

We attempted the first feeding for our hatchlings last night. It's been almost a week since they've been in their tubs/shed. We used F/T mouse hoppers around 10g. All of the hatchlings were out cruising their tub. We tried offering it to them and ended up just dropping it in each of their tubs after none of them showed interest. They have a hid box and a big water bowl to fill the space of their tub, but I know that they dont like the hide because it's too big, and they ususally wedge themself between the wall of the tub and the hide box instead. This morning we checked and only 1/6 ate. Is this typical? Any tips? We were thinking of trying rat pinks next, maybe changing their hide?

[bcr229]

Either give them smaller hides that they just barely fit into, or give them aspen substrate that is deep enough so that they can bury themselves. They need to feel secure before they will eat.

[Albert Clark]

We attempted the first feeding for our hatchlings last night. It's been almost a week since they've been in their tubs/shed. We used F/T mouse hoppers around 10g. All of the hatchlings were out cruising their tub. We tried offering it to them and ended up just dropping it in each of their tubs after none of them showed interest. They have a hid box and a big water bowl to fill the space of their tub, but I know that they dont like the hide because it's too big, and they ususally wedge themself between the wall of the tub and the hide box instead. This morning we checked and only 1/6 ate. Is this typical? Any tips? We were thinking of trying rat pinks next, maybe changing their hide?

I would try separating all of them to their own tub and their own hide. Invariably, most hatchlings have a appetite for live over f/t. Go with the live for the first couple of feedings. Some will switch over to f/t eventually but there will be some stubborn ones who only want live. Its just a process. Stay in peace and not pieces. A.C.

[Alicia]

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.

[Galaxygirl]

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.

[BrianDallek]

I notice much stronger feeding response when I heat the rats/mice up to around 90-95 degrees with a blowdryer. careful though with small feeders cause they heat up fast.

[Alicia]

Thanks everyone! I'll try smaller hides. We have their hot spot at 91 degrees, and yes, they are in their own 6qt tubs.

Hopefully that does the trick! Be patient, but don't balk at trying live if you can't get them to start voluntarily on f/t.

Also, I'd say go ahead and knock their temp down two degrees to 89. It may make them more inclined to sit in their hides, and lower temps may allow warmed f/t to show up better for them.

[C2tcardin]

I've had one recently, a 55 gram female, that would only eat mice crawlers for the first month or so. Once I had her comfortable with the crawlers I bumped her up to very small fuzzies then after a week on those offered a f/t hopper and she made the switch. Sometimes with hatchlings you just have to get them started on live then make the switch.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Live hopper mice will do it every time.
Keep an eye on their weight if you want to continue trying f/t.

[Galaxygirl]

Is it safe to leave them through the night with a live Mouse Hopper?