Hatchling question

[elimillz]

I got my hatchling yesterday and she was fed about a week ago. She is 70g. When should I feed her again? I want her to eat but im afraid she wont considering she's still getting used to her new home.

[thejennabird]

I would recommend waiting a week. Let her get settled in. Your snake won't starve in the meantime and it will increase your chances of first feeding success if your snake is hungry. Of course, offering before then only costs you a rat if she refuses to eat it, though offering it may stress her out. In other words, there's no harm in waiting.

[Sauzo]

My pied girl ate after 2 days but she is a beast for food. If your snake looks settled in and is out cruising at night looking like its looking for food and you don't mind possibly wasting a mouse/rat, then give it a shot. I fed Dottie every 3-4 days when she was a 102g baby. Then when she hit 400-500g I dropped her down to once a week. Otherwise most people recommend waiting a week before trying.

[elimillz]

Thanks. Shes also breathing heavy. Is that stress related?

[200xth]

I got my hatchling yesterday and she was fed about a week ago. She is 70g. When should I feed her again? I want her to eat but im afraid she wont considering she's still getting used to her new home.

I usually try feeding them the day I get them (or the next day). It lets me see how they're doing. If they eat, great.. If they don't eat that first time, then I just close them up for a week and leave them alone, only opening it up to check the water a couple of times.

[elimillz]

I would recommend waiting a week. Let her get settled in. Your snake won't starve in the meantime and it will increase your chances of first feeding success if your snake is hungry. Of course, offering before then only costs you a rat if she refuses to eat it, though offering it may stress her out. In other words, there's no harm in waiting.

Shes also breathing heavy. Why do they do that? Is it because theyre stressed, or sick?

[Albert Clark]

The bp is breathing heavy, most likely because its in a unfamiliar environment. Are you sure its heavy and not just fast? Remember that a hatchling's respiratory rate is naturally fast as is the heart rate. Bp is in acclimating mode in new surroundings. Stay in peace and not pieces.