What do I do with this poor baby?

[zina10]

The thought that I had been "swindled" did cross my mind when he started looking poorly. The breeder had said that he bought him to breed, but changed his mind about which morph he wanted to go with. Also, he had been marked down $50, which I assumed was because there were so many BPs on display at the show. I did ask about a health guarantee, and he kinda hesitated and said "yeah, I'll do two weeks." I realize now that I should have asked more questions. When I saw him I fell in love, but if I had known he wasn't an established eater or that feeders were banned here I would never have taken him.

So if I understand correctly the general consensus is that I should perfect my husbandry, leave him be for a while (how long?) And offer smaller F/T

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If it was mine, I would make sure husbandry (incl. privacy) is spot on asap. Then wait a couple of days (2 to 3) then try another LIVE hopper "if" you can find another one.

Simply because, he was willing to take that before (just to weak to get it down).

Ideally, he would take another one and may have the strength to get it down. If that works, I would try another 2 to 3 feedings with hoppers before trying f/t.

Of course, that is IF you can find live ones..

[hollowlaughter]

When you say wasting babies that never get to eating on their own, do you mean there's a chance he won't ever eat on his own?

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As zina mentioned, yours has attempted to eat on its own, so he's not of that grouping. Underweight for the age and other issues, but not that one.

But rarely, in some clutches, there will be babies that never eat or are extremely stubborn to get started and spend months being assist/force fed; yes. IIRC these are often the smaller eggs of the clutches, animals with defects from before they were hatched, so on.

[LindsayMichelle]

We'll need more specific information on the setup you have, pics would be best.

Specific questions:

• How are you heating? UTH? CHE? RHP?
• What's the temp on the cold side and the hot side?
• What's the size of the tub?
• What's the animal given for security options? (Hides? How many? Plant cover? Which substrate? Tub sides blacked out?)

So pics of the animal and also the setup will help us possibly root out issues on your end, which is all we can really do. Seems to be some issues on breeder side as well, based on the information you've given, but nothing to be done about that. All we can focus on right now is trying to rectify what might be causing the animal to have these reactions.

Going into the vet and getting a checkup and fecal screen no matter what is also advisable.

Ok so here is my setup right now. It is a 28qt sterilite tub. I was given a zoomed heating pad and the one thermometer/hygrometer for a rub setup and told it was all I needed. The heating pad was too small I think, the temps were too low. So I started using a regular heating pad (temporarily and under strict supervision) and the temp was perfect. I'm going out today and can get whatever else he needs, which I understand is a new heating source, 2 more thermometers, a thermostat, plant cover, another hide and moisture retaining substrate. Any recommendations on specific products (economical is appreciated, but not necessary)?

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[Quahog]

If you can, look for an infrared temp gun . I like the Klein Tools temp gun since it takes dual reading, though can be a bit on the pricey side at $59.99 USD. Ryobi is also a good brand, and other keepers have great recommendations too for different budgets. It will really help with getting temps spot on for your little guy. And you mentioned getting another hide and some plants, that's great !

Are you getting a thermostat as well? Sorry if I'm being redundant about supplies you may already have!

Good luck to you As others have said, you're doing great trying to get this noodle on the right track, I'm rooting for you!

[Caali]

Ok so here is my setup right now. It is a 28qt sterilite tub. I was given a zoomed heating pad and the one thermometer/hygrometer for a rub setup and told it was all I needed. The heating pad was too small I think, the temps were too low. So I started using a regular heating pad (temporarily and under strict supervision) and the temp was perfect. I'm going out today and can get whatever else he needs, which I understand is a new heating source, 2 more thermometers, a thermostat, plant cover, another hide and moisture retaining substrate. Any recommendations on specific products (economical is appreciated, but not necessary)?

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It sounds good to me
Just don't buy aspen bedding. Go with cypress mulch or coco mulch (I think it's called Eco Earth). They're better at keeping humidity. Some moss might become helpful as well but it's not necessary.
I'm sorry I can't give you economical advice since I don't know the prices in the US.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Ok so here is my setup right now. It is a 28qt sterilite tub. I was given a zoomed heating pad and the one thermometer/hygrometer for a rub setup and told it was all I needed. The heating pad was too small I think, the temps were too low. So I started using a regular heating pad (temporarily and under strict supervision) and the temp was perfect. I'm going out today and can get whatever else he needs, which I understand is a new heating source, 2 more thermometers, a thermostat, plant cover, another hide and moisture retaining substrate. Any recommendations on specific products (economical is appreciated, but not necessary)?

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Too big for an animal that size and that is a poor feeder, again one LAST time follow the link provided to a T this is the key to get that animal to eat on it's own.

To a T means same tub size, same substrate etc.

Or you can follow advice from people with limited experience and it come to troubleshoot problematic animals.

[Quahog]

To add to Deborah's post, Staples and Office Depot sell the Really Useful Box brand. A box with lockable lids that's 9 liter tub is believe is $12-14.99. Not sure if there's a 6qt option, though just putting this here as a starting point.

[LindsayMichelle]

If you can, look for an infrared temp gun . It will really help with getting temps spot on for your little guy. And you mentioned getting another hide and some plants, that's great !

Are you getting a thermostat as well? Sorry if I'm being redundant about supplies you may already have!

Good luck to you As others have said, you're doing great trying to get this noodle on the right track, I'm rooting for you!

Thank You! I so appreciate all the help. I can't tell you how stressful it's been trying to figure out the best way to help this little guy. I will be getting a thermostat but are you suggesting a temp gun in lieu of 2 more thermometers or in addition to?

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[LindsayMichelle]

Too big for an animal that size and that is a poor feeder, again one LAST time follow the link provided to a T this is the key to get that animal to eat on it's own.

To a T means same tub size, same substrate etc.

Or you can follow advice from people with limited experience and it come to troubleshoot problematic animals.

Ok. I'm sorry, there's so much info and it's hard to know who and what to advice to follow, and what not to. I read through it again and am in the process of setting it up following your instructions.

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[Rvnhawk]

Too big for an animal that size and that is a poor feeder, again one LAST time follow the link provided to a T this is the key to get that animal to eat on it's own.

To a T means same tub size, same substrate etc.

Or you can follow advice from people with limited experience and it come to troubleshoot problematic animals.

This . It still took weeks/a few months for my problem eater to eat consistently, but I also battled mites during that time. Deb’s advice works and made my girl a solid eater, and she finally took a f/t Yesterday after 6 months for me (I had to feed live, she would not take f/t until now. I got my own rats and bred my own, but I’ve owned pet rats before so it wasn’t an ordeal for me.)


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