Getting concerned

[katach]

Our baby NW are 28 days old today. We have 5 really good eaters. Those are getting big and their patterns are really starting to emerge. The other 3 still have not eaten. I'm beginning to worry about them. They look so thin and tiny compared to there eating siblings. I've offered worm, pinkie, egg, and salmon. Does anyone have any thoughts on this. It also seems odd that the ones that aren't eating are the only 3 that were born with very dark and defined markings. Am I being concerned too soon? Is there something else I could be doing? They all eat in their enclosure. I've tried removing the 5 that eat and putting mom in, but that didn't work.

[guidofatherof5]

Have you tried slugs?
What are the others eating?

[kibakiba]

It might be failure to thrive. Some babies just don't make it. If you really want to try to get them to eat, you could try assisted feeding. You hold them, and have a firm but gentle grip on their head and push the food against their face until they grab on by themselves. It's not the same as forcing them, and forcing the food down their throat, but you do have to be very gentle. Squirt and Thumbelina started eating with assisted feeding after a month of offering them food.

[katach]

I haven't tried slug. It's been pretty dry. The others are eating everything.

[katach]

I will try the assisted eating.

[ConcinusMan]

I wouldn't if I were you. They're too small. It would do harm than good.

28 days is getting into the time frame of "concerning" but you just might have to face it that they might not ever eat, and won't make it. Don't give up yet though.

I would try placing them (singly) in a very small container and if you can find some very tiny worms that wiggle a lot, put it in with the baby and give them some time.

[katach]

Still no luck. I really hope I don't lose these guys, they are so pretty.

[RedSidedSPR]

How are you feeding?

[katach]

In the tank. I also tried what Richard suggested.

[Kantar]

I would try placing them (singly) in a very small container and if you can find some very tiny worms that wiggle a lot, put it in with the baby and give them some time.

Try this but seclude them, wrap the container with a shirt or something, make it feel like its alone. Maybe its just really uncomfortable

[Hazeldarc]

what if you tried some small guppies?

[count dewclaw]

seclude them, wrap the container with a shirt or something, make it feel like its alone.


what if you tried some small guppies?

I would combine these suggestions...put one snake in a small container, add a tiny bit of the fish water (not enough to cover the bottom of the container) with a few small guppies and cover the container with a cloth/towel. The small amount of water will cause the guppies to flop around more and hopefully get the snake's attention. Good luck.

[RedSidedSPR]

In the tank..

As in, in a dish? Cause I would try offering it on a pair of tongs or hemostats. That way the food comes to them, and are more likely to snag it.

[katach]

what if you tried some small guppies?

We only have access to large fancy guppies. I can't find or get ordered feeder guppies.


Try this but seclude them, wrap the container with a shirt or something, make it feel like its alone. Maybe its just really uncomfortable

That is how I did it, they were opaque containers, and I set them aside and left them alone for a while.


As in, in a dish? Cause I would try offering it on a pair of tongs or hemostats. That way the food comes to them, and are more likely to snag it.

I have tried offering with the tongs, the just turn away.

[RedSidedSPR]

Keep it in their face. If they turn, turn with them.:)

[katach]

I'll keep at them. Hopefully they will take food soon. They were the biggest at birth, but now they look so small compared to the others.

[RedSidedSPR]

Well, keep trying it, but I can't see them eating willingly from a dish at this point.

SometimesYou gotta give them the food. I.E tongs.

[katach]

Well I see a glimmer of hope for one of the non-eaters. It was flicking all over the worm plate today and sort of took a bite (of the plate). It's something new anyway. Hopefully soon. I have some friends slug catching around their flower beds, so as soon as I get those
I'll see if they will take those.

[ConcinusMan]

Good work Kat. I mean it. It's going about as well as can be hoped for even for us so-called "experts". Keep up the good work. Your babies look wonderful.

[katach]

Thank you Richard. This has been a very rewarding, learning experience.