Baby feeding questions

Kaianuanu · 07-30-13, 11:28 AM

So my baby coastal is coming tomorrow morning and I'm trying to get some food him today. The seller measured him for me and he is 15", the seller also said he was eating fuzzy mice. However, I am wanting to get him switched over to rats as soon as I can. Anyway, do you think at this size, he can eat rat pinkies? Maybe something bigger? Also, how often should this little guy be eating?

marvelfreak · 07-30-13, 11:38 AM

I stated with rat pinky or fuzzies.

Donnie · 07-30-13, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvelfreak

I stated with rat pinky or fuzzies.

same for me. Either a rat pup or rat fuzzy should be fine but maybe decide which would be more suitable when you get him home and can actually see his girth

Kaianuanu · 07-30-13, 12:01 PM

Do you guys think he'll put up a fuss if I go straight to rats from mice? I've heard coastals are much less picky than other locales.

Donnie · 07-30-13, 12:04 PM

My coastal was fine going onto rats straight away, my jungles however were a different story..........

UwabamiReptiles · 07-30-13, 12:59 PM

My coastals switched no problem to rats. But it depends on the individual snake. Some switch over with no issues and some are more reluctant. I would try rat pinks and see how it goes.

Kaianuanu · 07-30-13, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UwabamiReptiles

My coastals switched no problem to rats. But it depends on the individual snake. Some switch over with no issues and some are more reluctant. I would try rat pinks and see how it goes.

Ill probably get a hopper mouse and a fuzzy rat, or a fuzzy mouse and a rat pup depending on his size then. Just in case he won't take the rat. Also do you think feeding him weekly is my best bet or should I alter the frequency?

UwabamiReptiles · 07-30-13, 02:29 PM

Once a week would be fine, thats the feeding schedule I use with hatchlings and have had great results. I would go with a fuzzy rat over a rat pup. He wouldnt have an issue with the pup, but I personally would have the first couple of meals not be huge. If you are getting him tomorrow, make sure you wait a few days to a week before trying to feed him. Shipping and going into a new environment are stressful on a snake, making them usually not want to eat right away.

Kaianuanu · 07-30-13, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UwabamiReptiles

Once a week would be fine, thats the feeding schedule I use with hatchlings and have had great results. I would go with a fuzzy rat over a rat pup. He wouldnt have an issue with the pup, but I personally would have the first couple of meals not be huge. If you are getting him tomorrow, make sure you wait a few days to a week before trying to feed him. Shipping and going into a new environment are stressful on a snake, making them usually not want to eat right away.

Thanks, for the advice, as I'm new to the snake game. I've always been a lizard guy (especially chameleons). So I have lots of experience with the more complex aspects of husbandry, but there are a few snake fundamentals I need to learn more about.

UwabamiReptiles · 07-30-13, 05:59 PM

Not a problem, dont hesitate to ask questions. There are a lot of people on here that can help you along. I hope to see an update when you get the little guy.

red ink · 07-30-13, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaianuanu

So my baby coastal is coming tomorrow morning and I'm trying to get some food him today. The seller measured him for me and he is 15", the seller also said he was eating fuzzy mice. However, I am wanting to get him switched over to rats as soon as I can. Anyway, do you think at this size, he can eat rat pinkies? Maybe something bigger? Also, how often should this little guy be eating?

Personally I would get a few established feeds first in it's new environment - feed it what the breeder was feeding it before trying to switch to another prey item. The stress of the move and the switch to a new prey item may make it stop feeding altogether.

Kaianuanu · 07-31-13, 08:15 AM

Well I just got him in the mail and he's much tinier than I expected, at its widest point, his head is only about 1cm wide if even.

Mikoh4792 · 07-31-13, 11:57 AM

If you are going to start with rats I would start with rat pinkies.

UwabamiReptiles · 07-31-13, 12:27 PM

Congrats on getting him. Can't wait to see him start to color up for you.

Kaianuanu · 07-31-13, 01:25 PM

Turns out, the only local place that sells live rodents at feeder prices doesn't have rats smaller than pups. So it looks like he will stay on mice for a bit.