My First Babies!!

[PurpleFlutterby]

Alright so I finally have some time here to introduce you all to my new babies (my first ones!! WooHoo!!) Caramel hatched 2-4 & Checkers followed a couple of days later on 2-6. So far so good! I'm misting 2x a day, they get fresh food & water daily, very rare light handling (maybe twice a piece since they hatched). For now they're in a small KK (going to get a med one this weekend I think). My only question is should I be worried about them not eating just yet? There's only 1 or 2 little poos in the KK as of now. I'm guessing it took them a few days to start chowing (so very hard to tell!!) & seeing as it's only been a week since they hatched, am I worrying too early? Probably ~ but I'd love some input & recomendations as to what some of you guys do with your hatchlings...

Here they are!

Caramel




Checkers

[pestisperamor]

congrats!

[CrestedLove27]

Awww, congratulations your first hatchlings, they're adorable! They have great markings and head structures. Be careful, this is where the addiction really starts to kick in.

I wouldn't worry if you don't notice them eating right away. Neonate geckos live off the nutrients they absorbed while still in the egg for the first week or so of their lives before switching over to real food. Most just seem to know what to do and will start eating when they're ready. I use soda bottle caps and shallow gram scale weight trays as food dishes for all my hatchlings and offer new CGD every other night, leaving it in the following day in between before swapping it since some like food that's been sitting out for a bit. (if it starts to grow mold it gets tossed though)

If you're worried that they're not finding their food, you can try dabbing a drop on the end of their nose and let them lick it off once a night to get them "used to the taste." They really do hatch like miniature adults though and chances are that they may already be eating for you. Just keep an eye on them and make sure their tails don't take on a stringy appearance and they don't seem to be loosing any weight. Your little guys look really healthy from your photos, good luck with them!

[dragonsdesyre]

Beautiful hatchlings! Congrats.

With the exception of one 'special needs' hatchling, all of mine have started eating on their own. It's instinct.

[Crested Lady]

Congratulations on your first hatchlings! I'm still convinced that nothing beats the first hatch. (Or the ensuing "Gecko Happy Dance".) Enjoy!!!

[PurpleFlutterby]

Thanks guys!! So far everything is going great!! It's looking like they're eating just fine so far (very small amounts of course). I'm still a bit shocked at how easy it's been. I feel as if I need to be doing something else since they're babies but there's nothing else I can do! Just sit back & watch em grow!

[livialeigh]

Wow, NICE hatchlings! You're lucky you caught them hatching, too-- great pictures!

[marigold]

they are beauties! congrats!