After settling into their new homes and getting used to their surroundings, the big day finally arrived for Bajsa and Albi’s hatchlings: their first feeding. It was July 23, 2024, and as excited as we were, there was also a bit of nervous energy in the air. Last year’s first feeding was… let’s just say, a learning experience. So, with a deep breath and pinkies prepped, we began.
Every clutch seems to have that one baby who’s just a little behind the rest. Ours weighed in at just 4.5 grams, noticeably smaller than its 6–7 gram siblings. We suspected it hadn’t fully absorbed the yolk before hatching—its body looked slightly underdeveloped, and it moved more slowly than the others.
Knowing this one might need extra help, we started there. For hatchlings who are slower to feed, we often slightly open the pinky’s skull with a scalpel to expose the brain. It’s not the prettiest part of breeding, but that scent can strongly trigger a feeding response, especially in more hesitant babies.
And it worked. The little one struck with surprising speed and commitment, slowly working its way through the entire pinky. We watched in awe, almost holding our breath the whole time. It was a small meal—but a huge win.
From there, we moved on to the rest of the clutch. And honestly? We were blown away.
Out of 16 hatchlings, 12 took their first meal right away. No teasing, no scenting, no wiggling the pinky like a puppet show. Just offer—strike—swallow. Compared to the patience-testing efforts of last year, this was an absolute dream. Feeding hatchlings can often feel like a delicate dance of timing, instinct, and luck, but this group came ready to eat.
Of course, four didn’t eat—and that’s completely okay. Hatchlings, just like people, develop at their own pace. We never force the process. Instead, we’ll give them a few days, offer again, and watch closely. No stress, no rush.
Feeding hatchlings can feel like a wild mix of science, instinct, and a little bit of luck. But this clutch? They’re off to a fantastic start. Watching them confidently take their first meals—especially the tiniest one—was a reminder of why we love doing this.
We’ll keep tracking how everyone does, making tweaks where needed, and giving the hesitant few time to catch up. For now, though, we’re just soaking in the win—and maybe doing a tiny happy dance in the snake room.
And as always - stay happy, stay curious, and give your hoggie a gentle boop from me.
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