Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[rogerbird]

Hi All,

Just looking for opinions on what you think is the best procedure for feeding baby cresties.

CGD and/or baby food (I prefer baby food even though it works out quite alot dearer as once opened the tins only have a few days fridge life.....just easier to apply to the babies snout if they try to wipe it off!!)

I apply baby food/CGD to the babies mouth with cotton buds to be sure they are eating. But if food was left in a small container within the babies hosuing, would they feed by theirself??

At how old do you introdue tiny crickets & any tips on getting the babies to start feeding on them?

Thanks in advance.

Roger.

[Cleef]

I don't think there's any point in dabbing their snout with food, unless you're positive your hatchling is not eating. I would also reccomend using CGD only, its better for them anyway (nutritionally complete) and better in the long run as it ensures they will not be fussy eaters when they grow up.

I have had my crested hatchling for ~1 month now. I find the best method of feeding him is picking him up, and placing him very near his dish of CGD. He quickly smells the CGD and starts eating. This way I have found it establishes their 'feeding spot', leave the CGD in the cage overnight, remove in the morning and clean dish. It's come to the point now, when at 7pm (when i feed him) he's waiting exactly in the spot I feed him, no exaggeration here either. As long as you see him eat SOME CGD on a daily basis, I would say you're fine, also check for droppings in his enclosure. I wasn't sure my crestie was eating much at all, but he appears to 'poo' like a trooper so he must eat during the night when I'm not watching.

As for live food, it's not of paramount importance that they eat insects to start with. My crested had no interest in livefood for a very long time until he eat his first small phoenix worm last night. Just offer livefood on occasion for a bit of variety.

I'm new to cresteds myself, but I think the best approach is to not worry too much, but try to make sure he takes some food, even if it appears to be a small amount. Hope this helps.
_________________
Steve P

[rogerbird]

Yep I agree the CGD is an all in one balanced vitamin diet.

Although when I do use baby food I make sure it is supplemented with multi vitamins.

Think it is exactly that - Worrying they will not eat unless I hand feed them.

But as you said regarding the 'poops!! Mine seem to be going like clock work, so I think I am being over cautious.

Thanks for your help.