The cannabalism issue for neonates

[Booger]

Concerning the whole cannabalism thing with babies, do they tend to eat each other because somebody messed up while feeding them (the smell of food remained on the snake) or do they just go crazy and think they are king snakes? I'm wondering because I am expecting my first ever clutch to hatch, but I don't want to house them individually if at all possible (although the will be fed individually), but rather in small groups. Also I ask this because I have housed other babies together with no ill effects other than an occasional attack due to the smell of a pinky remaining on one of the babies (back when I was new at this).

 

[pinatamonkey]

From the stories I've heard about hatchling cannibalism, it seems to happen most often with non-feeding hatchlings (and not due to pinkie smell).

Are you planning on housing together because of space or heating problems?

I have my guys set up in Gladware Big Bowls (3 for 1.88 at walmart) and the waterbowls are plastic containers that mealworms came in (they are large enough so when I go on vacation for a week at the end of the month I won't have to worry about the water evaporating!) . Lucklily, the room where I'm keeping them is around 82, so I don't have any supplemental heat for them (don't think there's an easy way to set up a gradient in a 8" container?) Like I said, I'm going to be gone at the end of the month, and I was afraid of something bad happening while I was gone if I housed them together.

 

[Gregg]

Great Idea, Pinatamonkey

Thanks for passing on that information.

 

[carol]

3 for 1.88?? That is a good price! I use the glad big bowls for some hatchlings too, four of them just seem to fit sooo perfectly in the hovabator.

 

[dartguy]

Great idea

Thanks Pinata

 

[CAV]

Another suggestion

If you want a cheap container with a temp gradient, the sterilite shoe boxes are < $0.90 each at Wal-Mart. Each is big enough to house hatchling thru yarling sized snakes.

 

[Booger]

I intend to house them together due to a lack of space. The snake that laid the eggs was a first time breeder and I honestly didn't think that she would pop out 18 perfect eggs that have so far not had any problems. I have always housed my snakes together (no more than 3) and the only reason they have ever attacked each other was because somebody had just constricted and eaten, so they still smelled like mice. My hatchlings will be creamsicles and from what I understand, they are supposed to be a wonderful cultivar to deal with as hatchlings. I like that setup pinatamonkey has and I think I'll try the same thing. Thanks for all the responses and keep 'em coming.