Hatchling Guidance

Neon Aurora

New Member
Messages
1,376
Location
New Mexico
So, for those of you who did not see my thread showing off my first baby, it was rather unexpected. So I wasn't entirely prepared. First, I read that you should offer food to a hatchling after it sheds for the first time 3-5 days after it hatches. Thing is, I have to admit that I don't know how long ago the baby hatched. I had been checking my eggs every few days because I was sure my oldest one was dead because it was incubated mostly at 86 degrees and passed day 65, so I just checked to make sure the younger eggs still looked good every few days. But when I opened the incubator yesterday, there it was. I really don't know how long it was in there before I found it. It could have hatched yesterday or a few days before. The yolk sack was absorbed, but I could still see the umbilical area where it gets absorbed. It seems to be doing well. It's active and I see it walking around its tub sometimes. It pooped, so I assumed it must have shed already and I offered it food (1/4 inch crickets) but it won't eat.

Since I'm not entirely sure how old it is, how do I know when to start worrying about it not eating? It seems fine and is acting like any leopard gecko (it screamed at me and everything, which I know is normal). This is my very first hatchling and I'm understandably anxious. I just don't really know how to deal with it. It's so small and delicate.

Is there something I need to do that I'm not doing? I'm keeping it like I would any leopard gecko. 90 degree warm area, humid hide, calcium dish, everything. I also have been lightly misting its tub because I read hatchlings need more humidity at first.

I know there is lots of hatchling info out there and several threads already, which I have read. I'm just anxious to get everything right and could use some advice.
 

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