Hatchling Care: The First 12 Weeks

The first 12 weeks are the most critical period for newly hatched reptiles. Here is a week-by-week guide.

Week 1: Setup only. Place hatchling in individual tub with paper towel substrate, snug hide, and water bowl. Warm side 88-90F. No handling, no food.

Week 2: First shed expected around days 7-10. After the first shed completes, offer the first meal — a small hopper mouse or fuzzy rat for ball pythons. Weigh and record.

Weeks 3-4: Establish a feeding routine every 5-7 days. Record every feeding attempt and result. Identify non-feeders early.

Weeks 5-8: Continue feeding schedule. Monitor growth with weekly weigh-ins. Second shed cycle expected. Consider probing or popping for sex determination. Prey size may need increasing.

Weeks 9-12: Transition toward juvenile schedule. Hatchlings that have eaten 5+ consecutive meals are considered established feeders and can be sold or rehomed.

Signs of a healthy hatchling:

For non-feeders: Try live prey, scenting with used rodent bedding, offering at night in complete darkness, smaller prey items, or a darker/quieter enclosure. Assist-feeding is a last resort.