ATB Questions

AmandaLynnS1 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 01:01 AM

How big should 7mth ATB be?
What and how often should I feed 7mth ATB?
Any ATB insite will be appreciated.
[addsig]

Ed_r · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 02:14 AM

7 month old Ammie should be 28-32" range, and about as thick as a drinking straw.lol ATB Sheet This is a page I wrote. Or else you can go to www.corallus.com for more info. Humidity should be higher than avg, varrying from 65-80%. Temps should NEVER exceed 85 degrees F. Temp range is 75 at night to 85 in the day.
[addsig]

JuliusSqueezer · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 02:38 AM

I feed newborns a pink mouse every 7 days till they outgrow that...usually about the 3rd month or so I move them to either a fuzzy or 2 pink mice...then when they start plumping up a bit I get them on pink rats...at that point I feed every 2 weeks....You should be close to that if not there by now.
[addsig]

AmandaLynnS1 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 03:20 AM

Thanks, I got my ATB when he was 7wks and he is tame and likes under his chin rubbed, I lucked out. I feed him 1 large pinky every 4-5 days. Do you think this is enough, someone told me that I should feed him rat pups. What do you think?TY

[addsig]

JuliusSqueezer · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 03:45 AM

Yah go to pink rats but spread the feedings out...it's better to fill him up and then leave time for his digestion system to rebuild gut flora. They have a fairly slow metabolism and feeding that often isn't good for them. I know they have a tiny thin neck but trust me...they can swallow things you wouldn't believe. Adults do quite well on a 3 week feeding schedule but every 2 weeks doesn't seem to hurt them like it does their close relative the emerald. If you move up to an appropriate sized meal which you should at this time...feeding every 4 or 5 days will cause some regurges....so please...bump it up to at least a 10 day schedule now and go to pink rats or at least hopper mice. Pink rats are better though.
[addsig]

Ed_r · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 03:46 AM

Every 4-5 days is too much. They have a slow digestive system. 7-10 days is better. Also Rat Pups are actually quite large for an Ammie that size. Also watch out for constipation. Make sure your Ammie poops at least once every 3 meals. If it isn't pooping that often it may be dehydrated.
[addsig]

JuliusSqueezer · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 06:37 AM

I dunno why...but I can't for the life of me remember how big a 7 month old ammie should be...I know I've had several at that age...I just can't picture it lol....anyway sizes and groth rate vary depending on genetics, and previous feeding schedule..so..judge by girth of the fattest part of the snake. Prey should be the same size to a tad bit bigger than the fattest part of the snake. To judge this...stretch out a dead rodent and compare. After eating, your snake should have a slight bulge for a day or so.
[addsig]

AmandaLynnS1 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 11:17 PM

I've been feeding him 1 large pinky mouse every 5 days. Some girl jumped down my throat lol and said I was'nt feeding him enough,come to find out she does'nt even own an ATB. Thanks for the help. Also I live in Florida and even when the nocturnal lamp is'nt on, the temp in aquarium is at a constan 74-82 dgrees. I haven't been using the lamp because it doesn't seem necessary what do you think.
[addsig]

Ed_r · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2003, 11:46 PM

Your temps are on the low side of good. I really dont see A need for a bulb for a couple degrees. Like Julius said With neonates I would stick with a 7 day schedule, Plus its easy to remember. Not sure what your idea of a large pinky is, but if in question, you could feed 2 of the pinks every 7 days. If the Ammie refuses the second one, then you know it isn't ready for it yet. Then when it doesn't make a bulge in the belly , move up to the next size. Don't listen to ANYONE that tells you to feed any rodent eating snake more than once a week. Its not necessary, and could be harmful.
[addsig]

AmandaLynnS1 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 12:21 AM

Thanks, I fed him1pm today and I'm going to see if he'll take another tom. This is my first ATB and we'll he's awesome cool with me. He's only srtuck and hissed @ me once but it was my fault. I thought he'd be good to start out with before I move on to the more painfull biters ETB. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
[addsig]

Advertisement