Experience Have owned several reptiles over the course of 5 years. Always researching and learning new things in this subject.
Education/Credentials Have researched and owned reptiles for over 5 years. I have been involved in many q&a sites such as this one and leaded in best answers. I belong to many reptile groups and forums. I am always researching new topics on all types of reptiles. I love to read and learn in order to answer questions to the best of my ability.
Question Our baby anole hatched about 5 days ago in a small tank separate from it's mother. Since then we have been feeding it flightless fruit flies (very very small) and it seems that the anole has not eaten a single one. In fact, the fly sat on the anoles nose, and the anole made no attempt. It has licked water and some baby food off it's nose since birth, but not much else. We are concered that about why it won't eat. Can you help us?
Answer Hello David, first of all congrats on the new hatchling! For the first few days he will be living off of the egg nutrients. They will start to feed after about 3 days. Fruit flies usually are good but some just have different tastes. If he wont eat the flightless fruit flies then try buying some "pinhead" or hatchling crickets these are tiny as well and can be found at most pet stores carrying crickets. Remember to look at them before buying them they should be no bigger then the space between his little eye balls. The baby should be in the same exact setup as the parents just different container. So same UV same heat, same humidity, and vitamin supplements food dust etc. After feeding about 15 minutes make sure you remove all live food because it can and will bite at the hatchling's toes. Baby food is a good option just remember that fruits are treats and chicken is a better one then banana or other fruit. Only feed a little bit of this and only if he is still ignoring insects. If he isn't eating because you are watching then take a sheet or towel and wrap up his enclosure and take a corner to peek through so hopefully he doesn't see you and watch him to see if he eats. It might take some time so be patient. Good luck and let me know if it doesn't work and I can do some more research on it
