Equal Feeding for Ackies

[PhilK]

G'day guys. Some of you would know I got two ackie hatchies a while ago.. They are well and very truly settled in now, and eat like kings but I have one issue..

They are two very different characters. One is quite tolerable of my presence, I can stroke it and pick it up for short intervals of time etc. It doesn't mind me being around. The other is TERRIFIED of me, and runs for cover (it's hollow log) whenever I come near or open the door. The movement of my hand is enough to send it running.

This is a problem at feeding time. I feed them roaches one by one, as I don't want the roaches escaping and hiding in the various nooks and crannies.. But because one ackie is scared of me, it runs away at feeding time.. It still gets fed (I hover the roaches in tweezers just outside where it's head sits) but the other ackie gets much more food, and as a consequence has grown bigger faster..

Any ideas on how I can get the timid ackie to get a better deal at feeding time, or even make it less scared of me?

 

[mysnakesau]

You can put a bowl or more of woodies in their enclosure and let him go and help himself. Paint the sides of the bowl with fluon (Available from the Herp Shop) to prevent the bugs from escaping. Then they will be able to go and get a feed without the fear. Native cockroaches (woodies) don't fly so won't be able to get out of the container. I use a chinese container, sunk down in the sand. My ackie runs into the tub picks up a roach and off he goes with it. Even if he drops it, it ain't getting away from him. He is right after it. If the roach tries to bury in the sand he digs it out. He is so smart, clever little fellow.

The bigger one could be bossing the littler one, too - knowing that he retreats can cause dominating behaviour so you might have to consider separating them for a while.

 

[PhilK]

I have watched them really closely to see any dominating behaviour, but together they are fine. When he DOES feed in view of me, he gets his own roaches and occasionally steals the other's roaches and everything - he does just fine. It's just me he doesn't like.

The bowl is a good idea - I'll have to give it a shot I think.

They are so clever aren't they! I always let a few roaches go away from the ackies.. then after the feed they cruise around following their tongues until they find them. Very few can hide!

 

[mysnakesau]

My ackie is just a baby and he doesn't like me either. He is actually starting to learn to trust me coming in with tongs to offer him a bug but he is a long way of any interaction. My hand scares him. And since I catch him at least once a week to give him a bath it probably sets him back a bit more.

Don't be too alarmed. They are all different. He will come to you when he is ready. Patience is the best method. When they finally start to come to you, your patience will have certainly paid off.

 

[PhilK]

It's weird.. the more 'friendly' one is always out and about.. scampering all over the place, exploring etc. The other scared one is constantly in his log.. I never see him out of it. He just sleeps in there all the time. Come feeding I have to give him bugs in the log, he hardly even comes out then..