@trnreptiles Just an observation I really hope I’m not coming off as cross. I’ve made as many mistakes with snakes as anyone when I started out. But back then I didn’t have anyone who would give me helpful advice. So I’m just throwing some ideas at you. These maybe things your already doing. If so disregard lol. Defensive hatchlings are usually a sign that there stressed. I would definitely try lowering your temps with the hatchlings. Try putting them in the smallest tubs you have. Provide a small hide. Also tubs that let in no light. Like literally zero light have helped a lot with getting particularly stubborn eaters to eat regularly. Also hatchlings are super hard to get on frozen thawed there first couple meals. Also try not to offer food to close to the last time. Try waiting a week in between attempts. I hope some of this information helps you!
There are many factors you have to take in to account but most of the time its something simple like temperature or humidity.if i had to guess id say humidity since the napkin looks so dry
I’ve never heard of low humidity killing hatchling ball pythons. The only thing I could think of is if they had no access to water, but… my snakes all get fresh water every other day.
The only time I add any additional moisture to any of my ball pythons’ enclosures is when they’re going into a shed cycle. And that’s only during the winter, in the summer the humidity gets high enough here that I don’t need to.
Low humidity wouldn’t kill a BP. They only time you want humidity higher than 60% is during a shed cycle, and you do not want them sitting on wet substrate.
Low humidity can lead to rapid dehydration, even when there is a water bowl present. I have seen this first hand in numerous species, including ball pythons. It absolutely can kill.
Until their first shed, I keep all hatchling balls on sodden paper towels. And after their first shed they are getting misted at least once a day until they are eating solidly
Until their first shed is fine for keeping on wet paper towels, but after that having them sitting on wet paper towels at a constant seems like a bad plan. Lightly misting and letting it dry would be fine too, though if the humidity where you live is high then I feel like doing so could lead to an RI or other issues. I have been told by breeders on here that humidity over 65% for too long is not good for BPs.
I’ve been told the same but my experience has been very different.
Interesting. I’ve never heard of that being an issue, so I’ll probably go ahead and start misting the hatchlings that aren’t eating solidly yet.
Though mine also like to dump over their water bowls, so their tubs end up soaking wet most of the time anyways 
Dude, what is your problem? Such rude and unnecessary comments to make.
People like you are the reason I start doubting myself.
Everyone else has been very helpful and kind in trying to figure out what I’ve been doing wrong that can be fixed so next season I can do better.
The whole humidity thing is literally not something I’ve EVER seen mentioned on any of the breeding guides or YouTube videos I’ve watched. So how am I at fault for not knowing that? At least I know now.
Also, the first clutch dying likely had nothing to do with my humidity because almost none of the babies made it past hatching out of the egg (besides the one of course)
So not including the first clutch, 2 deaths out of 21 total babies… that’s not really that bad.
Can we keep the comments helpful. No need for personal attacks. @trnreptiles Didn’t have to share her personal experiences. She is trying to learn and her sharing these experiences also helps others learn as well. Please keep it civil.
I’m guessing I must have missed a comment somewhere! Or it got deleted already??
I don’t see how saying a napkin looked dry is a personal attack at all, I’d say that was just someone trying to help you find your mistakes.
No I agree that’s not bad at all.
Don’t let some people get you down. It’s hard to figure this stuff out as a new breeder, and like Shaun mentioned, you didn’t even need to share these experiences with the forum.
I’m happy you did and put yourself out there. This thread will help some people see about the ups and downs of breeding, and possibly how you can prevent these type of things happening again. It’s all a learning process and I’m sure next year will be much better for you. Don’t get discouraged and keep on doing what you love!
The rude comment was deleted already, but I missed it too. From watching the progress of her hatchlings I honestly don’t think dehydration is the reason they passed, and it could have been something internally wrong with em. As Marla has mentioned before, a necropsy with a histopath would be the only way to know why hatchlings die.
Yeah, it was just a rude and out of place couple of comment that already got deleted.
I’ve always been an advocate for transparency, so that’s why I’m posting about these things here on the forum and even my social media pages. Because I do want to learn where I can improve and do better, and share these things with others so everyone can learn new things. Especially other newbies wanting to get into breeding.
But again, thank you all who have been helpful and supportive in this discussion. I really appreciate it, and I’m looking forward to how things turn out for next season. The girls I’ve been getting locks on so far are already developing their follicles, and I just introduced my hognose pair for breeding. They already copulated at least once, and I got it on camera!
Scandalous! 
Hmm, I have only had 2 clutches. 99% hatch rate. My first one layer 4 eggs, the boob egg never grew, and the egg died early on. One baby died in the last week or 2 of incubation. I had humidity issues. The 3 left were small and only one needed assist feeding once. All 3 did well afterwards. My 2nd clutch was 11 eggs from a 1st time mom. All babies were big, healthy and amazing eaters right from the start. I fixed the humidity issues and had mo issues. Those clutches were in an old mini fridge using a ve 200 i think with pulse. I am using the same thermostat in a old wine cooler this season. It holds everything great. I also use press and seal now. I didn’t on my first clutch