What are the best food options for raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. The process begins with breeding two adult herbivores of the same species. Once the baby is born or hatched, it enters the baby stage, where it requires constant care, including feeding and protection. The best food options for raising baby herbivores are primarily berries and vegetables, as these are the primary food sources for herbivores in the game. However, the specific type of food and the amount required can vary depending on the species and the stage of growth.

The mechanics of raising a baby herbivore involve several stages: baby, juvenile, and adolescent. During the baby stage, the creature has a very low food stat and will consume food rapidly. You must ensure that its inventory is stocked with the appropriate food to prevent it from starving. Berries such as Mejoberries, Amarberries, and Azulberries are the most common and effective food sources for baby herbivores. Vegetables like Rockarrot, Longrass, and Savoroot can also be used, but they are generally less efficient for early stages due to their lower spoil rates and higher resource requirements.

To begin raising a baby herbivore, you should first prepare a safe and enclosed area within your base. This area should be protected from predators and environmental hazards. Once the baby is born, place the appropriate food in its inventory. For most herbivores, Mejoberries are the best option because they provide a good balance of food value and spoil time. You will need to monitor the baby's food stat closely, especially during the early stages, as it will consume food very quickly. It is recommended to have a large stockpile of berries or vegetables ready before the baby is born to avoid running out of food.

One important tip is to use a feeding trough once the baby reaches the juvenile stage. Feeding troughs allow multiple creatures to eat from a single inventory, reducing the need to manually refill each creature's inventory. Place the trough within range of the baby and fill it with the appropriate food. This will save you time and effort, especially if you are raising multiple babies at once. Additionally, consider using preserving bins or refrigerators to store extra food, as berries and vegetables spoil quickly in the game.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to monitor the baby's food stat, which can lead to starvation, and failing to protect the baby from predators or environmental hazards. Another mistake is not preparing enough food in advance, which can result in the baby dying before it reaches the juvenile stage. It is also important to avoid overloading the baby's inventory with too much food, as this can cause the food to spoil before it is consumed.

Advanced techniques for raising baby herbivores include using a combination of berries and vegetables to optimize food consumption and spoil rates. For example, you can use Mejoberries for the baby stage and switch to vegetables like Rockarrot or Longrass during the juvenile and adolescent stages. This can help reduce the overall amount of food required and make the process more efficient. Additionally, consider using a Dimetrodon or an Air Conditioner to regulate the temperature around the baby, as extreme temperatures can negatively affect its growth.

Resource requirements for raising baby herbivores include a steady supply of berries or vegetables, as well as materials for building a safe enclosure and feeding troughs. You will also need to have preserving bins or refrigerators to store extra food. If you are playing solo, it is important to plan ahead and gather all necessary resources before starting the breeding process. If you are part of a tribe, you can divide tasks among tribe members to make the process more manageable.

Specific examples of raising baby herbivores include the Parasaur, Trike, and Brontosaurus. For a baby Parasaur, you will need a steady supply of Mejoberries and a safe enclosure. For a baby Trike, you may want to use a combination of Mejoberries and Rockarrot to optimize food consumption. For a baby Brontosaurus, you will need a large amount of berries and a feeding trough to accommodate its high food consumption rate.

In conclusion, raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By using the right food options, preparing a safe environment, and monitoring the baby's food stat, you can successfully raise strong and healthy herbivores. Whether you are playing solo or as part of a tribe, following these strategies and tips will help you achieve your breeding goals and create powerful creatures for your adventures in the game.