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

Raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved is a rewarding but time-intensive process that requires careful planning and resource management. The key to successfully raising baby herbivores lies in understanding the mechanics of feeding, imprinting, and ensuring their survival during the vulnerable stages of growth. Below is a detailed guide covering all aspects of raising baby herbivores, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

When a baby herbivore is born or hatched, it starts with a low food stat and requires constant feeding to survive. The best food options for baby herbivores are berries and vegetables. Berries such as Mejoberries, Amarberries, and Azulberries are the most commonly used because they are easy to gather in large quantities. However, vegetables like Rockarrot, Longrass, Savoroot, and Citronal are more effective for filling the baby's food stat quickly. Vegetables provide more food points per item compared to berries, making them a better choice for efficient feeding. If you have access to a crop plot and can grow vegetables, they are highly recommended for raising baby herbivores.

The mechanics of feeding a baby herbivore involve placing the food in its inventory. The baby will automatically consume the food as its food stat depletes over time. During the early stages, the food stat depletes rapidly, so you must ensure the baby has a steady supply of food. If the food stat reaches zero, the baby will starve and die. To avoid this, you should check the baby's inventory frequently and replenish its food supply as needed. It is also helpful to have a feeding trough nearby once the baby reaches the juvenile stage, as it can then eat from the trough instead of requiring manual feeding.

Imprinting is another critical aspect of raising baby herbivores. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby during specific intervals to increase its stats and loyalty. When the baby requests care, such as a walk, cuddle, or specific food, fulfilling these requests will grant an imprinting bonus. The imprinting bonus increases the baby's damage and resistance stats, making it more effective in combat or other tasks. To maximize imprinting, you should be present during the imprinting intervals, which occur every few hours. If you are playing solo, you may need to adjust your schedule or use timers to ensure you do not miss these opportunities.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the time and resources required to raise a baby herbivore. The process can take several hours or even days, depending on the species and server settings. It is essential to prepare in advance by gathering a large supply of food, building a secure nursery, and ensuring you have the time to dedicate to the baby's care. Another mistake is neglecting to protect the baby from predators or environmental hazards. Baby herbivores are vulnerable to attacks from wild creatures, so you should build a secure enclosure with walls and a roof to keep them safe.

Advanced techniques for raising baby herbivores include using a Maewing or a Daeodon for passive feeding. The Maewing is a creature that can nurse babies, providing them with food automatically. This can significantly reduce the amount of manual feeding required. The Daeodon, on the other hand, can heal the baby and other creatures in the area, which is useful if the baby takes damage. Additionally, using a S+ Nanny or a similar modded structure can automate the feeding and imprinting process, making it easier to raise multiple babies at once.

Resource requirements for raising baby herbivores include a steady supply of berries or vegetables, a secure base with a nursery, and access to water if the baby requires it. You should also have a Cryopod or a similar item to store the baby if you need to leave the area temporarily. If you are playing in a tribe, coordinating with other members can make the process more manageable. For example, one player can focus on gathering food while another handles imprinting and protection.

In conclusion, raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved requires careful planning, resource management, and attention to detail. By understanding the mechanics of feeding and imprinting, preparing in advance, and using advanced techniques, you can successfully raise strong and loyal herbivores. Whether you are playing solo or in a tribe, the key to success is staying organized and dedicated to the process. With the right strategies and preparation, you can create a powerful herd of herbivores to aid you in your survival journey.