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, to survive and grow. The best food options for raising baby herbivores depend on the species, but generally, berries and vegetables are the primary food sources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you successfully raise baby herbivores.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. When a baby herbivore is born, it has a food stat that depletes over time. If the food stat reaches zero, the baby will starve and die. To prevent this, you must keep its inventory stocked with appropriate food. Baby herbivores can eat berries and vegetables, but some species may have specific preferences. For example, Trikes and Stegos prefer Mejoberries, while Brontos and Parasaurs can eat a variety of berries. Vegetables like Rockarrot, Longrass, and Savoroot are also excellent options, as they provide more food value than berries. Kibble, specifically Herbivore Kibble, is the most efficient food for raising baby herbivores, as it provides a large amount of food and reduces the time between feedings.

To start raising a baby herbivore, you need to prepare a safe and secure environment. Build a nursery area within your base, preferably enclosed with walls and a roof to protect the baby from predators. Place feeding troughs nearby to store food, as they allow the baby to eat automatically once it reaches the juvenile stage. Before the baby hatches or is born, gather a large supply of berries, vegetables, and, if possible, Herbivore Kibble. You can farm berries using a Bronto or a Therizino, and vegetables can be grown in crop plots using seeds, water, and fertilizer.

Once the baby is born, immediately place food in its inventory. During the baby stage, you will need to manually feed it, as it cannot eat from troughs yet. Keep a close eye on its food stat and replenish its inventory as needed. As the baby grows into the juvenile stage, it will start eating from troughs, reducing the need for constant manual feeding. However, you should still monitor its food levels to ensure it doesnÔÇÖt run out.

Imprinting is another crucial aspect of raising baby herbivores. Imprinting involves interacting with the baby during its growth stages to increase its stats and loyalty. To imprint, approach the baby when it requests care, which may include feeding it specific foods, taking it for a walk, or cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the babyÔÇÖs imprint percentage, which boosts its damage, resistance, and other stats. Imprinting also makes the creature more loyal to you, which is especially important for PvP or boss fights.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the amount of food required. Baby herbivores consume food rapidly, especially during the early stages. Running out of food can lead to starvation, so always have a surplus of berries, vegetables, and Kibble on hand. Another mistake is neglecting to monitor the babyÔÇÖs health and temperature. Baby creatures are vulnerable to environmental hazards, so ensure the nursery area is climate-controlled and free from threats.

Advanced techniques include using a Maewing, a creature introduced in the Genesis Part 2 DLC, to help raise babies. Maewings have a special ability that allows them to nurse baby creatures, significantly reducing the amount of food required. Additionally, using a S+ Nanny from the Structures Plus mod 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, vegetables, and Kibble, as well as materials for building a secure nursery. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, managing multiple babies can be challenging, so focus on raising one or two at a time. In a tribe,ÕêåÕÀÑÕÉêõ¢£ can make the process more manageable, with some members gathering food while others monitor the babies.

In summary, raising baby herbivores in ARK: Survival Evolved involves careful preparation, constant monitoring, and efficient resource management. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can successfully raise strong and loyal herbivores to aid you in your survival journey.