What is the best way to raise a baby Dodo in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Raising a baby Dodo in ARK: Survival Evolved is a relatively simple process compared to raising larger or more complex creatures, but it still requires attention to detail and proper preparation. Dodos are passive creatures that do not require special taming methods, and their breeding process is straightforward. However, raising a baby Dodo involves several steps, including egg incubation, feeding, imprinting, and ensuring its safety until it reaches adulthood. Below is a detailed guide on how to raise a baby Dodo effectively.

First, you need to breed two adult Dodos to produce a fertilized egg. Place the Dodos close to each other and enable the mating option in their radial menu. Once mating begins, a progress bar will appear, and after completion, the female Dodo will lay a fertilized egg. Unlike some creatures, Dodo eggs do not require specific temperature conditions to hatch. You can simply pick up the egg and place it in a safe location, as it will hatch on its own after a short period of time. Alternatively, you can use an incubator if you have access to one, as it provides better control over the hatching process.

Once the egg hatches, the baby Dodo will require immediate attention. Baby creatures in ARK have a food stat that depletes rapidly, so you must ensure the baby Dodo has enough food to survive. Dodos are herbivores, so they eat berries. Place berries, such as Mejoberries or Amarberries, into the baby Dodo's inventory. In the early stages, the baby Dodo cannot eat from a trough, so you must manually feed it until it reaches the juvenile stage. Keep a close eye on its food stat and replenish its inventory with berries as needed.

Imprinting is an important mechanic that boosts the baby Dodo's stats and increases its bond with you. To imprint, interact with the baby Dodo when it requests care. This may involve feeding it a specific type of food, such as berries, or simply cuddling it. Each successful imprint increases the imprint percentage, which improves the Dodo's stats and makes it more effective in combat or other tasks. Imprinting is especially useful if you plan to use the Dodo for breeding or as a companion.

One common mistake players make is neglecting the baby Dodo's food supply. Baby creatures consume food at a much faster rate than adults, and running out of food can lead to starvation. Always keep a large stockpile of berries on hand to avoid this issue. Another mistake is leaving the baby Dodo unprotected. While Dodos are not aggressive, they are vulnerable to predators. Build a secure enclosure or keep the baby Dodo in a safe area of your base to protect it from threats.

Advanced techniques for raising a baby Dodo include using a feeding trough and optimizing imprinting schedules. Once the Dodo reaches the juvenile stage, it can eat from a feeding trough, which reduces the need for manual feeding. Fill the trough with berries to ensure the Dodo has a steady food supply. For imprinting, try to time your interactions to maximize the imprint percentage. Each imprint request has a cooldown period, so plan your schedule accordingly to achieve the highest possible imprint bonus.

Resource requirements for raising a baby Dodo are minimal compared to other creatures. You will need a steady supply of berries, which can be gathered from bushes using a dino or by hand. If you are raising multiple Dodos, consider building a small farm to grow crops like Mejoberries for a more efficient food source. Additionally, ensure you have a safe and enclosed area for the baby Dodo to grow, as well as a feeding trough for the juvenile and adolescent stages.

For solo players, raising a baby Dodo is manageable due to its low maintenance requirements. However, if you are part of a tribe, you can assign tribe members to take turns feeding and imprinting the Dodo to share the workload. This is especially useful if you are raising multiple Dodos or other creatures simultaneously.

In summary, raising a baby Dodo in ARK: Survival Evolved involves breeding two adult Dodos, hatching the fertilized egg, feeding the baby Dodo, and imprinting it to boost its stats. Pay close attention to its food supply and protect it from predators. Use feeding troughs and optimize imprinting schedules for better results. With proper preparation and care, you can successfully raise a healthy and loyal Dodo companion.