How to Keep Slimes Happy in Their Corrals: A Comprehensive Guide

Keeping slimes content and contained within their corrals is crucial for a successful slime ranch. The fundamental principle is simple: regular feeding and a comfortable environment. A basic corral, as described, provides the foundation, with its open-air design allowing for natural elements like the soil beneath and the sky above to contribute to their well-being. However, to truly master slime ranching, understanding the nuances of different slime types and their specific needs is vital. The article below provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively keep your slimes within their corrals, as well as answers common questions to help you become a slime ranching pro.

Corral Basics: The Foundation for Happy Slimes

At its core, keeping slimes in a corral boils down to a few key factors: consistent feeding, appropriate enclosure design, and a stress-free environment. A basic corral is effective for most slimes as long as these needs are met. Remember, slimes will remain perfectly content within their corrals as long as they are fed regularly.

• Feeding: This is the most fundamental requirement. Slimes need a constant supply of their preferred food to thrive. A hungry slime is more likely to attempt escape or become agitated, thus it’s vital to keep food stocked inside the enclosure at all times. Use automatic feeders to ensure a consistent food supply.
• Enclosure Upgrades: While the basic corral works, various upgrades greatly enhance its holding power. Investing in High Walls is crucial, especially if you plan to keep more slimes per corral. Additionally, air nets can be installed to prevent slimes from jumping out, especially if you house slimes that are naturally more bouncy.
• Stress Reduction: A calm and stimulating environment is just as important as food. Overcrowding can lead to stress, so keep the number of slimes per corral at the recommended 5-10. Consider adding toys to enrich their environment and prevent them from becoming bored. For particular slimes, ensure their environmental needs are met (more on this below).

Specific Slime Considerations

While basic principles apply to all slimes, specific types have unique requirements for optimal corral containment:

Quantum Slimes

These notoriously tricky slimes require some extra attention:

• Consistent Feeding: As with all slimes, proper feeding is crucial for quantum slimes.
• Speakers: Install speakers in their enclosure to help keep them grounded. These help to give them a sense of place and stability.
• Slime Toys: Providing plenty of slime toys will offer further engagement and aid in keeping the quantum slimes occupied, reducing their chances of instability.

Batty Slimes

These nocturnal slimes have a specific relationship with light and dark:

• Darkness Needs: Batty slimes get hungrier in the dark and will generate hunger twice as fast without sunlight. If you do keep them in sunlight, they will be more agitated.
• Controlled Light: Keeping Batty Slimes away from direct light but still able to maintain some sort of controlled environment is key to their wellbeing.

Mosaic Slimes

Mosaic slimes are sensitive to sunlight, which triggers an attraction behavior:

• Sunlight Management: Keep these slimes in The Grotto, a Solar Shielded Corral, or Viktor’s Workshop to prevent their attraction behavior.

Quicksilver Slimes

These slimes cannot be corralled:

• No Containment: Quicksilver slimes will flee and despawn once time runs out. They cannot be stored in the vacpack.

General Tips for Corral Management

• Observe Your Slimes: Pay attention to individual behaviors. If a slime seems agitated or attempts to escape, try to identify what the issue might be (e.g. hunger, overcrowding, improper environment).
• Don’t Overcrowd: Remember, a maximum of 5-10 slimes is recommended per corral, unless you have high walls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions related to keeping slimes in corrals, to help ensure your ranching endeavors are successful:

1. Can you shoot things through a corral barrier?

Yes, you can shoot food and other items through a corral barrier. This can be handy for feeding and collecting plorts.

2. What is the best food to feed slimes to keep them contained?

The best food depends on the slime type. Feed them their preferred foods to keep them happy and prevent them from becoming agitated. Experiment to see which crops and meats work best for each slime.

3. How often do I need to feed my slimes?

Slimes need consistent feeding to stay content. Use automatic feeders to ensure a constant supply. It’s also useful to top off the feeders as well.

4. What happens if I don’t feed my slimes?

Hungry slimes are more likely to become agitated and attempt to escape their corrals.

5. How do I prevent my slimes from jumping out of their corrals?

Upgrade your corrals with high walls and air nets.

6. How do I prevent slimes from becoming agitated in their enclosures?

Ensure they are well-fed, avoid overcrowding, and provide a stimulating environment with toys. For specialized slimes, ensure their unique requirements are met.

7. Is there a way to keep feral slimes in a corral?

You can tame feral slimes with a Taming Bell, allowing you to then house them in a corral.

8. Do light levels affect slime spawning?

Slimes spawn in the Overworld in specific “slime chunks” below layer 40, regardless of light levels. Light levels don’t stop them from spawning.

9. Can slimes grow mold or bacteria?

Yes, slime can grow mold and bacteria, especially edible slime. It is important to ensure that you take the proper precautions to prevent contamination.

10. Can you keep slimes in a container indefinitely?

While slimes can be stored in airtight containers, their lifespan is finite. Even when properly cared for, they will eventually lose moisture and may shrink or melt.

11. Can I keep slimes outside of a corral?

While you can free-range some slimes like Puddle slimes, most slimes are best kept in corrals to prevent them from escaping and to ensure they get the care that they need.

12. Why do my slimes look different sometimes?

Some slimes, like largos, are the result of slimes eating plorts of other slimes. This creates a new combined slime type.

13. What are the most profitable slime combinations for plorts?

Some of the most profitable slime combinations include Tangle-Dervish, Honey-Hunter, and Quantum-Crystal largos.

14. How long will slime last?

Slime will lose its moisture and shrink or melt overtime. Properly cared for slime should last a few months.

15. What is the best way to store slime?

Slime is best stored in an airtight container, such as plastic jars or ziplock bags, to prevent it from drying out. They also do not need to be refrigerated.

Conclusion

Keeping slimes in corrals is a delicate balancing act between providing their basic needs and understanding their unique requirements. Regular feeding, appropriate upgrades, and a keen understanding of each slime’s behavior are key to your success as a slime rancher. By following these guidelines, and the helpful answers provided in the FAQs above, you can ensure a thriving slime ranch and a happy, content colony of slimes. Happy ranching!