diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/mobs.dm b/code/__DEFINES/mobs.dm
index 95a7b3c63d..4bfb70a257 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/mobs.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/mobs.dm
@@ -76,6 +76,9 @@
 #define NUTRITION_LEVEL_HUNGRY 250
 #define NUTRITION_LEVEL_STARVING 150
 
+#define NUTRITION_LEVEL_START_MIN 250
+#define NUTRITION_LEVEL_START_MAX 400
+
 //Disgust levels for humans
 #define DISGUST_LEVEL_MAXEDOUT 150
 #define DISGUST_LEVEL_DISGUSTED 75
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
index 5bc054951b..07caeba711 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@
 		var/datum/atom_hud/alternate_appearance/AA = v
 		AA.onNewMob(src)
 	hook_vr("mob_new",list(src))
+	nutrition = rand(NUTRITION_LEVEL_START_MIN, NUTRITION_LEVEL_START_MAX)
 	. = ..()
 
 /mob/GenerateTag()
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob_defines.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob_defines.dm
index 719d82ce6a..d5bc46c029 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob_defines.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob_defines.dm
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 	var/drowsyness = 0//Carbon
 	var/dizziness = 0//Carbon
 	var/jitteriness = 0//Carbon
-	var/nutrition = NUTRITION_LEVEL_FED + 50//Carbon
+	var/nutrition = NUTRITION_LEVEL_START_MIN // randomised in Initialize
 	var/satiety = 0//Carbon
 
 	var/overeatduration = 0		// How long this guy is overeating //Carbon