Open BP's Mouth

[Gerrior]

Hey guys, as I have never done this before could someone explain in detail how to go about grabing and opening one of my BP's mouth as she has gone off feed for quite some time and it's time for some serious feeder help to get this girl back up and going. I have exhausted all possible options with regards to feeding. I am going to try and feed a pinkie just to start off with to see if she will take it fully with my help. Thanks in advance.

[Freakie_frog]

First things first how long is a long time to be off feed. How old is the snake and what weight is it?? Assisted feeding is a 100% last resort.

[CntrlF8]

Hey guys, as I have never done this before could someone explain in detail how to go about grabing and opening one of my BP's mouth as she has gone off feed for quite some time and it's time for some serious feeder help to get this girl back up and going. I have exhausted all possible options with regards to feeding. I am going to try and feed a pinkie just to start off with to see if she will take it fully with my help. Thanks in advance.

They can generally be coaxed in to opening their mouth by gently pulling on the skin under the chin, iirc correctly...

[Nikki0326]

Unless she is getting really skinny chance are it will be more traumatizing to force her to eat then just wait it out. BPs are known for their hunger strikes. (I think the longest recorded is like 22 months). Make sure you are keeping temps and humidity at healthy levels and just wait it out. If they have lost a lot of weight I would go to the vet and have them do it or at least show/give instructions so you dont hurt them, or get hurt yourself.

[bearhart]

Unless she is getting really skinny chance are it will be more traumatizing to force her to eat then just wait it out. BPs are known for their hunger strikes. (I think the longest recorded is like 22 months). Make sure you are keeping temps and humidity at healthy levels and just wait it out. If they have lost a lot of weight I would go to the vet and have them do it or at least show/give instructions so you dont hurt them, or get hurt yourself.

That's why I've always heard: You don't force the situation unless the snake starts losing weight.

[Nikki0326]

That's why I've always heard: You don't force the situation unless the snake starts losing weight.

Id just go to the vet then and at the very least have them show you what to do , not something I would want to try on my own. I would be too afraid of harming her more than helping her. Plus the positive of going to the vet is if there is a health issue that is the reason she isn't eating that hopefully they will spot it and get it taken care of.

[JLC]

Hey guys, as I have never done this before could someone explain in detail how to go about grabing and opening one of my BP's mouth as she has gone off feed for quite some time and it's time for some serious feeder help to get this girl back up and going. I have exhausted all possible options with regards to feeding. I am going to try and feed a pinkie just to start off with to see if she will take it fully with my help. Thanks in advance.

• How long has it been since the snake ate?
• How long have you had the snake and was it eating well for you before it started the fast?
• What methods have you tried to get it to start eating again?

Unless a snake is truly sick, or so starved that it no longer has the strength to eat on its own, force feeding is not necessary and will typically cause more problems than it solves. It should also only be done under a vet's advice and supervision.

If you can answer those questions I've asked, we can try and help you find a more effective way to get your snake eating again.