Assisted Feeding... how do u go about it?
This is out of "The Guide to Owning a Ball Python" by John Coborn
Occasionally a snake refuses to feed for no apparent reason, or it will refuse because it has or has had a disease. You must treat the snake for its sickness before or in conjunction with assist feeding (consult a veterinarian). There are two ways of assist feeding a Ball Python. The first is to take a whole dead prey animal of suitable size. Next take the snake by the neck and open its mouth by pulling gently but firmly at the loose skin under the jaw. When the mouth is sufficiently open, introduce the head of the prey animal and push it into the gullet as far as you can. Sometimes the snake will start swallowing on its own at this stage. If necessary, use something firm, but not too hard, like the lubricated (in mineral oil) handle of a wooden spoon to push the prey down toward the reptiles stomach. Once it is past the neck region you can usually massage the prey down into the stomach with your hand. Another method of assist feeding is to use an instrument such as a large syring to introdue liquified food into the stomach. The stomach tube to which it is attached should have a smooth end and should be lubricated with mineral oil. You can also use a stomach tube thick enough to force down a whole mouse. The lubricated tube is passed slowly into the snakes gullet and the mouse is pushed down the tube with a plunger. Before you try any of these methods you are perhaps advised to obtain instruction from a veterinarian or a more experienced herpetologist.
