Baby Lemon Pastel

I am picking up a 4 month old Lemon Pastel that the owner has been "force feeding". This is the first BP baby that I have gotten, and this is a new arena for me. Give me some direction to go with the feeding issue. This owner supposedly took it to a vet who recommended this tactic. Should I continue? How long can a baby go without eating before it is a danger zone?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

If you've never had experience with a non-feeding ball python, you may want to pass.

However, many times, the non-feeding issues are due to being incorrectly set-up.

Force feeding - even assist feeding are stressful on the snake, and if they can be avoided, should be. The only time it should be considered is if the animal is in danger health wise.

If you do decide to get this baby, I'd set it up in a six quart tub with small tight hides, set on paper towel and left alone. Offer a small live hopper mouse once a week.

Thank you for the advice. I am definately going to move forward with this because I need the experience, and I want to do it the right way that is why I am asking for the advice. This snake is definately not in the right hands right now, and needs to be rescued before something terrible happens to it.

I have two completely healthy normals. So I have experience with Balls, just not with a baby on this level.

Thanks again.

I got em today they had em in a 29 gallon enclosure no hides a poor water source the little guys skin is terribly loose. :tears: They had reptile bark in the tank too. Anyway I am on my way to get this guy back to healthy. She said that he is starting to take food easier now. Any advice at all to get this guy on the fast track to good health please let me know.