Two BP's, two different worlds.

Id like to expand my reply by adding that following your vets advice is not ill advised but

Most Vets are only more educated on anatomy and other "book smart" areas. But experience is what it boils down too.
Second opinions never hurt. Reading the forums and asking the masses if what your vet said sounds right doesnt hurt anyone either. Im not saying your vet was wrong, but it seems very quick to be force feeding an otherwise healthy animal and an experience ball python vet *should* have suggest that keeping them together may not be the best idea and possibly the source of the issue.

On a side note, my het pied male whom I have had in a rack @ proper temps/humidity, hides, etc.....finally ate (live mouse) after having been offered f/t rat fuzzies/pups and live rat fuzzies and asfs after 4 weeks here. Sometimes they just need some time.

Good luck and please dont stray away because of the bad news.

I wouldn't tube feed unless it was the *absolute* last resort.

But as your husbandry needs some fixing, I would bet money that's the main issue. When a baby goes off feed, ~90%(inaccurate estimate) of the time it's due to environmental factors.

From what you've described, it just sounds like typical insecure baby behavior.

So tube feeding was unnecessary at this stage.

And always try live if a snake refuses f/t.
I've always used live mice to jump start picky eaters.

Would you mind posting pictures of your snake so we can gauge how thin she is?

No one is trying to be a blow hard here. We ALL were new once and have made our share of mistakes. It's called learning. That's why we come here...to share our knowledge AND to learn more. We all have an undeniable love for these wonderful animals and only want the best. Our hobby is being attacked on many fronts and even the "professionals" are dolling out bad advice (i.e. your vet). I would highly recommend sticking around, ASK QUESTIONS, read the stickies at the top, ASK MORE QUESTIONS, be willing to be "teachable" and you'll be on the right track.

Glad you came and ASKED QUESTIONS. I can't add anything new to the advice given....just realize that when more than a few people who have combined decades of experience...they can help you in giving your balls the best life they deserve...KEEP COMING BACK.