Assisted Feeding Instructions

[Mitch21]

Could anyone with experience with assisted feeding give detailed instructions on exactly how to open the mouth and actually perform the assist feeding? I actually don't have to assist feed any of my snakes but I was just curious about the proper technique.

[firehop]

Mitch..... I am in Chicago Ridge and it is pretty sure I will have at least one this season that will need assist feeding. If you want I can let you know then you can see it first hand. That usually works better than the whole discription thing...

[pavlovk1025]

firehop'll show you the visual, Ill explain it how Ive understood it. You hold the python behind the head and hold the prey by the head, and use the nose of the prey item to kind of push open the BP's mouth. This will trigger a feeding response and the rest is up to the BP.

Here is a not awesome whatsoever picture using my keyboard:
~c,,> >o )=================
Mouse Snake

[h00blah]

mouse: <:3 )~

[pavlovk1025]

mouse: <:3 )~

Oh Em Gee U r So KEWL U make C0mp00t3r MOWZE! U r0x0rz.

So mines not as good, whatevs.

[Mitch21]

Firehop, definitely let me know when you'll be doing that! I'd love to see it in person like you said!

Is force feeding really as easy as you make it sound? IE.Grab snake. Grab mouse. Gently work the mouse into the snake's mouth.. and voila!?

Oh and great computer mouse drawing!!

[kc261]

I've never done it, but I've read about other people's experiences.

Based on these posts that I happened to be able to find quickly, and a few others I know I've read but can't find so quickly, I think the hardest part is the nerves involved.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74840
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showp...9&postcount=31

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Firehop, definitely let me know when you'll be doing that! I'd love to see it in person like you said!

Is force feeding really as easy as you make it sound? IE.Grab snake. Grab mouse. Gently work the mouse into the snake's mouth.. and voila!?

Oh and great computer mouse drawing!!

Assisting is fairly easy if the snake cooperates and does the rest of the job if not it's no longer assisting but forcing which is not much more difficult but not something I would consider doing unless really necessary.

The difference is that with assisting you open the snake's mouth slightly and push the prey in it and let the snake do the rest, with force feeding you push the prey all the way and then massage the snake gently to make the prey go down it’s belly.

[Mitch21]

I've never done it, but I've read about other people's experiences.

Based on these posts that I happened to be able to find quickly, and a few others I know I've read but can't find so quickly, I think the hardest part is the nerves involved.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74840
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showp...9&postcount=31

Actually both those threads are what prompted me to ask this question. It seemed relatively easy so I figured I'd ask and find out the proper way.

[pavlovk1025]

"Grab a small dead mouse (aka hopper or fuzzy) with the hemostats just behind the head. Then grab the hatchling Ball Python just behind the head with your thumb and forefinger. GENTLY use the nose/face of the rodent to open the snake's mouth. Usually once the mouse's head is in the snake's mouth, a feeding response will kick in and the snake will start to swallow the mouse once you set the snake down. I do NOT force the mouse down the snakes throat! This can cause injury to the snake, and is not advisable. It's been my experience that given time, the right conditions, and patience, Ball Pythons will eventually eat."

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/#FEEDING