Agreed, speculum sets are sold by places like Big Apple Herp and The Bean Farm. I picked one up ages ago for administering worming meds (I have some WC garters, and a new albino I acquired a couple years ago turned up with pinworm, so lots of panacur going on, lol).
However, I have found it easier when assist-feeding the stubborn starters to just use the tip of the pinky-rat's nose to gently open the mouth. If you're force or tube-feeding the speculum would be the best choice.
However, I have found it easier when assist-feeding the stubborn starters to just use the tip of the pinky-rat's nose to gently open the mouth. If you're force or tube-feeding the speculum would be the best choice.
I agree. For assist feeding, a speculum is not really necessary in my opinion. I've had to do quite a bit of assist feeding in the past and using the prey item to open the mouth works great for me.
I think you are much better off assist feeding a day old rat pink than tubing him every time. If you do it right there is no way for him not to eat the pink and it would give him a much better meal than that mix. Assist feeding seems to get them to figure out eating on their own as well. I have never had to assist feed more than twice.
I agree though. Assuming he eventually eats on his own I wouldn't put him down if he can pass stool. I have seen some pretty horribly kinked snakes do fine. Ralph has a video on youtube of a few of his caramels that look really bad.
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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion
