Okay I have had to resort to an assisted feed last night for one of my babies. It had only had two meals in 3 months, and was starting to look very thin. Since my mouse production is not up and going yet, and I only have access to f/t I resorted to the assist feed. I was so sure I was going to kill the poor thing. I have to say it was very stressful on both of us, but so far it has managed to keep the meal down and is still alive. Whew. Once I put the mouseling in it's mouth, and got the f/t far enough in that it couldn't shake it out, it laid like it was dead. Upside down and did not move! I watched very closely and it kept breathing, so I righted the baby and again no movement. It took quite awhile but FINALLY it started to swallow the meal. Is this normal for an assist feed?

Also should I go ahead and try again in another week, or do you guys wait longer due to the stress upon the baby? I'm hoping that the next feeding will see the baby eating on their own, but I'd like to have a contigancy plan.