they are actually gaining weight with the assist feedings. They have each taken food once on their own. I'm going to try feeding them again today. I know one is about to shed so i doubt she will eat but the other i'm not too sure. I plan on taking them to the vet soon. They show no signs of mites or anything so i dont know. I have a friend who has had a bp for 5 years and she has never eaten on her own and she is huge! So I'm up in arms over what to do.