I had no choice but to assist feed my Fire male.
After a 90+ day fast, he was losing weight and looked 'triangular' and flabby.
He was never a good eater to start with and is much smaller than he should be at his age.
[he was a "bargain price!" and if I knew then what I know now...]
I gave him 3 F/T very small mice, with great difficulty and finally, he ate on his own and is back to his usual finicky but vicious killer self.
The local herp guy said that sometimes, they'll get so fed up with having a mouse stuffed down their throat that they start to eat on their own.
Apparently it worked, even if that's not the actual science/psychology behind it.
If you assist/force feed, be VERY careful doing it.