Need advice, when to force feed.

[Riv]

I agree with the above posters. I used to get problem eaters around 50grams when I worked with the small animals and reptiles in petsmart. They would be shipped to us having either only eaten once, if at all, so it was very rare to get one I DIDNT have to assist feed at first. I generally waited a week for them to settle and if they refused feed for 3 weeks after that, then I would try assist feeding. I personally have not ever had to force feed. Eventually while assist feeding they always take, and more often then not they'll strike on their own after that.

I did have one girl who would only take assist feed for two months @_@ but eventully she got more comfortable.

If you dont know how to assist feed, 1)I hold the snake in my left hand, trying to keep it curled up, not allowing it to coil around my fingers or wrist.
2)I usually use a F/T mouse fuzzy,(I havent had to assist feed since I started breeding rats, so ive never tried live mice or rats before) and once it is up to an appropriate temperature, I hold it by the body and behind the shoulders, so that the nose pointed toward the snakes mouth, and the snake has plenty of mouse to strike at but I am able to maintain a firm grip.
3) If the snakes head is out of its coils slowly bring the mouse to the snakes mouth and press the mouses nose agaisnt it gently. Sometimes that will be enough, sometimes it wont. If the snake mkves away, reposition and try again, but slightly more firmly.
4) I have never had a snake strike at me while using this method, but if it gets notably upset, I would stop and try again in a few days. If they are still okay with you putting the mouse in their face, keep going. After they realize that it isnt going away, they usually go for it, and take it down. I have been tagged by accident while they were striking the mouse, but I dont know of any way to really avoid it if that happens. I hope this was useful, and let us know how it goes!

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