My First Death

[snakesRkewl]

How do you learn how to do it correctly? I hope I never have to do it, but if I do, I want to be able to do it right.

If you breed you will want to learn, it happens each year to one or two or more.
It's bound to happen when you make 50 to 80 babies or more, producing a clutch or two a year you may never have to.

We tuck the WET rat pink as far back as possible into the throat and then gently hold the snakes jaws closed on the pinky.
When the snake starts to wrap our fingers we place it into the tub and allow it to wrap the pinky and swallow.
About 80% or more will take it the first time and the other 20% will usually take it the 2nd attempt.
We won't try to assist feed too often, I like to try to let the snake eat on it's own 3-4 days after the first assist feed.
If it doesn't then the next day we'll assist again.
Most of them will eat after the first assist but occasionally there is the snake that will take multiple assist feedings before taking off on their own.

[TJ_Burton]

If you breed you will want to learn, it happens each year to one or two or more.
It's bound to happen when you make 50 to 80 babies or more, producing a clutch or two a year you may never have to.

We tuck the WET rat pink as far back as possible into the throat and then gently hold the snakes jaws closed on the pinky.
When the snake starts to wrap our fingers we place it into the tub and allow it to wrap the pinky and swallow.
About 80% or more will take it the first time and the other 20% will usually take it the 2nd attempt.
We won't try to assist feed too often, I like to try to let the snake eat on it's own 3-4 days after the first assist feed.
If it doesn't then the next day we'll assist again.
Most of them will eat after the first assist but occasionally there is the snake that will take multiple assist feedings before taking off on their own.

Yeah, I didn't mention it in my post, but the pinky should be wet; good point to bring up!

[S.I.R.]

Sorry for your loss! I have had to assist feed several times over the years. I just cant let them go without trying everything. Good luck with you normal!

[Don]

Here is a pretty good video of assist feeding from BHB:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=o_FQOgyFrn4

Chris, sorry for your loss.

[3skulls]

Good info
Thanks!

[Domepiece]

I feel for ya. Sorry for your loss. I just lost one on wed. She was a problem feeder as well, had to assist a couple times, then she took a few down on her own, I put a f/t hopper in her hide on tuesday, woke up went to school, got home and checked on her and she had it half way down and was dead. I guess she choked on it, I dont know, never seen anything like it. I had 4 problem feeders out of 31 this year, the others are now doing fine and eating on their own. It just sucks.

[EAC Reptiles]

Sorry for your loss. Things do happen, it sucks but either deal with it, or learn to assist feed. I have had to assist feed many snakes to get them going. As states before it takes patience to sometimes get them going.

[CLSpider]

I agree with a lot of the things the others are saying. I believe if you're going to be breeding, you HAVE to learn how to assist feed. I'm sure it's stressful for the baby....but I'm pretty sure they and I would be waaayy more stressed having little ones who aren't eating and are just withering away. I'm so sorry about the one that passed. If the normal is absolutely refusing to eat anything, and is looking like it's going down the same road as the other, you need to get some food in there. Maybe someone on here is near you and can help you with the assist feeding?
Last year I had a pastel that would NOT eat on her own at all. I thought I would be assist feeding her for life! Haha. After NINE times, she finally started eating rats on her own. She's now a rat devouring beast! This year, I had a few babies who needed a little help getting started....of course a picky pastel again. It took her three times to start on her own. The others who needed extra help this year only took the one time to get started on their own.
Good luck! It's not fun, but I feel is very important.