Quote Originally Posted by Joci View Post
I've been in a similar situation. My nine week old ball python's health was threatened by his lack of protein. He wouldn't eat anything for three weeks and weighed as much as a hatchling.. I went to my amazing vet and she recommended that I assist feed f/t until he ate on his own. If I hadn't done that, my snake might not have made it.

If you're sure it's not your husbandry or a health problem, then I would recommend assist feeding before she becomes too underweight.

To you people who say to never assist feed, I assist fed my snake twice and now he is eating on his own.. like a pig 😂
That's great that your ball python eventually responded to assist feedings. However no one here says never assist feed. Most of us agree that it's a last resort for a animal that is built to feed himself as long as the proper enviornment is provided and the animal isn't ill or injured. Actually a tube feeding is more appropriate for a animal that is confirmed non feeding over a extended period of time and has or is showing signs of dehydration and poor nutritional status. That is bc in a starving type of presentation, fluids should always precede solid foods. Even diluted pedialite solution as a option for drinking and soaking should precede assist feeding.