Skinny baby..

[Joci]

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.

I see what you're saying, and I agree that if the snake is dehydrated, then fluids should come first and tube feeding is sometimes more appropriate. I'm just trying to avoid having anyone wait too long before considering that last resort of assist feeding