Hydra

[aquamentus_11]

Left her alone today, but yesterday when I took her out, I noticed that her sides were not as full as they have been in the past. Her body seems to compress more easily as it passes over my fingers, etc. She still comes out at night and everything, but I don't like this state of affairs. If she gets to a month without eating, I'm going to just cram some salmon down there.

[EasternGirl]

There is such a thing as force feeding...and I think you can tube feed or feed with a syringe...people do it with babies and sick snakes. Do a search on the forum for force feeding, tube feeding, syringe feeding...look under urgent care probably. Can you call around and see if there are any vets that specialize in reptiles in the area? I know it's probably a long shot...but when I lived in Fairmont, I had a pet rat and I actually found a vet in Fairmont that specialized in rats. It's worth calling around. Usually if you call one vet, they can tell you if there is a vet around that sees reptiles.

[aquamentus_11]

yeah there's a reptile specialist at the clinic where I take my cat. I'm not to that point yet (I was actually sort of kidding). Seems to me that the risk involved in force-feeding (the stress of it all and potential for injury, especially with a delicate young snake) might outweigh the benefit in a snake that just doesn't want to eat. It may just prolong starvation. In a sick animal though, I could see its use.

[aquamentus_11]

she's not unhealthy, just won't eat.

[aquamentus_11]

I'm not a huge fan of Harry Potter, but I could really use someone who can speak snake. Forgive me for that reference.

[kibakiba]

There is no reason to force feed at this point, and in most cases it's more harmful than letting her eat on her own.

[EasternGirl]

I like Harry Potter...I'm a mom...so I kind of have to like all that stuff. I don't understand why she won't eat yet...and unfortunately, I don't speak snake. Did you try feeding her at night just like Garterchick said?

[chris-uk]

I believe that force feeding is very much a last resort, you're not there yet. I'd also go as far as not force feeding a baby that has never eaten.
Keep offering food, try a variety of foods, and the one that seems to work for the most reluctant feeders live fish.
Good luck.

[kibakiba]

Assisted feeding might be an option, but not yet. But, The only time I had ever force fed a snake was with Angel, and she perked up a little while after, and then died. The difference between my situation and your situation is that your snake ahs eaten, for someone else. Angel never ate for me, except for one pinky piece once or twice... But it was never enough to actually keep her alive. Your snake should be fine, she's not in the position that Angel was in.

[aquamentus_11]

yeah, i'll just keep offering food. when should i start worrying? it's been 2.5 weeks.