Snake Update

[abcat1993]

I bought some feeding tongs so I can feed it in it's cage now. I would assume that pinkies don't get stuck to fairly large wood chips.

[adamanteus]

Did your snake feed yet Matt? If you're worried about a pinky sticking to the chippings, just lay it on something, a stone, or a piece of wood, whatever. You could try scenting it with worms if you think he might be reluctant to take it as is.

[abcat1993]

I haven't tried cutting the pinky open, so I'll try that tomorrow. No, he hasn't eaten for almost 3.5 weeks now. I'll go to Petco and get some minnows too, unless my dad wants to sacrifice some cardinal tetras or a pleco.
EDIT: Also, don't your snakes move around while feeding? Mine does, so it would have to be a pretty big stone.

[drache]

I wouldnt worry too much about stuff sticking to the food. My snakes always scrape the food against stuff to rub of anything that sticks to it. They do it with worms to get the dirt off. They also do it to help them get the item in a better position.

[abcat1993]

Really? Mine must be stupid cause he eats any and all dirt. Plus, he did once eat part of a cedar shaving once that I couldn't get out. But, these are considerably larger and I will try to feed him right now. Otherwise I think I will go with force feeding. How much longer do you think I have?

[Cazador]

It's a good sign if he's still active, and his ribs aren't showing. You've still got a while, but you don't want to deplete his energy reserves totally. The big question is, "Why has he stopped eating?" Maybe the force feeding will kick start his appetite? Force feeding is easiest with two people when you're just learning. One can hold the snake, and the other can insert a flat, dull object perpendicularly through his mouth. The person with the food holds the food in a pair for forceps or blunt-ended tweezers and tells the "assistant" when to open the snake's mouth. Just open the mouth wide enough to insert the food. The person with the food then inserts it into the back of the snake's mouth/throat. If the snake spits it out, you'll have to insert the food deeper into its throat. You might have to release the food after you've started it moving. Then grab it closer toward you and push it a bit further.

Some snakes seem to get the hang of it and swallow by themselves, but others need to have their mouth held shut to prevent them from spitting it back up. They'll eventually swallow it, though. Again, you might want to put the snake's body in a pillow case to prevent it from musking on you. Don't try to force anything too wide down it's throat, and if you have to make a choice, angle closer toward its vertebral column rather than toward it's jaw structure. Be sure to ask if you're unsure of anything before you start.

Rick

[abcat1993]

Well, I have good news. My snake ate the worlds smallest pinky and a good sized nightcrawler in his enclosure. I guess I'll be feeding in there from now on. Also, I think you might want to sticky how to force feed. It could be usefull.

[Cazador]

I copied those directions for force feeding into an article (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...=Force_Feeding), but it would be nice to hear about other techniques or ways to improve what I've posted. Feel free to add to it or modify it at will. Cheers,
Rick

[abcat1993]

Nicel done. I'm posting this on a mac I inherited from my grandfather and it is really annoying to type. How I hate Macs...

[adamanteus]

I copied those directions for force feeding into an article (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...=Force_Feeding), but it would be nice to hear about other techniques or ways to improve what I've posted. Feel free to add to it or modify it at will. Cheers,
Rick

I find, quite often, that full blown force-feeding isn't necessary.....Sometimes if you simply press the food (best with a pinky) quite firmly against the snakes snout and prevent him from turning his head away, he will just open up and start swallowing! Assist-feeding rather than force-feeding! Try it!