Iggy - try this

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Posted by Ray Loraine on December 28, 2000 at 16:58:27:

In Reply to: Elaphe situla posted by iggy on December 26, 2000 at 08:50:43:

I've been breeding E. situla for about 10 years. Every year I have one or two that will not feed voluntarily - but I have been able to get every one to feed by tease feeding. Forcing food down the snake's mouth is stressful as you and Sue have noted. Try to tease feed your snake this way.

Make sure that the snake is at a suitable temperature.

Feed the snake a small pinky. If the pinky is too large you will not be as successful.

Hold the snake lightly just behind the head.

Tap the snake in the snout and front of his head with the dead pink. Keeping tapping, until it gets mad and opens its mouth and starts to strike.

When he strikes and grabs at the pinky, hold very, very still. Any movement may make him drop it. If he does drop the pinky, try it again.

Most snakes will usually grab the pinky sooner or later. He will then sallow it if you hold very still.

Be patient, and keep trying.

I have used this technique with a number of baby situla over the years and every single one of them began feeding voluntarily.

Follow Ups:

Thank you Ray and all !!!! (read) iggy 01/02/01 (1)
- Re: Thank you Ray and all !!!! (read) Ray Loraine 01/02/01 (0)

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: I've been breeding E. situla for about 10 years. Every year I have one or two that will not feed voluntarily - but I have been able to get every one to feed by tease feeding. Forcing food down the snake's mouth is stressful as you and Sue have noted. Try to tease feed your snake this way. : Make sure that the snake is at a suitable temperature. : Feed the snake a small pinky. If the pinky is too large you will not be as successful. : Hold the snake lightly just behind the head. : Tap the snake in the snout and front of his head with the dead pink. Keeping tapping, until it gets mad and opens its mouth and starts to strike. : When he strikes and grabs at the pinky, hold very, very still. Any movement may make him drop it. If he does drop the pinky, try it again. : Most snakes will usually grab the pinky sooner or later. He will then sallow it if you hold very still. : Be patient, and keep trying. : I have used this technique with a number of baby situla over the years and every single one of them began feeding voluntarily.

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