Please try a live pinky!

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Posted by Ronda on March 12, 2001 at 23:26:15:

In Reply to: No luck, she wouldn't eat, next step is scenting. n/p posted by sue on March 12, 2001 at 08:59:48:

Sue,

If your snake was eating unscented mice previously, I'm fairly certain a live pinky would do the trick. I know you haven't wanted to do this because... what if she doesn't eat it? Then what? Just put it in the freezer and you can thaw it once your snake is eating frozen/thawed again. In my opinion, scenting is a pain, but then again I don't have easy access to lizards or frogs. If your snake is refusing thawed, live seems like the next logical step. Sometimes the snake just wants to see a little movement. When I have to pull out the "bag of tricks" for a stubborn snake, I try live, then dead. If that doesn't work, I break a frozen pinky in half then thaw it. Yum! Stubborn feeders seem to like the smell. Other tricks, that I'm sure you've read about, include washing the pink (live and dead) and braining (gross, but it works). Scenting is at the very bottom of my list, right above pinky pumps. If the snake seems to be losing weight, cut off the tail of a dead mouse and put the end in the snakes mouth. You will only need to push it in about 1" or so (watch out for the airway) and the snake shouldn't be able to get it out. She'll take it down once she realizes she can't spit it out. Tails are long and slender and go down without a lot of fighting so I would think the stress would be minimal. Tails aren't exactly a balance diet, but it is food and will keep your baby going for awhile. Might even stimulate her to eat again.

Good luck,
Ronda

Follow Ups:

I can't get a live pinkie before Saturday,... sue 03/13/01 (1)
- Sue, check your email... KLG 03/13/01 (0)

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: Sue, : If your snake was eating unscented mice previously, I'm fairly certain a live pinky would do the trick. I know you haven't wanted to do this because... what if she doesn't eat it? Then what? Just put it in the freezer and you can thaw it once your snake is eating frozen/thawed again. In my opinion, scenting is a pain, but then again I don't have easy access to lizards or frogs. If your snake is refusing thawed, live seems like the next logical step. Sometimes the snake just wants to see a little movement. When I have to pull out the "bag of tricks" for a stubborn snake, I try live, then dead. If that doesn't work, I break a frozen pinky in half then thaw it. Yum! Stubborn feeders seem to like the smell. Other tricks, that I'm sure you've read about, include washing the pink (live and dead) and braining (gross, but it works). Scenting is at the very bottom of my list, right above pinky pumps. If the snake seems to be losing weight, cut off the tail of a dead mouse and put the end in the snakes mouth. You will only need to push it in about 1" or so (watch out for the airway) and the snake shouldn't be able to get it out. She'll take it down once she realizes she can't spit it out. Tails are long and slender and go down without a lot of fighting so I would think the stress would be minimal. Tails aren't exactly a balance diet, but it is food and will keep your baby going for awhile. Might even stimulate her to eat again. : Good luck, : Ronda

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