rat snake won't eat

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Posted by Schwan on September 27, 2001 at 16:47:28:

So I posted about this snake a few days ago, about the idea of feeding him some hot dog or other meat item...you will all be happy to hear that I did not do that and instead tried some of your suggestions. Here is what happened:

I have been trying to give him live pinkies all along. I held one in front of him today and once again he struck at it, dropped it...it was too big for him anyway but that definately proves that he is interested in food. So my boss and I chopped one up (she did all the work, I didn't think I could stomach it) and tried to feed the snake various limbs. He wouldn't go for them at all. I thought that they may have been too cold, that he needed them warmer. We tried setting them under a light, soaking them in warm water, putting small bits of it on a live ones head or holding it in front of a live one so that if he struck at it it would get the small good pieces...everything I think...tried different organs and stuff...nothing could convince this snake to eat these bits of mouse. Cut a tail off the live pinky and tried to give it to him immediately afterwards...nothing. But he will strike at the live one, and he will strike at my hand. I don't understand, and I am running out of things to do for him. If he wont open his mouth for pinky parts, why would he for puree-ed mouse...

...I put the pieces in the freezer tonight. I intend to try again tomorrow.

Also, he just went through his first shed two days ago, I don't know if that has anything to do with his appetite...and now you can see right through his belly...

...when is the time to forcefully open his mouth and force feed him? Any more suggestions (you were all very helpful before) would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

Amanda

Follow Ups:

Re: rat snake won't eat Matt 09/28/01 (2)
- Re: rat snake won't eat Schwan 09/28/01 (1)
  - some hints for feeding a reluctant hatchling ... patricia sherman 10/15/01 (0)

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: So I posted about this snake a few days ago, about the idea of feeding him some hot dog or other meat item...you will all be happy to hear that I did not do that and instead tried some of your suggestions. Here is what happened: : I have been trying to give him live pinkies all along. I held one in front of him today and once again he struck at it, dropped it...it was too big for him anyway but that definately proves that he is interested in food. So my boss and I chopped one up (she did all the work, I didn't think I could stomach it) and tried to feed the snake various limbs. He wouldn't go for them at all. I thought that they may have been too cold, that he needed them warmer. We tried setting them under a light, soaking them in warm water, putting small bits of it on a live ones head or holding it in front of a live one so that if he struck at it it would get the small good pieces...everything I think...tried different organs and stuff...nothing could convince this snake to eat these bits of mouse. Cut a tail off the live pinky and tried to give it to him immediately afterwards...nothing. But he will strike at the live one, and he will strike at my hand. I don't understand, and I am running out of things to do for him. If he wont open his mouth for pinky parts, why would he for puree-ed mouse... : ...I put the pieces in the freezer tonight. I intend to try again tomorrow. : Also, he just went through his first shed two days ago, I don't know if that has anything to do with his appetite...and now you can see right through his belly... : ...when is the time to forcefully open his mouth and force feed him? Any more suggestions (you were all very helpful before) would be greatly appreciated... : Thanks, : Amanda

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