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Feeding Plan For Starved Snake

Dustilyn

Dustilyn

Hopeless Addict
Ugh. So I handled my little lavender "rescue" today for the first time. She is SO skinny. I could feel each of her little ribs as she moved through my hands and her spine is clearly visible.

I'm disgusted by the reptile store for having/selling snakes that thin, but not surprised and should have known better. I'm annoyed at myself for being so impulsive and even walking in that store, let alone taking a snake home with me. I'm a hopeless bleeding heart. Anyhow, it is what is, and I will do my best to help this little girl. She is SO sweet with striking, dark eyes. I named her Indigo.

I tried feeding her yesterday, probably a little too soon since I only got her on Saturday, but I thought it was worth a try. She refused. While in the feeding tub she used the bathroom and it was watery and almost completely clear. Obviously she's been empty for quite awhile.

My question is about the best way to get her feeding again. She's about the size of my 09's, but considering that she has been starved, she's probably an 08 or older. Size wise, she should be able to eat a small adult mouse, but i offered her a hopper. I'm wondering if I shouldn't start her on something even smaller than that. Maybe a pinkie or a fuzzy every few days then gradually work her up to bigger sizes. I don't want to shock her empty stomach with a giant meal first thing. I also wonder if a snake who hasn't fed for quite awhile is going to need something to jump start its feeding response. Any ideas?
 
I would start off with smaller prey, maybe large pinkies or peach fuzzies, cut lengthwise slits (nose to tail) along the back, & sprinkle some NutribBAC on the prey.

http://www.cornutopia.com/Corn%20Utopia%20on%20the%20Web/Nutribac%20information.htm

I think anyone who has reptiles should have NutriBAC on hand.

I hope she recovers for you.

It goes without saying, limit handling even moreso, she needs every ounce of energy to heal up. You don't want to stress her even more.

I would put her on a 5 day feeding schedule & stick to the smaller prey for a little while, until she starts to put on weight, then gradually increase the prey size.

Someone with more experience than I have can give you more info, but that is what I would do.
 
Perhaps a rat pinkie??? Seems to be a cornsnakes favorite food. Not that you should make rat pinkies the snake diet..as i think they are to fatty?? in the long run....but as an initial..kick start...they (rat pinkies) seem to do the trick. a Vet visit might also be in order..just to check for parisites. Anyone else?? More experienced advice???
 
BigByrd47119 said:
I agree with the above post completely!

This thread lists some great ideas for how to tempt a corn into eating. One method I would add to those mentioned in it is the use of Fish Oil for scenting. It has been brought up in the past and it seems to work. The worst that can happen is your corn will have lovely skin, right:dancer:.

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98595&highlight=Non-Feeder
Click to expand...

That's a great thread and I like the fish oil idea. That would get some extra calories in her along with the beautiful skin :)
 
rich333 said:
Perhaps a rat pinkie??? Seems to be a cornsnakes favorite food. Not that you should make rat pinkies the snake diet..as i think they are to fatty?? in the long run....but as an initial..kick start...they (rat pinkies) seem to do the trick. a Vet visit might also be in order..just to check for parisites. Anyone else?? More experienced advice???
Click to expand...

Funny you should recommend this as i just got a text from my panicked mom because she thinks one of her three "male" pet rats is pg. Looks like I'll have easy access to live rat pinks shortly.
 
Dustilyn said:
That's a great thread and I like the fish oil idea. That would get some extra calories in her along with the beautiful skin :)
Click to expand...

I'm actually a bit shocked/disappointed that there isn't a sticky which lists all of the tested methods of making non-feeders into feeders. Of course it would have to be progressive as new methods are discovered and then the original list could be updated!

Anyhow, good luck to you and your corn! Perhaps some pictures are in order if no too invasive?
 
nwheather said:
I would start off with smaller prey, maybe large pinkies or peach fuzzies, cut lengthwise slits (nose to tail) along the back, & sprinkle some NutribBAC on the prey.

http://www.cornutopia.com/Corn%20Utopia%20on%20the%20Web/Nutribac%20information.htm

I think anyone who has reptiles should have NutriBAC on hand.

I hope she recovers for you.

It goes without saying, limit handling even moreso, she needs every ounce of energy to heal up. You don't want to stress her even more.

I would put her on a 5 day feeding schedule & stick to the smaller prey for a little while, until she starts to put on weight, then gradually increase the prey size.

Someone with more experience than I have can give you more info, but that is what I would do.
Click to expand...

Ah, I hadn't thought of NutriBAC. Great suggestion. Thanks!
 
nwheather said:
I read that NutriBAC can be an appetite stimulant. I am sure it would be benefitial for her being so malnurished as well.
Click to expand...

If NutriBAC is an appetite stimulant, then perhaps it would be good to give her a small water bowl/cup with NutriBAC mixed in it. I say small because I believe you have to change the NutriBAC-laden water every day and it can use up a lot of NutriBAC if you do it in a big water bowl.
 
I would recommend the thread and ideas given so far but I would add once you are able to get her eating maybe stick with smaller meals and feed her every 5 days and treat her like a growing baby. And move her up slowly and if she seems to get to nervous being out of her viv to eat then I would go ahead and feed her in the viv. You could use paper towel as substrate if you are concerned with her ingesting the substrate. Poor thing probably has no trust in people and who can blame her.

Good Luck with her she is beautiful. And as much as all of us frown on pet stores and in courage people not to go in there. No one is going to blame you for falling in love with her and wanting to help her out. My 3rd snake was a Petco rescue.
 
She finally ate today! I am so relieved. i was really afraid she was going to be a tough feeder. I fed her a f/t rat pinkie and she snarfed it down before I even had her rack closed. Rats aren't my feeders of choice, but just getting her to eat and put weight on is my priority right now. I'll get her switched over to mice once she fattens up and gets used to eating regularly.
 
I'm glad she ate for you! It's probably going to take a little bit of time, but I think she stands a good chance at recovering well for you.
 
Dustilyn said:
I'm wondering if I shouldn't start her on something even smaller than that. Maybe a pinkie or a fuzzy every few days then gradually work her up to bigger sizes.
Click to expand...

I'm very glad to hear she ate for you! Don't try to feed her again in a few days though. I know it can be tough because you want to fix her as fast as possible, but if you feed her again before she has a chance to digest, she could regurge. Power feeding is not good for any snake, especially one in a weakened state.

Try to relax, feed her every 4-5 days, and slowly work her prey item back up to a normal size. She'll be well soon enough!

Good luck.
 
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