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Feeding problems!

C

Calen

New member
I have a cornsnake about 3 months old, I took over her from her breeder because he didnt have time for her. I have had the same problems with other snakes but always found a way. Feeding them in complete darkness and/or boiling them have worked every time until now. She is really frightened when I try to feed her, I have tried feeding her several times now. I'm going to try feeding her a live pinkie but I'm not sure that will work either, anyone have any recommendations about what I should do?

/Calen
 
Really, just to wish you luck! Check and double check the temperatures, minimise handling and keep the feeding attempts spaced out to every 5 days or so. I've had the best success with live 1-day old pinks, again, good luck and best wishes for success. Here's a link to some things that may help, although it sounds like you know what you're doing
http://cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28342
 
Thanks!

Thank for the link, I guess I'll wait a bit and try with live ones. I know how to feed them "manually" if it would come to that. I really want this one to make it, she is so beatiful. Hard to describe but ske looks lika a half-motley. I'll post a pic later!
 
Not saying that force feeding should be forbidden but I really do think it's not something that should be done.
God forbid there's an issue with the intestines or other part of the digestive system- you might end up putting more stress on a damaged/healing system.

I think it is quite preferable to use an IV in extreme conditions at a clinic. At the very least you can diagnose what is causing the regurgitation or refusal for food.

At any rate, I am not saying that I am the best keeper or the most experienced (Ha! as if)

But I can't really bring myself to agree with it... if a snake is already weak, it is very likely that it can either put the final nail in the coffin or cause further issues.

Just my thought anyways.
 
Force-feeding should be an absolute last-ditch effort. Think of how happy you would be if someone shoved a mouse down your throat. :)
 
I believe that that's the problem with force feeding. You induce -alot- of stress on the snake and force the digestion system to work at a time where the whole body's condition is critical. There is more chance to cause harm than help.

I really think that one should head to a vet and have the snake put on IV in order to stabilize.

That's my opinion at least
 
before I go to force feeding I try many things.... but the one thing that seemed to help the most with problem feeders is washing... we tried, ivory, dawn, joy.... joy seemed to work the best for us :) Maybe you want to give that a try??
 
Are you feeding in the viv or in something else? For very shy snakes, I usually remove the substrate and put in paper towels. I then feed in the viv, putting the pinky in front of wherever they are hiding and then leaving them strictly alone. I usually try this around dusk and I don't turn on the lights. Sometimes I even cover the cage with a towel to make it darker and more secluded.
 
Hello I have 2 corns snakes and having problems feeding one of them she just does not want to eat and i have tried the paper bag, feeding in dark place and the chicken broth what else can i do....
 
As I suggested above, I would try feeding in the viv to avoid stressing her out by moving her. You'll need to remove the substrate and put in something safe to feed on before you do this though. You'll also have to avoid handling the snake until it has taken a few meals. Are you co-habitating the two or are they in seperate housing? If they are together, they need to be seperated.
 
i have successfully fed my new corn twice. everytime i try to feed in a tub or in the viv itself, he refuses the pinky and completely ignores it. both times i got him to eat i used the deli cup method. basically put the snake and a pinky in a deli-cup and close the lid. leave him be for the night (leave the room) and this basically forces him to only focus on the pinky and hopefully it will be gone by morning. i also make small slits in the pinky's back and behind the head and this seems to increase his appetite. best of luck ^^
 
I don't know what size of container your snake is in but those at are frightened seem to do better in a small container. Then just remove the paper towel and water and feed in that container. Hopefully you will find a way that works for you and your new snake. I wish you the best of luck.

pss..If you do force feed perhaps you can just feed a pinkie head a couple of times as that makes it less stressful and easier for the hatchling.
 
For what it's worth, there are some that just never will eat. I don't force feed animals as I think there's something intrinsically wrong with them that keeps them from wanting to survive. I certainly won't breed anything that didn't eat well on it's own. Have you tried scenting with lizard? I got 2 non-feeders last year to take washed, then lizard scented pinkies that way. They eventually ate regular f/t pinkies and were given away to a teacher at a school as classroom pets.
 
Do you wash the snake or the pinkie? :p
Because washing the snake will probably make it even more stressed.
I'm going to try to feed it a live one asap. I really hope it works.
 
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