Won't Eat!! Please Help!

[tricksterpup]

Wayne,
Did you get these guys to Eat?? I spoke with a buddy of mine last week at our local herp meeting, Terry Odegaard. One of those old timers that is known to a few in the industry.
He keeps Easterns and got them (babies) to feed on pinks. He said if they do not eat, you can force feed them pink legs. He said to just put them into their mouths and once they start chewing on it.. its usually gone. You may have to do this for a bit but eventually they take.

 

[medusacoils]

Wayne,
Did you get these guys to Eat?? I spoke with a buddy of mine last week at our local herp meeting, Terry Odegaard. One of those old timers that is known to a few in the industry.
He keeps Easterns and got them (babies) to feed on pinks. He said if they do not eat, you can force feed them pink legs. He said to just put them into their mouths and once they start chewing on it.. its usually gone. You may have to do this for a bit but eventually they take.

Hey Jim, Thanks for the inquiry! I haven't gotten them to eat on their own yet. I have done exactly what you have suggested, for a couple of meals. I usually cut the legs and tails off of some large pinks and with the help of the misses, stuff them in.

The majority of them, still need a little assistance getting it down, but the majority of them, will swallow, once the food is in.

It's been a tough, but I haven't lost any yet. *Fingers Crossed* I have been getting help from Jay and PJ Coombs, with this, as well!

Thanks again,

Wayne

 

[Carinata]

Often dipping the pinkie parts in egg yolk will help them go down alot better

 

[medusacoils]

Thanks for the tip, David! Fortunately, once you push the pinkie part, past a certain point, it goes down. They will eat it, when properly coerced. Sometimes it takes that little push!

Do you know what is really funny? When you cut the legs off a F/T Pinkie, they kind of resemble a little tiny chicken leg. :eatpointe

Wayne

 

[tricksterpup]

Thanks for the tip, David! Fortunately, once you push the pinkie part, past a certain point, it goes down. They will eat it, when properly coerced. Sometimes it takes that little push!

Do you know what is really funny? When you cut the legs off a F/T Pinkie, they kind of resemble a little tiny chicken leg. :eatpointe

Wayne

lol
And actually Wayne, personally I think the egg trick would be a bad idea. Due to the fact, you might imprint egg on these guys and you want mice.

David, it was a good thought but this is where experience with these animals comes into play.
I have worked with them and the person I am referring to, has been working with herps since the 50s. Still field herps around the country and used to own one of the top original reptile pet stores in the twin cities before reptiles were even a common pet. Heck you should here him tell some of his stories. Amazing man with a life time of experiences.

 

[Carinata]

Jim, I was just suggesting something. I have heard many herp veterans suggest that dipping the item you are going to forcefully push down snakes throat should have some sort of lubricant on it. Heck I have even heard water works but I too have had to start snakes via force feeding (stuborn garters) and I have had major success with egg yolk. I would love to hear some of this herpers storys though. We have a couple herps that come to our local show that often tell storys of a time when the hobby was young.
Nite all
David