need tips on force feeding BHP hatchy?

[Pythons Rule]

Hi there I had success hatching out bhp's last season the baby is about 5 weeks and hasn't yet shed nore started eating, I wouldn't be concerned but its gotten really skinny and its skins all loose so I tried my luck at force feeding tonight but its a stuburn lil thing and didn't want to co operate. so if you have any advice on what I need to do that would be appreciated

Thank you

 

[DerekRoddy]

What I do is start with as small a meal as possible (pinky mice work best for me)
Take a plastic spoon with the pinky in it and use the edge to pry the mouth open. With your thumb...slide the pink into it's mouth. Make sure it goes all the way in the mouth.
I use the smaller items as it's much harder for them to get it out of their mouth once it's in.

Most babies require at least 10-20 assist feedings before they "learn" how to eat.

Cheers,
D

 

[Pythons Rule]

thank you for your prompt reply will order some pinky mice then, the pinky rats seem to be too big...

 

[MyMitchie]

Babies are hard to get feeding on mice as it is let alone on rats who don't smell nearly as good as mice. The size may be too intimidating for the bubba still. Give the pinkie mouse a go and good luck!

 

[RedFox]

http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/herp-help-38/help-please-200585/page/3

This was a thread recently that had some good ideas on how to get pythons feeding. Have you tried scenting the pinky with something, eg. Quail, tuna oil, chicken?

 

[Ramsayi]

At 5 weeks it should not be a concern and I doubt much condition has been lost.I don't even look at them for the first 8 weeks since they have such large yolk reserves.

 

[Pythons Rule]

normally I wouldn't worry Ramsayi but this lil girl didn't absorb it yoke due to being tied up in its embilical cord, its looking very thin and very loose skin etc I just dont want to loose this one too

 

[Ramsayi]

Oh well just do what Derek has suggested.You can also use a credit card or similar just like a spoon.If needed use the blunt end of a probe to push the pinkie in a bit more if it keeps spitting it out.

 

[Pythons Rule]

I'll update on its progress

 

[Russ2]

I use rats tails to start with.
put the big end in first as it's harder for them to spit it out with the hair pointing backwards.
Not sure if it helps them get used to swallowing due to the length of the tail but it works for me.

Do what works for you, it's often the best method.

 

[slide]

PM sent

 

[Kraft]

http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/herp-help-38/help-please-200585/page/3

This was a thread recently that had some good ideas on how to get pythons feeding. Have you tried scenting the pinky with something, eg. Quail, tuna oil, chicken?

I started that thread an got nothing less then the best advice now my hatchie is a domanate feeder and I couldn't be happier!

 

[Norm]

Kraft, what method worked for you? I'm got some hatchies from my first clutch that I'm having trouble getting started.

 

[Hoplophile]

I start with a couple of feeds of mouse or rat tails...not because of the nutritional value in them, but to get their swallowing reflex happening. Then after two or three feeds like this I use a pinky or fuzzy mouse straight after a tail and get it as far back into the throat as possible. Sometimes they try to spit it out but if their teeth engage its often hard for them to do so...then they may start to swallow the item. Recently I had one swallow a rat tail and I just followed it up with a fuzzy mouse. It can take ages before they "get it" and feed themselves but the more feeds you assist them with the easier it gets. Eventually they'll swallow whatever you put in their mouths.

 

[Kraft]

Kraft, what method worked for you? I'm got some hatchies from my first clutch that I'm having trouble getting started.

Scenting mice with quail all my mice are frozen in the same bag as quail and when I defrost them I rip off loads of quail feathers and put it in the hot water with the mouse for about 10-15 minutes and it hasn't failed me

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

There is always the yogurt trick to fall back on. Never tried it myself so hopefully this will prompt someone. And...............although not a favorite.............in dire situations one could turn to a pinky pump to the the young one through to the 1st shed

 

[buffcoat]

Have you tried live pinkys? That usually works for even the most stubborn.

A fellow collector had an extremely stubborn sand boa, she would not eat anything. Threw a live pinky in and well, she's his best eater now. Everything to her is food, everything.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[swampie]

My personal preference for force feeding BHP hatchies is to use pinky rats, I've never had a problem getting them down.
Usually after 2-3 force feeds you can get them assist feeding.
Once they are assist feeding try leaving a pinky rat in with them, after they have taken the assist fed item down they may eat it by themselves, once they start doing this it will only take a couple more assist feeds till they are feeding without assistance then there is no looking back, they turn into little pigs.
Before force feeding it is always good to try other things. I have used day old quail and day old chick heads in the past with great success, or scenting with either of these items has worked at times also.
I think in your case though force feeding may be the best option as the little guy didn't absorb its yolk so would be needing some nutrients asap before it loses to much condition.

Buffcoat - Generally I find BHP hatchies are frightened of live food, it may work on occasion but more often than not it doesn't work. Works fine with allot of other species but the BHP's really seem to stress .

 

[Pythons Rule]

thanx to all your advice I gave my bhp a rats tail successfully tonight with yogurt when she starts putting some condition back on and has a shed I'll update with a picture

 

[womaspotted]

i see your in darwin
go and see Stephen at the ark vet