force feeding

[kaa]

if you have to force feed a snake will they ever eat normal again

[thomasboxertko]

Most of them do, well the two i had to assist feed started eating on their own a few weeks later. I got a rescue from a friend of mine that was a 91 gram tiny ball python. It was so small i didnt think it would live very long so i assisted in feeding it 1 pat pink every 4 days. It now after about a month it eats everytime i place a rat in its cage. So i would say that it is probably 50-50 and alot of factors are involved like age,size and if it is WC or not. Hope this helps a little. Always remember it it horrible for the snake to force feed so I wouldnt do it unless you know how too and it is a last resort. Most everybody ball pythons are off feed right now so a bp that hasnt eaten in 4 months dosnt need to be force fed. Later Thomas

[kaa]

i got her as a rescue and have been ff her for the past 2 months every 5 days but she still wont eat on her own

[jglass38]

What do you mean by force feeding her? Have you taken her to a vet? Force feeding is very hard and stressful on the snake and should be done as a last resort.

[Ian]

VERY LAST resort too. You should almost never have to force feed.

[Hennek]

Many boids can go off feed for a year or more. Unless an animal is incredibly underweight, force feeding is rarely ever necessary. It can severely irritate the esophageal lining, which can lead to infection. Give them time, offer different sizes, or even offer different prey items if necessary.

A lack of appetite may also be an indication of a further complication such as internal parasites. A fecal analysis may be an appropriate course of action as well as just giving her time.

[Ian]

One of the nice benefits to flagyl is it often boosts appetite in snakes! Definately worth having done, and stop with the force feeding unless it is absolutely necessary!!!!