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Non-feeding hatchlings, how do I get them to eat.

I agree with most of what you said Traceas. I don't really believe in force-feeding hatchlings. Some just aren't meant to make it. However, I see no problem in trying different methods to get a non feeder to eat. Anole/chicken/tuna scenting, braining, cutting up, etc I think are just fine to use on non feeders.

I think that some of the snakes sometimes just don't know that a pinky is food. Not so much that they don't want to eat; just that they don't know it's food. A cornsnake hatchling probably wouldn't naturally come across a bunch of pinky mice in the wild for it to eat; so it makes sense that some may just not be that into eating pinkys at first. Every non feeder I've had that has taken one or two "altered" pinkys has always switched to either live if not directly to f/t pinkys.

However, after four or five attempts to "trick" a snake into eating, I think it's a lost cause if the snake still hasn't eaten and I will ususally euthanize the snake at that point. As you said I don't want to encourage weak feeding lines. But again I see nothing wrong with a little encouragement.

Just my 2¢
 
Taceas said:
:-offtopic and all....
Me'thinks you should maybe think about a different major. :sidestep:

:)
Click to expand...
bAH,

i'M A writing major, and claim no great intelligence.

Too bad the major willl do no good in the herp field.

oh well, good think I am so smart I am so smart smrt i mean smArt.
 
You hit the nail on the head again, Misty :cheers:
Having been through months of problems with Lil, I would never breed her mainly because whatever the reason for her non-eating, I wouldn't want any defective genes passed on to cause misery for others, who would perhaps then find themselves with their brand-new snakes starving themselves to death.
The 3 strikes rule for non-feeding sounds extremely well thought out, and for any who would condemn it as heartless, would they have breeders perpertuate kinks or other physical problems? Breeding for robust healthy snakes as well as for morph means a healthy hobby and satisfied owners imo
 
I have to say that

when I started this thread it was to get advise on the best way to get my new hatchlings to eat their pinkies...Not to start a debate on whether or not they (or any) non feeding hatchling should be allowed to live. These two have now taken their second consecutive meal of 1/2 a pinkie (cut lengthwise) and yes I am looking for homes for them. However, I have stated in all ads that they are slow feeders (meaning that they did not eat right after their first shed, and that I helped them by braining the pinkies-this last time I did not brain the pinks, but they were cut in half so it is pretty much the same thing.)

I have also stated in my ads that they are looking for good homes, not for breeders as they were 'slow' feeders.

I don't think you should have to feed a NF hatchling this way every time, but this is the best way I know to get them 'started' on the road to eating on their own.

This is my opinion and take it as is. Thanks to every one who gave me such great advise. I really appreciate it alot.
 
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