Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a guy who i want to buy a GTP from. Right now he is force feeding it. (4 weeks old, captive bread) I want to pick it up soon, but at what point does the snake take food on its own?

Thanks

I wouldn't take the snake till it eats on it's own at least 6 to 10 times, knock on wood I've never had to force feed any of my babies.

IMHO, 4 weeks of age is too young to be force feeding these guys. At about 6-8 weeks of age is the youngest that I would consider starting with assist feeding for neonates that aren't showing interest in striking. I wouldn't purchase anything that is being force fed..... wait until they are established and have about 10 meals in them willingly for the best chances at having success with them.

Right now I've got a clutch of babies that were born mid Feb and I've got several that are being assist fed pink heads/shoulders on a weekly basis. Sometimes it can take months before they "get it" and quite often they never start eating on their own. This is one of the things that makes established captive bred gtps valuable.

DO NOT BUY THAT CHONDRO!!! If he's force feeding it at 4 weeks old, he has no business keeping chondros. Force feeding neos is a last ditch effort to getting them feeding. I've had babies go as long as 16 weeks(yes that's 4 months) before taking their first pinky. Besides that, a REAL chondro breeder does not sell babies that young. Most get a minimum of 10 meals and sometimes 20 meals before they are sold......or at least shipped. Spend your money with someone that knows what they are doing. Sorry if I sound harsh, but things like that really get to me. Be patient and look around for the "right" chondro for you.

Good luck.
Brandon Osborne
Brandon Osborne Reptiles

Ditto what Brandon says!

Hey Brandon... on yours that took up to 4 months, once they started, did they kick in pretty quickly? These blue babies are busting my chops!!

Yes Cathy. Once those that started getting the hang of it, they caught up. Of course they were a little behind, but overall within 2 years they were equal in size and weight. Send those blue critters here and I'll lend you a helping hand.

Good luck with'em.

Brandon Osborne
Brandon Osborne Reptiles

I have to agree with everyone else on this DONT BUY THAT CHONDRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you should get one that is eating on its own espeacaly if its your fist

I don't sell mine until they are 4-5 month's old let alone 4 week's! Don't Buy It!
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20 years in the hobbie/business.
in my personal collection at present;
1:2 p.m.molurus
1:4 chondro python viridis
1:1 dasypeltis medici
had to cutt down as i've moved back in with parent's