An update!
The 2 balls I placed a fuzz into their mouth last week. One ate without me forcing or assisting!!!! My fault on the other one I forgot and put a large mouse with her. Will put hopper in next to see what happens.
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RicK Denmon
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Forced??????assist?????
BallBoutique
Aug 18, 2003 01:16 PM
Replies (5)
kryolla
Aug 18, 2003 02:30 PM
Rich did you try a hopper gerbil? Just wondering
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www.BallPython.Us
BallBoutique
Aug 18, 2003 02:35 PM
jfmoore
Aug 18, 2003 04:06 PM
Hi RicK -
Yeah. Isn’t it a trip? It’s like muscle memory or something. Getting those jaws working seems to do the trick. It may take more than a couple of assist feedings with some, but finally the lights go on in those pin-point-sized brains – “Oh, this is food!” The fun part for me is when you think they are struggling against you putting the food in their mouths, when actually they are struggling to try to escape your grasp so they can constrict the food – then you know they’ll grab the next meal on their own.
-Joan
BallBoutique
Aug 18, 2003 04:29 PM
Yes my other assister had to be assisted. Took 4 times but I won!!!! And to think I salivate going by a Mickey D's LOL My possible hets all ate but one. Five out of six on first meal out of shed! Next time no eat we assist/force.
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RicK Denmon
piebaldpython
Aug 20, 2003 06:54 AM
Normal reaction. Even Roy Stockwell told me that sometimes balls need to be taught how to eat. Not often but it happens. Also that they usually start eating on thier own no problem after that. That's well over 20yrs herping experience who does it for the love of the animal. I hope I get the chance to assist feed. It would mean I have a lot of het or possible hets in my collection.
Dave
