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Force Feeding

theraven51 Dec 14, 2007 04:29 PM

I have what I was told a 4 month old Black Throat that a couple days after I bought him I had to take to the vet because of a very bad respiratory illness. After spending three days at the vet and some antibiotics he is slowly getter better. The problem is I am still unable to get him to eat. He is still on antibiotics so I am wondering if that could be why. My question is would this be one of those very rare circumstances that would justify force feeding? If so does anyone have any tips and what type of food would be good to give him? I figured it would be some type of liquid mix but am not sure. I am going to contact the vet but am looking for any advice too. I figure it never hurts to get a second opinion.

Here’s the specs on the current setup. Basking spot of 130+ on a “Retes” style setup although he hasn’t used it ever since he came back from the vet. Ambient temperature of about 80, originally I had a temperature range of low 70’s on one side of the enclosure to the low 80’s on the other side but was told the higher temp would help with recovery. Humidity ranges from around 30% on one side to around 70% on the other. I’m also using cypress mulch for the substrate but am looking to switch to some type of dirt after reading and searching through the posts here.

Replies (2)

lizardheadmike Dec 16, 2007 06:41 PM

Hello,

If you have the monitor set up and heated properly then I would supply a small live prey item like pinkies or fuzzies and let it do the rest on it's own. You usually only have to force feed dead monitors if the husbandry is right(hahahaha!). Best to you- Mike

theraven51 Dec 18, 2007 07:51 AM

Any idea where I can get live pinkies? I have tried 3 local pet stores so far but no luck. I live in the western Pa area if that helps. Thank you.

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