Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So today is feeding day... Fun Fun! First time I've gotten to feed him ( though we spent a week visiting him every day before we decided to buy him, so I know he's a good eater). ...

He ate the first one in under ten minute.. the second one, we've been working on for a half hour.. he's trying to eat it backwards and the mice's feet is stopping him from swalling it down... is this common? Anyone else ever experience this?

Chelly

1 AKC Black Lab
1 Normal

It's a fairly common occurance. Particularly with younger, more excitable, ones . Sometimes they'll grab what ever's closest or just miss where they were aiming. Eventually they'll realize it ain't goin' down the way they planned and let it go and try to locate the head. Some stubborn ones will insist it go down the way it is, and it will sooner or later. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

Mine did swallow a rat butt first, and he did it without locating the head. It was weird! LOL

Relax newbie. If it can't get it down he will backoff. It will learn. But it is not relly uncommon to see them eat one butt first.
Link

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Don't panic,

My rescue has such poor aim that she's tried to swallow a rat from just about every angle, depending on where she grabs it. She spent almost an hour working on one she caught by the midsection! Eventually she gives in, spits it out & finds the head. With time & with each feeding she's gotten better, now if she grabs it by a leg or shoulder or something she only tries for a moment before the lightbulb goes off. Your guy will learn, just let him work it out.

Good luck!

-Tami*

.....you could end up with one like I have. Nice big female, loves to eat, but has no regard whatsoever for direction. If she gets it by the butt, thats the way it goes down. I've never even seen her TRY to locate the head. Shes a stubborn girl, but a great snake. (My kids fav to handle)
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James.....
"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought the beast back."

It eventually got the mouse.. but it took like 45 minutes, and there was NO backing off.. he forced that thing in.. would drag it all over the cage until he had the mouse right against his hide cave and forced it in.. Real smart animal.. but at the same time dumb as heck.

This is the same one my daughter (she's one) ripped out of my hands and didn't bat an eyelash, but my mom got to close to it's mouth and she got bit.

Chelly