Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hatched out a clutch of 16 beautiful Childrens pythons. The trouble is that only one of the 16 has willingly. I have tried frozen thawed, live, braining, brown bag method and nothing seems to entice them. Any ideas on what I can do? I have heard that scenting with a lizard of some sort can work but I'm not sure if there is a certain type to use or what. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cut off frozen rat pup legs with some meat still attached and offer them on long tongs putting the cut meaty part up to their faces. They should push against it and start to open their mouths and eat, if they are ready. Try not to move much and do this in a non traffic area. This works for me with most spotted's, children's and rings. If they don't eat and you start to see wrinkles in their skin start force feeding them small rat pup leggs or mouse tails. Some children's can be real problem feeders and it seams to be passed on. Good luck! Tom

Oh also I forgot to mention once they start eating they will eat each other so separate all of them!

When did they hatch? Have they shed yet?

They hatched on May 2nd and yes they all shed

You will probably have to assist feed them to get them going. Assist feeding is different (& less stressful for the snake) than force feeding.
I made a video of it using my Anthill python babies to show that if those can do it than it is easier for any larger snake of course.

http://www.youtube.com/user/AnthonyWrenn

Good luck,
Anthony