Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I now have 2 W/C Lampropeltis triangulum syspila, and this is my first experience with this species. I know in the wild they eat skinks, worm snakes etc. My problem is that my two are 8 inches TOPS, and thin as a boot lace! I'd like to avoid a pinky pump or force feeding! Any ideas? Do you think they would eat a "piece" of a F/T pinky?
I'm open to anything!!!
I will CERTAINLY release them FAR before food becomes an issue if I cannot get them to eat, so don't worry about them.

Thanks
DP

I would try (if you can get ahold of any) some peromyscus pinks. They are the "cure all" when it comes to stubborn colubrids and very small food source. Their pinks are smaller than normal lab mice and have a different scent (deer mice) and have had snakes that wouldn't commit to any other trick in the book just dive in. In fact...I've had stubborn feeders take these f/t the first time. I have a few small colonies for stubborn hatchlings. The only thing that you need to worry about is that sometimes they will never get off the peromyscus and will only take those as a food source. I found so far in my dealings with the hatchlings is that it isn't to hard to switch them over. Hope this helps

matt

Thank you very much! I'll start looking for peromyscus today!
I also have a skink for scenting....I'll keep you posted!

Thanks
DP

Thanks for all the advice, I can't believe that tiny little thing just ate a whole pinky!!! ..... Looks like an olive stuffed into a boot lace!!

Thanks again!