Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new corn hatchling and have yet to get it to eat. Any tried and true methods you can suggest to get it started? It's been 2 weeks since I've had him. I've tried ft and live pinks, but haven't split or brained yet. He's still active, but nervous and adjusting to his new home. He's in a small sterelite with a paper towel tube, newspaper, water bowl and temp is fine.
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
2.0 Solomon Island Boas

One thing you can try is to feed the snake in a smaller container. The easiest way to do it is to put the snake and pinky in a paper bag, staple the bag shut, and leave it over night.

You can also use small deli cups or other things that may just be laying around the house.

If the pinkies you are getting may be a little too large for the snake, you could try just feeding it pinky parts, like heads and such.

Sometimes, enticing a snake via a pinky (or part thereof) on some tongs, tweezers, or hemostates, will get it to strike. Probably 70% of the time, if the snake strikes and holds on, it will then eat it down. If the snake grabs it, don't make any sudden movements (like snapping on the lid of the cage, etc) or it may let go of the prey. Just wait for it to swallow and push the prey item down its belly a little, then close the lid.

If none of the above works, try small tree frogs or anoles. If the snake will eat them, scent the pinkies with the anoles or tree frogs, and eventually try to move on to unscented pinks.

I'm already scenting for my Solomon Islands, but wasn't aware that worked for small corns. Hmmmm.....I'll try scenting with anoles. Thanks!
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
2.0 Solomon Island Boas

Last year I tried all sorts of crazy methods on a non-feeder before trying what is so visually depicted and described in Kathy Love's book. I believe its on page 30. Except I literally kept tapping the side of the snake's body about 1 inch down past its head to provoke a response. This was such a passive snake but after continually tapping it and alternating sides...it finally got mad and struck at the pinkie. Now, if the snake is a new arrival, I'd wait a week before doing that b/c there is always the possibility that you will stress it out and inhibit its desire to eat. Also, make sure that the pinkie is really warm...use a plastic cup with warm water. I'm sure you won't have to resort to scenting with an anole...that is always the last possible resort with me AND to this day, I've NEVER been successful at scenting. I'd sooner assist-feed an animal that scent....its such a pain in the butt...but thats just me. How are the Candoia btw?
- Jason
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0.2 Green Tree Pythons
2.2 Ringed Pythons
2.3 Ball Pythons
1.2 Hog Island Boas
1.1 Argentine Boas
0.1 Solomon Island Ground Boa
1.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boas
7.8 Corns (various morphs)
1.1 N. Pines (Pituophis)
0.0.1 N.Diamondback Terrapin

Hey Jason! Thanks for the input. It seems I've been having the joys of picky feeders lately, lol...the Candoia are doing great! The tan one just shed, and he was my finicky eater. It's his first shed, and I've had him 3 months.
I'll keep you updated with the corn, too. Hopefully, he's just adjusting to the new digs.
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1.1 Ball Python 0.0.1 corn snake 1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish 1.2 cats 3.1 kids 1.0 husband and now...
0.0.1 Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
2.0 Solomon Island Boas