Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone tube feed problem eaters? If so, what's your "recipe"?
It occured to me that finely pureed chop meat w/supplements might be a good start?

Any thoughts?
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"Nothing happens in contradiction to nature, only to what we know of it."

I've tube delivered meds before, but never a meal. I have force fed mice though.

Tubing fluid can aspirate if not done correctly.

I avoid it if there is any other option.

TomChambers

I have done this on occasion. Usually, if you have a problem feeder an "assist feed" of a small whole food item is the best choice. If the snake cannot/will not swallow that, then the only option may be tubing. Let me first say that if your snake is bad enough to need tube feeding you are riding the edge already. Contact me privately if you feel you need to do this.

>>Does anyone tube feed problem eaters? If so, what's your "recipe"?
>>It occured to me that finely pureed chop meat w/supplements might be a good start?
>>
>>Any thoughts?
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>>"Nothing happens in contradiction to nature, only to what we know of it."

Thanks for the replies.

Fortunately, I don't have any problem feeders in my collection but I'm moving onto some more challenging species and I was concerned that I would inevitably be faced with this issue.

I recall that Bill Haast in Florida feeds his venomous collection exclusively by tube feeding and was wondering if anyone else has tried this method.

I see what you are saying about the aspiration but would a tube long enough to sufficiently bypass esphagus not avoid that? Just curious.

Thanks again.

Bryan
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"Nothing happens in contradiction to nature, only to what we know of it."