Posted by:
MarkW
at Tue Nov 6 09:23:37 2012 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by MarkW ]
Sorry I missed this question.
I usually find about half the hatchlings will drop feed on pinkie mice or rats after the first slough. The remainder need a little work. I have tried scenting in the past but have found assist feeding is easy, as hatchlings are very aggressive.
Grasp the hatchling behind the head(carefully, they bite!) and place a pinkie in the open mouth. . . .it will be open! Usually the snake will bite down hard, release the hatchling and wait while it swallows the pinkie. I do this with the hatchling resting on the bottom of a large storage container, so that I can readily release the animal and walk away, safe in the knowledge it will not easily escape.
After a couple of feeds like this they get the idea.
I have spoken to others who use Trout scenting or pieces of trout. I prefer the assist route.
Cheers
Mark
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