When my Childrens first hatch out it usualy takes awhile for them to start feeding on their own. I dont raise my own mice (althought id like to - circumstances dont permit me) so I am very patient with them. I wasnt sure how long a neonate could go without food either until I had some go about 4 or 5 months just fine. It wasnt until then that I learned a good method to get them started when theyre picky. I certainly wont wait 4 or 5 months in the future but even a couple or so is perfectly fine. Sometimes they realy do just get hungry. Again, this applies to getting them started on f/t. But even live pinks are no guarentee.



Simply cut off the tail of an adult mouse (preferably dead) and while holding the neonate firmly behind the neck (but gently.....but firmly) apply the thick end of the tail to the mouth against the lips with a little pressure until its mouth pops open. For some reason it seams that the mouse tail has a much quicker rate of response getting that mouth to open than an actual pinky being shoved in.

Then just quickly push the tail into the back of the throat a lttle ways (with a slight twisting motion if needs be) and then let go of the tail. If you can set the snake down that would be great but if not then dont be afraid if it hangs on to your finger while trying to swallow for a second. wait a moment until it starts to swallow and then set it down. Its not going anyware.



That tail will trigger the natural swallowing response and it will go down fairly quickly. For that reason you should also hav your dead pinky on hand since we're not finished yet. As the neonate is nearing the end of the tail bring the pinky head in close to the snakes mouth, not necessarily touching it (sometimes they shrink away) but wait for the oppurtune moment when the mouth opens for another swallow and let the lips come down on the pinky. That way the snake doesnt feel like your shuving it down its throat but that its just continueing to swallow.



Ive had very good success with this and I dont feel Ive caused my babies much trauma. Sometimes I even use this method with baby balls although a little trickier.



Hope it helps.

Brendan

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