Patience

[Wildside]

This seems like a good time to open a discussion about having patience regarding our hobby. I have seen quite a few people downright kill their reptiles for no other reason than their own personal lack of patience. Caring for your reptile is not something that needs to be done in comparison to how you would feel.

Reptiles don't feel the same as us and they have very different requirements for survival. They can go for months without eating and will under certain circumstances. Unlike newborn human babies who need food quickly to begin thriving, cold blooded animals need other things. Proper temperatures and humidity come high above food, why else do you think they refuse to eat upon being placed in an improper environment? IMO adequate cover/safety is highest on their life support list. It's immediate instinct for reptiles to hide upon birth else they will end up as prey. These factors must all come together before a reptile can even think about eating.

My point is people need to stop comparing their own needs to their reptiles. For example, just because you would be starving after a certain amount of time doesn't mean they are. The fact that you would be uncomfortable doesn't mean it's time to resort to force/assist feeding. If you get the proper environment down, with a good amount of security then healthy ones will begin to eat on their own in time, maybe more time than you're allotting. There is absolutely no need to stress them with multiple feeding and handling attempts. This will only decrease their chances for survival. Take it slow, give some thought to the animal you are caring for and more often than not everyone will end up happy and healthy.