Special Needs Snake

Rogue628 · 02-26-12, 01:28 AM

After I move I will be picking up a special needs snake. She's about 2 years old but is not quite as big as a year old would be. Not sure what her condition is called but she doesn't have a tongue nor does she have a complete lower jaw, which makes feeding her an issue. From what I've been told by her previous owner, she's one of the sweetest animals she's ever gotten to work with but she has so many to care for now, she really doesn't have the time to work with her like the little cinny needs (she's a cinny morph). I offered to take over her care since I have a little experience in problem feeders and know how to assist feed and can force feed if necessary (I absolutely HATE doing this but can). She's told me she's had to assist feed, but she will eat on her own if you rub her food on her top jaw most time. She has had to force feed her before.

We've talked off an on about it as she really does not want to euthanize her (it was another option she had thought about), especially since she herself has put so much time in on the girl and there's no other issues she has. She's just not a good eater and has never been sick. The owner would much rather give her to another person who has the time and patience to work with her, and maybe even get better results.

It's too cold to ship her from where she's at now and I don't want to get her here only to have to move her again by the time she gets adjusted to her new surroundings....I don't want to put her through that.

I'm such a sucker for animals like this. They tug at my heart strings so bad. In all I'm excited to be getting her, knowing I'm going to have to work with her. I just hope I can be a good mommy and even get her to gain some size. If not, as long as she's healthy and I can keep her healthy, I'll be happy.

Thought I'd post a couple of pics of this special creature. I know what I've got my work cut out for me, but I really think it'll be worth it end the end.

Skumbo · 02-26-12, 01:38 AM

aww poor thing. glad it had a good owner to start with though, and not someone who would neglect an animal thinking "it just wont eat for me"

im sure youll take good care of her!

infernalis · 02-26-12, 02:22 AM

"Special" snakes can be very rewarding... Good luck.

KORBIN5895 · 02-26-12, 06:28 AM

Name her baby hughie

Trent · 02-26-12, 10:03 AM

Good luck!!

alessia55 · 02-26-12, 10:06 AM

Aww she's really cute! Good luck with her!! Keep us posted. I'd be interested in seeing feeding pics to see what the process looks like...

Hurrok · 02-26-12, 02:45 PM

Awe...she looks like such a sweetheart. It is so good to see that someone would actually take the time to care for animals like this rather than just getting rid of it somehow. I have a special place in my heart for animals like this too, so I'm glad there is others that feel the same way. Best of luck

jaleely · 02-26-12, 09:59 PM

She looks thin but not emaciated. I actually don't see how feeding will be TOO bad if she can get it into her throat muscles okay. Has she always been this way? What happened, or was she born like that?

I really want to keep hearing about how she's doing. Let us know! And I'll take her if you can't! lol

theapexgerman · 02-26-12, 10:09 PM

I learnt a special need anmial is one of the most loveing animals my uncle has a 3 leg dog such so freindly hope you don't got to fource feed her

Caylan · 02-26-12, 11:34 PM

She's very sweet looking, good on you taking her over. She may even get used to being assist fed and not put up too much of a fight later on, snakes seem to be smart that way... She has to be one of the cutest royals I've ever seen though lol! good luck!

Rogue628 · 02-27-12, 08:56 AM

She was born this way. I heard one person call it slack jaw but I think that's incorrect. The girl who has her now says she's getting better with feedings. She's taking food if you rub it under her top jaw. It just takes some time. Hopefully I can continue this and she'll eat more on her own this way instead of having to assist feed.

hylia · 02-27-12, 09:03 AM

She is really beautiful. She's a lucky girl to have come upon people who are willing to make the extra effort for her. Can't wait to hear about how she does in your care.

Hillsberry · 02-27-12, 11:07 AM

Awwww it's great to know she is going into a loving home. I wish you the best of luck with her!

CK SandBoas · 02-27-12, 06:21 PM

She is such a cutie! She will definitely have a loving home with you=)

Rogue628 · 02-27-12, 06:32 PM

Thanks! I'm really excited to get her but nervous about it at the same time as I haven't had to deal with feeding issues like these in years (assist feed with possible force feed...I just hope it doesn't come to it).

But I really love working with animals who have issues. There's nothing more rewarding to me than to have an animal that has issues that you help them overcome or cope with, all the while keeping them healthy and happy.