Force-feeding Tutorial *Pics*

[Nightflight99]

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

However I do have 1 question for you. I have an adult cape file snake who has been refusing meals with all possible methods having been attempted. I tried the other night to force feed. However the little bugger refused to open his mouth. I ended up having to open it with hemostats but then due to the fact that Im lacking a 3rd hand couldnt hold his head keep his mouth open and put a mouse in. Any tips on this one?

File snakes are a classic example of a group of snakes that in my experience frequently refuses to open its mouth. You can use the tips of the forceps, a spatula, or any other item of suitable design to help open the mouth. Gently slide it in from one side of the jaw, then carefully twist it to open the snake's mouth. Have the prey item ready, and insert as much of it as possible immediately into the partially open mouth. Once you remove the forceps/spatula, most file snakes will clamp down immediately, so it takes a bit of patience to gently push the prey further down into the snake's esophagus, until it is far enough for you to massage it down toward its stomach.

By the way, cape file snakes will occasionally take feeding breaks for up to several months at a time. Even when they are not fasting, their feeding habits can be quite irregular, in my experience. I would regularly monitor their weight (once a month or so) in order to get a better idea of whether force-feeding is necessary. If you start noticing a significant weight loss after 8-10 weeks, then this definitely becomes a valuable option. The trick is not to wait until they're weak, as you may otherwise pass a point of no return. This is actually true for most species.

Hope this helps.

[reptiledude987]

Originally Posted by Nightflight99

File snakes are a classic example of a group of snakes that in my experience frequently refuses to open its mouth. You can use the tips of the forceps, a spatula, or any other item of suitable design to help open the mouth. Gently slide it in from one side of the jaw, then carefully twist it to open the snake's mouth. Have the prey item ready, and insert as much of it as possible immediately into the partially open mouth. Once you remove the forceps/spatula, most file snakes will clamp down immediately, so it takes a bit of patience to gently push the prey further down into the snake's esophagus, until it is far enough for you to massage it down toward its stomach.

By the way, cape file snakes will occasionally take feeding breaks for up to several months at a time. Even when they are not fasting, their feeding habits can be quite irregular, in my experience. I would regularly monitor their weight (once a month or so) in order to get a better idea of whether force-feeding is necessary. If you start noticing a significant weight loss after 8-10 weeks, then this definitely becomes a valuable option. The trick is not to wait until they're weak, as you may otherwise pass a point of no return. This is actually true for most species.

Hope this helps.

That does help alot thank you. Im aware these guys are notorious finicky eaters. Its been 10-12 weeks for him and was starting to loose weight. With how difficult to find they are I didnt want to take any chances with him so did force feed him last night. Ill offer normally in another 3-4 weeks and see what happens then.

[Nightflight99]

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

Its been 10-12 weeks for him and was starting to loose weight. With how difficult to find they are I didnt want to take any chances with him so did force feed him last night. Ill offer normally in another 3-4 weeks and see what happens then.

Yes, that sounds like it was the right decision. If it was me, I would still offer once a week or so, and then continue to force-feed each week if the prey is not eaten by the following day. Cape file snakes can go downhill surprisingly fast, and regular force-feeding can help prevent avoidable losses.