 FEEDING
PROBLAMATIC HATCHLINGS
including Greybanded Kingsnakes & Ruthvens
Kingsnake
Introduction
In the wild Greybanded & Ruthvens Kingsnake
hatchlings feed primarily on a diet of small
lizards. As this is built into there genetic
makeup
it is sometimes difficult to start them feeding on pinkies in captivity.
Neonate snakes generally do not accept there first meal until after there
first shed. If a hatchling has refused pinkies for two weeks after this
period it should be coaxed into feeding trying the methods below. Hatchlings
should be housed separately in a small container and provided with a
hide at both the cooler and hotter ends of its
cage. Fresh drinking water should
be made available at all times. The hatchling should be made to feel
secure that means not disturbing it several times
a day. Food should be left in
the container for several hours preferably over night without being disturbed.
Make sure the snake is not too hot or cold. If the hatchling is of a
second clutch eg: hatched in September/October
time it may be that it's natural
instincts are telling it to hibernate. If this is the case then hibernate
it, as long as it looks healthy, snakes including hatchlings that are
hibernated properly do not loose weight in hibernation.
If all the snakes requirements are met then try some or all of the following.
Methods
1. Some hatchling will feed on live newborn mice. Place a live pinkie
in the opening to the snake's favorite hiding place. If uneaten in a
few hours, replace with a dead pinkie.
2. Wash the pinkie in soap and water; this will remove the mouse scent.
Try a live one then a dead one.
3.Warm the pinkie up by dropping it into a cup of hot water for a few
minutes,
4. Cut open the top of a defrosted pinkies head and smear the brains
around the head and nose area, offer this to the hatchling. ( Sounds
disgusting but we have had many snakes start feeding this way )
5. Buy a small lizard (Uta Sceloporus or anole ). Wash a pinkie with
soap and water then with a pair of tweezers rub the pinkie over the
lizard. If you keep the shed skin from the lizard this can be wrapped
around the pinkie.
6. There is a product from TREX called lizard maker which essentially
is essence of lizard this is smeared over a washed pinkie and offered
to the snake. For more information on Lizard Maker see T-Rex Site
.
7. Teasing is another method used to start hatchlings feeding. Pick the
snake up and hold it gently but firmly behind the head supporting
its body in the palm of your hand. Then tap it on the nose with a
pinkie, several attempt may be needed before it strikes out and grabs
the pinkie. Once it has got the pinkie be very still and it should
continue to take it down. Make your self comfortable before trying
this method as it could take up to 15 minutes for the snake to eat
it. The snake should then be returned to its container and left undisturbed
for a few days to digest its meal.
8. Assist feeding. Gently open the snakes mouth and insert a pinkie then
gently apply pressure to the top jaw so it closes its mouth on it,
and give the pinkie a little pull so it gets stuck on the teeth.
Slowly put the snake back into its container and with a bit of luck
it will eat its prey.
If one of the above methods worked in starting your hatchling to feed,
then what next? As you will not want to continue using these methods
indefinitely.
Live pinkie feeders
can be encouraged to take defrosted by simply offering
them one in the entrance to there hide, or by wiggling
the pinkie in front of them using tweezers
For those who accepted lizard scented pinkies, reduce the amount of scent
used on the pinkie over several weeks until it accepts an unscented
one.
Teased snakes
usually accept pinkies readily after a few weeks.
At approx 4 weeks ( six weeks of age ) after the snake has shed and it
still has not eaten you may have to resort to the methods described
below. Only experienced persons should administer the methods below
as there is a risk of injuring the hatchling. Speak to your local
reptile society for advise as one of there members may be able
to help you with these tasks.
8. If all else
fails you may have to resort to force feeding,
gently pry the hatchlings mouth open and insert
the head of the pinkie then with a blunt object
gently push the pinkie down the snake
9. If you have several problem feeders it may be worth investing in a
pinkie pump, this is a syringe like tool which minces the pinkie
up as it is pushed up through a macerator and down a tube which is
inserted in to the snakes stomach through its mouth. The pinkie pump
has a calibrator on it so you deliver just the right amount of pinkie
puree. These are usually made of stainless steel and are quiet expensive
( 70-£100 ) but if it saves one hatchling it has paid for itself.
Conclusion
Most hatchlings will except pinkies within the first three weeks of hatching,
but some like the Greyband Kingsnake, Ruthvens Kingsnake & some locality
Cornsnakes naturally would take lizards as there first meal. These hatchlings
need some encouragement and the above methods should be tried. The above
methods are quiet safe to try on any snake species not just the ones
listed above., Once your hatchling has started to feed regularly on defrosted
pinkies, then the question of how often is asked. Generally for a newborn
hatchling one pinkie every 3-7 days is sufficient. Feeding it every 3
days will increase its rate of growth, and every seven will maintain
it on a steady growth rate. As it grows then the size and quantity of
the food item must be increased accordingly…Good Luck.
© Sue Knight
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