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About Kevin L. Ogle
Expertise
I can answer almost any question regarding snake husbandry, feeding, general care, handling, etc. I have some experience with geckos and bearded dragons. I cannot answer questions regarding breeding or venomous reptiles.

Experience
I have over 10 years experience in snake husbandry. Currently, I have the following (Children's Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Western Hognose, Olive Python, 2 Macklot's Pythons, D'Albert's Python, 2 Carpet Pythons, 2 Royal (Ball) Pythons, California King, Green Tree Python, Amazon Tree Boa). While I have no formal training in Herpetology, I can help most folks keep their snakes healthy and happy.

Education/Credentials
AAS in Electronic Engineering (Tennessee)
The Logistics Institute (Georgia Tech)

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Snakes > Snake Feeding

Snakes - Snake Feeding

Expert: Kevin L. Ogle - 11/1/2009

Question
Hi

I have a very young Hogg Island Boa that recently had surgury near the eye it had fluid build up on the left eye and the vet pulled the fluid out with a syringe and placed a very small tube into the tear duct and into the mouth so the fluid can drain into the mouth. He also gave Vitamin B shots a eating stimulate shot and Antibotic shots. But my problem is the snake is not eating at all it never ate since I got her it has been three weeks the vet said she looks healthy not scrawny still looks good and healthy. I tried thawed out Frozen and applied some heat to the frozen mouse by putting it in hot water so it can give off heat, and I tried live, and still nothing. It just doesn't seem interested the left side is still a little swollen because of the procedure the vet said it might go down with time. How else can I feed the snake don't want to force feed it and risk damaging the tube in the left side of the face the tube has to stay in for six weeks?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Thomas,
Normally I would not answer this question, but since you care enough about the snake to take it to the vet and have it worked on, I will offer some suggestions. First off, find your local pet store and tell them about your problems. Establish a relationship with a pro who you can call on to help. They might know or have different ideas than me. Dont panic, 3 weeks is not that long as long as the snake is drinking. I suppose it is possible that the tube is causing some issue that might make the snake not want to eat. If a snake's mouth hurts, it will not eat (mouth rot does this as well). Now to your question... Try live rat pups if you have been trying mice. Try a baby chick if the snake is big enough. Try a baby girble or hamster. The key is to try everything you can at different times of day and night, leave the prey in there if it is small enough that it poses no threat to the snake. Something will click with the snake and once you get him to eat once, he will likely eat again. Talk to the person you bought the snake from. How did he get it to eat. Keep me updated and let me know when you get him to eat or if you have any other questions.

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