How to Force Feed Snake Hatchlings

While snakes are inherently self-sufficient creatures from birth, snake hatchlings may sometimes refuse to eat. New environments, incorrect living conditions, other snakes and other factors that could contribute to the snake feeling stressed can often precipitate hatchlings needing to be force fed by their owners. Because of the fragility of a hatchling (and its dangerous bite if the hatchling is a species of venomous snake), extreme care and caution must be taken to do this. However, armed with plenty of patience and knowledge, it is possible to 'teach' a snake to eat.

Things You'll Need

  • Forceps
  • Snake food (pinkies or small lizards are best)
  • Snake enclosure
  • Pinkie pump
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Instructions

  1. Getting Your Snake Comfortable

    • 1

      Set up the appropriate enclosure (also known as a vivarium) for your hatchling. Each snake requires its own specific type of environment, so before you even attempt to feed it, you must make sure it is comfortable in its surroundings. Stressed out snakes will not feed. Set temperature and humidity to the appropriate levels. You can find the right levels for your specific snake online, as well as through snake breeders and other snake experts.

    • 2

      Keep the enclosure clean and dry, and always have fresh water available. Always provide a hiding place for the snake.

    • 3

      Purchase the appropriate type and size food for your species of snake. Hatchlings often feed on pinkies (newborn mice), which can be purchased live or frozen.

    Feeding Techniques

    • 4

      Cut the head open or cut off the nose on a dead pinkie.

    • 5

      Smear some of the brains and/or blood around the enclosure to spread the smell of the mouse. Snakes have terrific senses of smell, and opening up the mouse's head allows the scent to travel more quickly to the snake, hopefully inducing it to eat. If the snake doesn't take the bait within a few hours, try to fool the hatchling into eating anything at all by offering pieces of the pinkie, or another natural food item, such as a small lizard. If you use a tail, be sure to lubricate it with water or egg. Leave the original pinkie carcass in the tank while you do this.

    • 6

      Use the forceps to gently push the pinkie or other food into the snake's mouth. Nudge it just enough for the snake to bite, then gently press down on the outside of the snake's jaws to help push its teeth into the pinkie. Pull back slightly to ensure that the snake's teeth grip the mouse and wait. You may have to repeat this a few times before the snake finally swallows the pinkie itself.

    • 7

      If the snake doesn't swallow the pinkie after several hours, or spits it out, start over and this time, using a very dull object, gently nudge the pinkie further into the snake's mouth and down its throat, slowly massaging the hatchling until the pinkie is about 1/4 to 1/3 of its length inside the snake.

    • 8

      Try using a pinkie pump if the hatchling still refuses to eat three to four weeks after its first shed. A pinkie pump is similar to a syringe. It essentially liquefies a pinkie and shoots the food down the hatchling's throat. However, be very careful when using these, as they can jam up and then suddenly shoot out and potentially injure the snake. These should be used as a last resort.