Sorry, I really DID write a post answering those questions. I'm not sure why it didn't go up. I must have hit the wrong button and closed the post.
Anyway, you probably don't HAVE to boil or freeze the feathers, I do because I'm creeped out by birds. Just boil them for a few minutes and leave them out to dry or dry with a blow-dryer. (watch out because they blow away fast!) I think I still have some under the TV!
You can freeze them for a few days and then just warm them up at room temp or with a blow-dryer.
I used the downy soft feathers from finches or parakeets but any small bird will do; color doesn't matter. But if you only have access to a big parrot, that will work too. Just don't use a full feather, you want the fuzzy little ones.
I'm not sure WHY it works, if they are fascinated or irritated by the feather, if it tickles or if they just like the idea of bird on the menu. I think it sort of tickled them and got them to snap. Once they had a grip on it, they just decided to go ahead and swallow.

Sorry that my post last week didn't work! Hope the little one starts eating soon!

__________________
Andrea

If you don't have a rat tail you could also use a leg section. just something small enough that it won't be a big struggle to get down but still put something in its stomach!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I hope everything is well. Have you had any eating activity? Did you try any of the suggestions even though you couldn't find your answers? I have my fingers crossed.

today we are going to try the indian thing. but should I use a pinkie, or a fuzzy like we have been trying? i was going to try to feed a live fuzzy last night, but it was already dead. We bought it like a day or two ago, and usually they last that long. but oh well. i am hopeful though, because when I got the bag that it was in, she reacted to it. and she didn't shy away from it, she went towards it.
so we'll see tonight!

__________________
<3 Tessa

0.0.2 painted turtles (Mo and Squirt)
1.0.0 yellow bellied slider (Jebidiah)
0.1.0 Amelanistic corn snake (Rose)
1.0.0 Hog Island/Colombian Boa (Kah)
0.2.0 Colombian Boa (Jasmine) and her baby(no name yet)
1.0.0 Suriname Boa (Kayne)
0.2.0 Cats (Lilly and Reese)

Good luck. Hopefully the snakie will take it!
Forcefeeding is such a pain!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!