Marshall regurgitated!

[Marshallarts]

I fed Marshall on Sunday morning at 9:00, and today (Tuesday) he regurgitated his mouse. For 50 hours I left him alone to digest. He peed this morning and I handled him for a bit this morning, he was pretty chill, other than exploring a bit. I came home today to find this: 30967 ( substrate sticking to it ) his temps are really good, his hot side at 90-93 and his cool side at low 80s. He's in a low traffic area.the only thing I can think that may have caused this is the mouse being to big. It was said to be a hopper, but I think it was a bit big weighing in at 14 grams. I figured this would be alright though since it was only slightly wider than him and he hasn't eaten in a while due to being in shed. So now, I've put towels around his cage to block any stressors and I plan on feeding him a fuzzy in 2 weeks. Am I doing the right thing? What can I do to prevent this in the future? Also another thing I wanted to mention is that he's breathing harder than normal after regurgitating, is this Normal? I only want to do what is best for him.

On a side note, he has had his first shed with me and it went pretty well. There is a bit of tail shed left but the rest came off in one whole piece, including eye caps:)

[reptiledude987]

looks like it was barely digested what are you using to measure his temps?

[Marshallarts]

looks like it was barely digested what are you using to measure his temps?

I know which is really strange because I waited 2 days before "disturbing" him and watched the lump go down. He's had a bigger meal before, but I guess this one just didn't go down right? I am measuring his temps with a digital Exoterra thermometer with the probe directly on the heat pad underneath his hot hide.

[reptiledude987]

I'd suggest a temp gun to check the temps thru the whole tank as sometimes those arent 100% accurate. I got one its iether zoomed or exoterra I cant remember atm but best $25 I spent for my snakes.

[Marshallarts]

Yes I'm working on getting one. Is there anything I should be doing to help him right now?

[reptiledude987]

Just double check temps and try feeding again in a couple days.

[Marshallarts]

Just double check temps and try feeding again in a couple days.

In a couple days? That can't be right, I read on multiple websites and forums to wait at least 2 weeks.

[reptiledude987]

Ive only ever had a couple cases of regurgitation but typically stick to my normal feeding schedule

[Kuamata]

Ive only ever had a couple cases of regurgitation but typically stick to my normal feeding schedule

^This. I've always heard to just try again at the next usual time, so try feeding again on Sunday.

[Marshallarts]

Waiting a couple weeks makes sense though because when they regurgitate a lot of stomach acids come up with the meal and it can be a bit damaging to the neck and mouth so I've read. It needs time to heal.

[reptiledude987]

Ya thats a fair point won't hurt to give him some time

[Marshallarts]

I just checked on him and his breathing seems to have slowed down.

[EL Ziggy]

Is your heat source controlled by a thermostat? Make sure your temps are in line and then I'd advise waiting 7-14 days after a regurge before attempting to feed again. Best wishes.

[Marshallarts]

Is your heat source controlled by a thermostat? Make sure your temps are in line and then I'd advise waiting 7-14 days after a regurge before attempting to feed again. Best wishes.

It's controlled by a rheostat. When should I start handling again?

[EL Ziggy]

It's controlled by a rheostat. When should I start handling again?

I wouldn't handle him until a few days after he eats, and keeps down, his next meal.

[Cmwells90]

It's controlled by a rheostat. When should I start handling again?

To be safe, I would say once he starts eating without issues.

[PsychoSnake]

First, calm down! Don't get too overworked about it. He will resume digesting correctly soon enough.

Leave him alone and only handle when absolutely necessary until he's digesting his meals fully. Waiting a longer period to feed him won't hurt. Monitor temps closely. A sudden change in temps (weather, equipment failure, drafts, too close to furnace vent) when you're away might've been the cause. Feed smaller meals and work him back up to larger meals.

[Marshallarts]

Thanks for all the helpful responses!

[lady_bug87]

What exactly is Marshall?
I doubt it's the food size. As for anything else I need more information

[Marshallarts]

What exactly is Marshall?
I doubt it's the food size. As for anything else I need more information

Oh sorry he's a ball python lol. What information do you need?i thought my post was pretty specific.