Killed but didn't eat it

[JustMeNmySnakes]

My SD Retic has been acting different ever since her visit to the vet. (Just took her for a well check and get to know the local vet)
She's been a bit on the docile side. The vet after handling her by the neck and head left a blemish or damaged scale that looks bad. (To me)
The point of this post is, I offered her her weekly meal. Actually, she eats every 5-6 days.
First time, she took a lazy strike then just payed there.
Second was the same.
Each time, I secured the mouse in a tub. Didn't want her to get bit.
Finally, she takes it like a champ, kills it. I get back from walking the dog and there it is, a dead mouse in the cage.
I tried to taunt her with it. She got pissed, killed it again...so to speak and left it laying there.
Is this something I should be worried about?
Could the Dr have possibly squeezed her neck too hard and done some damage?
Thanks,
Scott

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Could she have done this cause maybe she's getting ready to shed.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Can I freeze that Ouse and offer it to her again?

[Cmwells90]

I've seen other people posting about their retics doing this. It seems to be a response to just not being hungry. They don't want to waste the energy to kill it if they don't eat it, but if it keeps messing with it, then it'll kill it so it doesn't get attacked or anything. Then just leave it. Could just be due to the stress of the vet visit in combination with an upcoming shed. I'd freeze the rat and try again in a week or two after the shed. Mind you i've never kept retic's.

[millertime89]

First thing. Don't feed mice. Get her on rats ASAP. You can freeze the mouse and save it for later, but as stated, get her on rats. You don't want a mouser. She'll need to eat 4 or 5 when she's grown per week.

When was the vet visit? As others have said, probably stressed at this point, but even my ravenous feeders won't eat in shed sometime so it could be a combination of the two.

Pics of the problem area? Does the vet typically see reptiles? If not, I would find a vet in your area that does. It's worth it to have one that you know and trust. Most vets are generalists that rarely see reptiles, having one with significant experience in reptiles is a huge plus. Local herp groups can usually point you in the right direction.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

First thing. Don't feed mice. Get her on rats ASAP. You can freeze the mouse and save it for later, but as stated, get her on rats. You don't want a mouser. She'll need to eat 4 or 5 when she's grown per week.

I'll start he on rats right away.

When was the vet visit? As others have said, probably stressed at this point, but even my ravenous feeders won't eat in shed sometime so it could be a combination of the two.

The vet visit was Jan 29..it's been almost a month since her last shed.

Pics of the problem area? Does the vet typically see reptiles? If not, I would find a vet in your area that does. It's worth it to have one that you know and trust. Most vets are generalists that rarely see reptiles, having one with significant experience in reptiles is a huge plus. Local herp groups can usually point you in the right direction.

I'll do pics if I can get some and figure out how to attach photos. I called around and this Dr is the only one in the area specializing in snakes, but I'll reach out to local Herp groups to see if I have other options.
I put a new large water bowl and hide in yesterday and she forced herself under the corner water bowl. It's early, I'll check on her after work.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Still figuring replying to questions. Sme answers are in the grey area.

[millertime89]

Still figuring replying to questions. Sme answers are in the grey area.

Gotcha. You can copy/paste the [Quote ] and [/ quote] tags to break up responses and answer individual questions (just remove the spaces that I put in).

I have never fed a retic mice. No point in doing so. IMO its best to get them started straight out of the egg. Even hatchling SDs can eat fuzzies.

I would think that the feeding issue is a combination of stress from the recent vet visit and being in shed. Wait until she sheds before offering again, or even handling for that matter. Give her a chance to relax.

[millertime89]

Also, click the link. How To Post Pictures (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/new-forum/105913-how-post-photos.html)

[PsychoSnake]

I've seen other people posting about their retics doing this. It seems to be a response to just not being hungry. They don't want to waste the energy to kill it if they don't eat it, but if it keeps messing with it, then it'll kill it so it doesn't get attacked or anything. Then just leave it. Could just be due to the stress of the vet visit in combination with an upcoming shed. I'd freeze the rat and try again in a week or two after the shed. Mind you i've never kept retic's.
+1

My little Rosy Boa does this too, often. It's a "stop annoying me" response. Sometimes if she's slightly hungry she'll even put the mouse in her mouth but then drop it as if to say, "Nahh..." Frustrates me to no end, lol.

When my other rosy last went to the vet he wouldn't eat for two weeks, but then went back to his usual routine. I didn't touch him during his refusal period so I think he got over it fairly well.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Thanks psychosnake!

[Tsubaki]

I have never fed a retic mice. No point in doing so. IMO its best to get them started straight out of the egg. Even hatchling SDs can eat fuzzies.


^ This is so true. The reason Xena is an (estimated) foot shorter than she could be is because the breeder fed her on mice her whole first year, she did not get her first rat until she came to me. She only ate rat for a few months before i could switch her to rabbits, i wouldn't say she is stunted because she caught up amazingly fast, but running behind? A little, her sister is a foot longer at the same age/feeding pace. She is having such a spurt right now though, i think she will catch up :D

[shaunyboy]

First thing. Don't feed mice. Get her on rats ASAP. You can freeze the mouse and save it for later, but as stated, get her on rats. You don't want a mouser. She'll need to eat 4 or 5 when she's grown per week.

When was the vet visit? As others have said, probably stressed at this point, but even my ravenous feeders won't eat in shed sometime so it could be a combination of the two.

Pics of the problem area? Does the vet typically see reptiles? If not, I would find a vet in your area that does. It's worth it to have one that you know and trust. Most vets are generalists that rarely see reptiles, having one with significant experience in reptiles is a huge plus. Local herp groups can usually point you in the right direction.

^^^^^
agree with the above...

also it sounds like your vet was that scared of the snake,he held it far too hard...

you can firmly hold a snakes head while supporting the body without causing damage

i would have went nuts at the vet,immediately took the snake from him,and told him to go learn about reptiles before he claimed he was up for the job

i cannot stand vets who guess issues or miss handle reptiles,because they don't want to admit they have no clue or experience with them...

but they're happy to hand you a large bill for they're incompetence



cheers shaun

[JustMeNmySnakes]

My first clue to grab my retic a run was when she asked what kind of snake it is and I told her, super dwarf retic and she said she hadn't heard of that before. I'll drive across state before I go back there.

[fishingfool]

I think if a vet wants to work on birds or reptiles they need to have extra specialization training. and certification i mean really half the vets out there are just pro ball chopers

[reptiledude987]

My first clue to grab my retic a run was when she asked what kind of snake it is and I told her, super dwarf retic and she said she hadn't heard of that before. I'll drive across state before I go back there.
Ya not an appropriate answer to the species from someone whos supposed to treat reptiles at all especially if they intend to bill you for the visit! I dont get that how can they attempt to give you any advice of any kind if theyve never even heard of the animal before. Ask any farmer if they would dela with a vet that said "Chicken never heard of them before. Well heres my advice....." Cause that sounds like the quality of advice you got. glad to hear youre not going back. Myself not only would I not go back but wouldnt be paying for the visit either.

[Cmwells90]

I'll drive across state before I go back there.

Yea I would. I always test my vet with common knoledge questions. I'm no expert myself, but if I'm going to trust a vet I would like them to be confident and know at least more than I do. Thankfully I live in a large city and was lucky to find a very smart vet!! But call around if you can, ask if they see snakes, large snakes, reptiles, what expirence they have, etc etc. I always make sure becuase if I'm investing money in them to fix my animals then I need it to be a good investment.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Thanks for all the support and good advice.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Well, she's been soaking now for I believe 2, almost 3 days. I hope she sheds well this time. Last month, she shed the day I bought her in a tub where she stayed for 5 hours. That's how long it took me to get home from where I got her.

[millertime89]

Well, she's been soaking now for I believe 2, almost 3 days. I hope she sheds well this time. Last month, she shed the day I bought her in a tub where she stayed for 5 hours. That's how long it took me to get home from where I got her.

Good timing! I've got three in shed now... Driving me nuts since I'm out of town this weekend.