First Fuzzy

[Auskan]

My cornsnake had taken 2 pinkies for the last couple of meals so last night I decided to offer her a fuzzy. I chose the smallest one, but even so, it looked big, when using the rule of 1 1/2 times the snakes girth. She took it ok, but it took her over an hour to eat it. I have never had a snake take so long & usually this one is a real fast eater. She didn't appear to be struggling with the fuzzy, but would pause after every advance, for up to 10 minutes, seeming quite content to "rest". Is this anything to be concerned about? (I.e., could it indicate that the fuzzy really was a little big for her?)

[vanderkm]

That is quite a long time to consume a meal but should not be a problem as long as you give her a bit of time to digest before doing any major handling. You don't want her to regurg it - and after a really big meal the appreciate being left alone to 'let it settle' (like all of us do!). I wouldn't handle her until a day after the bulge goes down and you may find she is not too interested in her next planned meal. I often find that a really big prey item will push a snake into a shed sooner than their regular schedule -so you may find that she sheds when this is digested,

mary v.

[Auskan]

Thanks for the info Mary. She has been completely undisturbed since the meal & after eating, I usually only check them once a day to spot clean if necessary, but otherwise try to leave them completely alone until they have finished digesting. I have another small (though slightly larger) fuzzy for her next meal, but might let her go 7 days instead of the usual 5 between meals.

[reverendsterlin]

don't worry, most of my neos get switched to fuzzies between their 3rd & 6th meal out of the egg.

[Dragon_Slave]

My corn, Chase, is a little over 3 months old. I just fed him a pinky yesterday and he took it without any problems. Do you think he's ready for a fuzzy or not? How much bigger are fuzzies than pinkies? I don't even see how he fit that pinky... lol.

[Auskan]

Unfortunately, my snake regurg-ed her fuzzy that night, so I am currently trying to encourage her to drink a lot & otherwise giving her rest & will wait 10 days before trying again. I'm not sure if I should try another fuzzy or go back to 2 pinkies for the next meal?

[marisa]

Go back to 1 pinky for the first meal after the regurg.

Just don't hold her and let her rest for like ten days. Offer one pinky. a few days/week later try two. She *may* be slightly small for fuzzies yet if she regurged.

Marisa

[chamitch]

just curious. can u give corns that can usually eat 2 pinkies at a time 1 pinkie every 3 days? or is it better to do more at once or smaller more often?

im thinking digestign food a hard thing for there bodys and thats why u have to only feed ever 5 or 7 days. but still was curious

thanks

[marisa]

It's not hard for their bodies, it just takes time. Every three days probably wouldn't be giving it the best chance to fully digest everything. Although most would probably be able to do it, its not nearly as healthy as sticking to a good sized meal every 4-7 days for hatchlings, every 7-14 days for adults.

If your snake can easily take two items it most likely can move up one size without incident.

Marisa

[sapphire_moon]

Oh and one other thing I find helped me alot when my corn regurged. Wait until after s/he has eaten about 4 times before you do any serious handling. I have one more feeding to go before I can take down the towel (in front of the cage) and let her see the world again!