Eating and pooping question.

[CovertOp16]

Well I fed my 4mo ball yesterday, and it's only my second feeding session since I got him/her, well within 24 hours of eating it pooped out the mouse in a undigested form. It is like the mouse was swallowed, and then came back out just like it went in, except you can tell that it has been inside the snake... Is this common at all or is it something I should be worried about? (I am pretty worried)

[Artemis]

More than likely, he tossed it back up rather than pooping it. This is called regurgitation, or a "regurg." Snakes should not be held or disturbed really at all for at LEAST 24 hours after eating (I like to wait 48 myself) or this becomes a greater likelihood. If your snake was left undisturbed, then Im willing to bet your temps are off. Check to make sure your BP has a hot spot between 92-95 degrees, 95 being the best, but dont cook him. A digital thermometer is the best way to measure temps. They need that 95 degree warm spot in order to be able to digest their food, otherwise, back up it comes.

Check those things, and dont worry too much just yet. Also, what did you feed him? Live, frozen thawed? Try to avoid mice if possible and go straight to little rats for now. They can get pretty attached to mice, and as they get bigger even the fattest mouse wont be an adequate meal.

Hope this info helps.

[CovertOp16]

Thanks for the help.
I fed it live mouse, but I do plan on getting it on FT rats as soon as possible. It has a hot spot of 92, but it will only hang out in the cool side of the cage. Cool side = 77-80.

Should I try to feed again soon?

Thanks.

[Lagoon]

i think you should wait atleast two weeks before tryibg to feed again.

[CovertOp16]

Not trying to question your knowledge, but may I ask why wait for two weeks?

[nita]

Regurging can cause damage to the snakes digestive system, stomach acid is not gentle stuff. Giving your snake 2 weeks both allows him/her to settle down and for any damage done by the regurge to heal a bit. If you offer food too soon most likely the regurge will happen again. When you offer next also go with a smaller food item so that it will be easier for your snake to digest, take it easy on his system for a while. :) Good luck.

[Artemis]

DEFINITELY wait to feed. Snakes have SUPER slow metabolisms and arent in any danger of starving to death, able to go months without eating. So letting them be for a while is your best course of action. Also, try to get that hot spot up to 95!

Artemis

[snakehunter]

If he barfs again I think a vet trip may be in order, he may have some parasites in him. Where did you get him, was he from a breeder, or a petshop, or one of those cheap imports that they have by the buckets at shows!?!?!?!

[Lagoon]

Originally posted by nita
Regurging can cause damage to the snakes digestive system, stomach acid is not gentle stuff. Giving your snake 2 weeks both allows him/her to settle down and for any damage done by the regurge to heal a bit. If you offer food too soon most likely the regurge will happen again. When you offer next also go with a smaller food item so that it will be easier for your snake to digest, take it easy on his system for a while. :) Good luck.


Ditto....