No poop no food?

snakeophile · 01-15-19, 11:54 AM

I've read a lot of recommendations on how often to feed and how much to feed but I don't think anyone has asked or answered a very basic question. Should you feed a snake before he has pooped out his last meal?
Thanks, in advance. [no stipulation intended]

chairman · 01-16-19, 07:44 PM

As a generalized rule, it is fine to feed before seeing fecal matter. The only reason I can think of to refrain from feeding is if the snake isn't passing anything (fecal or urates) and has a hard lump near its vent. Then you should suspend feeding and have a vet check for an impaction.

But, other than that, feed appropriately sized prey at an interval appropriate for the snake's age and body condition and you should be fine.

snakeophile · 02-16-19, 11:52 AM

Thank you!

kazz · 02-24-19, 07:42 AM

I don't think it's a good idea waiting for a poop. Snake can't poop until having enough food. If food size is small a snake will poop rarely.

snakeophile · 03-05-19, 11:40 AM

Thanks Kazz and Chairman for your input. I'll keep watching and learning.

craigafrechette · 03-05-19, 02:18 PM

Yeah, you don't need to wait for a poop to feed. As long as your snake is eating appropriately sized meals at the right intervals you're good to go.

Now, keep in mind, different species have different metabolisms. For example, my hognose will almost always poop day 4 after eating, my King 6-7 days, my BP will go anywhere from 7-14 days, my Borneo STP will go months. I've had him for 14 months and he's only pooped 4 times.

So trust your snakes instincts, and feed as you normally would. As long as you don't see "sausage butt" there's nothing to worry about.