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Old Rat Snakes die of digestive issues?
I have concerns about my 20 year old Yellow Rat Snake, "Whiskey". Last time I fed him, he vomited. I fed him again last week (3 weeks later) and about 5 days later more puked mice.
He doesn't seem sick, not sluggish, etc. I'll keep an eye on him.
I'm no scientist, but I figure everything must die sooner or later and 20 years seems old for a rat snake. Comments back on longevity of rat snakes welcome!
In 1990, a friend caught me a full grown Black Rat Snake "Louie". Great snake! I coached soccer with him around my neck, kids had to touch him for good luck before games. Accessory to Alice Cooper costume for Halloween. In the late 2000's he started getting really pissy. About a year later, a bump would form down by his butt and I would have to push mouse heads out his anus. A few months later, he died after 20 years in captivity. I don't know how old he was when I got him. I'd guess he was about 3'6" when I got him, he was 5'3" when he died.
I'm wondering if Whiskey is about to go through the same end of life as Louie? Also, Mick is my Red Rat Snake that I've had as long as Whiskey. Both Whiskey and Mick were caught as little snakes in 1993 or so. I'd guess Whiskey at 6' now, but Mick is only 3' or so. Both have had exact same opportunity for food and are in the same cage. Guess Red Rats don't get as long as Yellows.
First post.
Joe
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