concerned about new milksnake not digesting properly

Sasha2 · 10-10-16, 04:58 PM

I got a juvi milksnake in a trade a few weeks ago. The day I got him he had been fed so I put him in the cornsnake rack and left him alone. He digested fine in a few days.. So the next week on feeding day I threw in a fuzzy mouse which he ate. Its been 5 days and his lump is the same.Ive never seen this before, ever. Why would he still have such a lump after almost a week? Any ideas?
Should I be concerned? Im tempted to add some extra heat to the tub.

SWDK · 10-10-16, 08:11 PM

What are your husbandry specs for the milk? Could also be that it was a larger prey so it's taking a bit longer to digest?

Sasha2 · 10-11-16, 06:14 AM

Hi is in the rack with the corns set to 90ish.The temps in that room have been fluctuating a bit because weve had a cold spell but it hasnt affected the cornsnakes.I really dont think the fuzzy was too big either, granted he is skinny compared to a cornsnake but about 15 inches long and 38 grams. Even so I would think the lump would have gone down to some extent..I will say that the former owner always keeps his snakes way too hot so could the temp change be a factor?

**Aaron_S** · 10-11-16, 10:23 AM

I wouldn't worry about it until the snake regurgitates it.

Rattlehead · 10-11-16, 10:32 AM

Maybe he's going to shed? Both of my snakes sometimes 'hold it' and poop until they shed if I feed them before they go blue

SWDK · 10-11-16, 11:12 AM

I'd wait things out for a bit. As long as it doesn't regurgitate it should be fine. I don't it's a cause for concern at this point.

**Andy_G** · 10-11-16, 03:35 PM

Most central american milks actually thrive with temps a couple degrees than that of corns so depending on the subspecies/locality, I would advise against using more heat. As others said, leave it be and it should be ok.

Sasha2 · 10-12-16, 06:15 AM

Okay so he is better. I took out his cool side hide which forced him to the warmer hide. I also bumped the temps a bit and moved him up to the top of the rack. I had some discrepancies in the actual heat and what my digi therm and thermostat read. I think he is a Nelsons milk, but cant be sure as there is no background on this guy.
I still have never seen a snake have a food lump for 5 days before, usually they are gone in 2 days.
It may have been I fed him too soon and he was afraid to move to the warmer hide..

SWDK · 10-12-16, 07:19 AM

What is the actual temp now since you said there was a discrepancy and you increased? You previously stated the temps were in 90Ish range? Is that temp controlled by a thermostat? Also, removing the cool side hide wasn't necessary. The snakes know how to thermoregulate and will do it on their own. Just because you see it in the cool hide doesn't mean it doesn't move to the hot hide throughout the day/night. It might also spend more time on the cool side bc the temp in the 90's could be too hot. I'd put the hide back in and let things continue as normal.

With all that being said, I'm happy to hear you feel it's doing better and digesting properly.

**Andy_G** · 10-12-16, 07:32 AM

We could tell with *relative* accuracy as to what your milk snake is if you post a few pics. I agree with Dave that you shouldn't have removed the hide and could've probably left the temps alone. The changes you made could've had nothing to do with the resolution of the problem and may have just caused more stress for your new snake. We're by no means judging you, just some things to consider perhaps.