condition of milksnake

blkjkoknhrt · 08-10-10, 04:57 PM

Does this snake look impacted/swollen? IMHO it doesn't, but I moved her into a new tank (only 6" longer) with perhaps lower temp. She took 2 rat pups 1 week apart (instead of adult mice), then stopped eating. I fixed temp, now it's 75f on cool side and about 84f on hot side (undertankd heat pad) She has BM'd twice, bird-size droppings both times, I humidify tank w/water into coco fiber then let it dry for 2-3 weeks. She prefers cooler side of tank with or without hide. I'm gonna go back to mice, she just refused her 3rd rat pup in as many weeks.

bladeblaster · 08-10-10, 05:04 PM

have you tried a tepid bath?

blkjkoknhrt · 08-10-10, 05:13 PM

Yes - tried bath, that stimulated one of the bm's. Just too many changes at once, I guess. I'll offer a mouse every 2 wks, keep the temp constant. How humid should I keep the tank?

blkjkoknhrt · 08-19-10, 11:23 AM

Please help. will one of you experienced people please respond? She still hasnt eaten, although I've fixed the temp and humidity (75 at cool end, 86 at hot. She's had another small bm and is still active but runs or strikes close-mouthed when I try to introduce the rat pup. does she look impacted?

marvelfreak · 08-19-10, 12:24 PM

It's hard to tell, but i say she looks like she inpacted. I take to the vet a get her check out. Have you try feeling the lump to see if it feel soild or soft? If soild get her to a vet would be your best bet IMO. Wish i could be more help.

infernalis · 08-20-10, 09:29 AM

I wish I could be more helpful too, I can't really tell from the picture.

Lankyrob · 08-20-10, 09:58 AM

As it has been a fortnight now and nothings has changed is it not worth a vet visit?

shaunyboy · 08-21-10, 10:00 AM

you can dose their food item with mineral oil or milk of magnesia

the dose is 1ml per 1 kg of body wieght.

you can either tube the snake if you have experience in this method.

you can also inject it into a food item.when it digests the oil is released into the snake.

cheers shaun

blkjkoknhrt · 09-22-10, 11:10 AM

Looks like my snake wasnt compacted, or sick, she just hates rat pinks! She hisses and strikes at them, so when I ran out I offered her a mouse, and VOILA she took it no prob. I guess i;ll just have to up QTY of feeders or feed more often. Whaddaya think, 2 mice every week for a 4ft milk?

percey39 · 09-22-10, 11:30 AM

Keep scenting rat pups with mice, she should change over. They can be very stubborn if they want to be!!

gonesnakee · 09-22-10, 11:39 AM

As mentioned in the other thread a good guy to know in the Peg is Casey - Winnipeg Reptiles, another snake buddy of mine out there is Tim Cranwill.
They are also the promoters of the shows there, Mark