Tu got bit!!!

[Tat&Tu]

I know all about how it is better to feed my BP's frozen prekilled mice and all, but my BP's are very picky and like to hunt their food. If I give them thawed dead mice they just stare at them, then look up at me like, "What the H#!@ is this, Do U actually expect me to eat this?" So after I kept trying for a long time and just wasting my money I decided to experiment. So I bought my first live mouse for TAT. She immediately killed and downed the mouse no hesitating. So I have been buying them live ones ever since. But tonight the mouse that I leet Tu hunt bit him in the heck while Tu was stangling it. I don't know if it is a bad bite. But no bite is a good one. His neck didn't bleed and I see no open wound but it has a little knot or swelling where it bit him. IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO FOR HIM? HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEIR BP AND HAVE ANY ADVISE? He still ate the mouse like nothing was wrong but I feel terrible that it happened and want to make sure I am doing all I can do.

[jeffjr464]

just watch it for infection, if it didnt get beyond his scales your alright, any markings will disappear with sheds

[Tat&Tu]

what will infection start to look like other than swelling

[Tat&Tu]

can the bite make the skin swell a little without going thru the scales?

[JLC]

can the bite make the skin swell a little without going thru the scales?

I think so. Might be a little bruising...or maybe the scales got bent a little so they're "tented". I'd keep an eye on it and watch for any additional swelling in the area....but I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. If you're really concerned, a trip to the vet is always a mind-easer.

[Chase13]

Have you tried dangling the f/t mouse with tongs in front of the snake cuz i'm sure my snakes would do the same thing if I just threw it in dead.

[dr del]

Oh yeah,



Gotta do the zombie mouse dance.






dr del

[jeffjr464]

im guessing if it didn't break through his scales into his flesh your alright, watch to see if the swell goes down, if it doesn't take him to a vet,if it does no worries, any marks from the bite will go away with future sheds, i think signs of a baad infection, which you don't have to worry about yet, are lethargy, loss of appetite, death, etc,

[bearhart]

I has this happen a few weeks ago:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...0&postcount=15

I was amazed that the whole thing left no marks. I know the mouse connected because I could see the reaction.

If there is an infection I would expect increased swelling. Increasing the temperatures is recommended for snakes with infections because it stimulates their immune systems. I've also been told that a corresponding increase in humidity helps "transfer" the heat to the snake. I think you could bump the temps a few degrees and do some extra misting over the next few days while you monitor the injury site. Running your snake a bit hot (mind you I mean only 3 to 5 degrees) for a few days won't hurt him and it will probably decrease the chances of an infection getting out of control.

Please understand I'm not suggesting anything here as an alternative to seeking veterinary care. If the bump size doesn't start shrinking (or at least level out) within a day or two I would take him in.