Diagnosis: Constipation

[Mindibun]

The store where I get my feeders has a habit of giving me the wrong size (presumably because they're out of the size I needed) and when I asked for a hopper on Tuesday, they gave me a relatively large mouse. Not a hopper. I gave it to her anyway, and she fought and struggled and actually had to catch the mouse twice (I felt bad watching her.) Eventually she won, with no damage on her side, but it's been three days now and she hasnt bothered to go back into her hides, and has not moved from this one spot in the corner. (Which is very unusual behavior for her). I picked her up today and she doesnt have a lump, but she feels unusually heavy, looks extra stocky, and was reluctant to move. I cant figure it out because she's usually one of the most active BPs you'll ever meet. So, my only diagnosis is constipation or indigestion. Does that sound reasonable? I'm being a concerned parent and wondering if there could be anything else the matter.

[Brimstone111888]

I would let her sit for a while and let her digest. I wouldn't think of constipation until you go a while without the snake pooping.

[ladywhipple02]

I agree with Jeff... it's kinda like you feel after an extra large meal, you just want to curl up in a corner somewhere and sleep it off, lol. BP metabolism is a lot slower than our metabolism... it's going to take her a bit longer to digest that big meal.

I would just give her some time. Three days isn't that long... if she doesn't poo for a couple weeks, we'll go from there

[Mindibun]

Well it's been three days. Usually by the second day she's all over the place. That's why I worry. She also usually greets me when I open her tub, but she took a striking position today.

I *am* going to leave her alone for a while, it's just abnormal behavior. I'm worrying early so as to catch a potential problem sooner. That's my justification. -lol-

[Mindibun]

Thanks for the responses guys.

[Brimstone111888]

I worry a lot too, its part of learning in this hobby and you're welcome

[ladywhipple02]

Sure you worry... you're a good parent!!!


But when she'd all over the place, her meals are normal sized... this one was big, maybe HUGE by her standards, and she needs a couple more days to get it down.

I'm sure she'll be just fine... and her normal, nosey self very soon

[kc261]

I'm worrying early so as to catch a potential problem sooner. That's my justification. -lol-

Sounds like a good plan to me!

[2kdime]

My little girls doing the same thing right now. Her meals are never bigger than she is. But this one she's really putting her digestion skills to work. Haha

[Mindibun]

Sorry to resurrect this, but it's day 9 and she's still acting the same way. I've tried to take her out twice and both times she was way too tense. She still feels unusually fat. Hasn't poo'ed yet. I've waited an extra two days before feeding to see if she'd act like she actually WANTED to eat, but she hasnt even come out ofher hide to search. I dont know what's going on, but regardless, should I continue with feeding, or wait until she has a BM?

She should have been fed on Tuesday. I'm debating on whether or not to stop by the store and get a mouse on my way home from work today.

Thoughts and suggestions needed.

Thanks, guys.

Haylee