My BP ate a bark chip...

[cptnwhizbang]

Yeah, he's definitely not the brightest bulb. He misses a lot when he strikes his thawed mice, and I feed him directly in his cage (I won't be anymore). He ended up over-striking and grabbing onto a bark chip slightly larger than the width of his neck, so it's not huge. Either way, though, hes obviously feeling some discomfort and wont touch his mouse. Is he a goner or will he recover?

[brett1489]

i would moniter him closely. he shouldnt be a goner but if you feel worried i would bring him to a vet jus to make sure

[cptnwhizbang]

Yeah, he's chewing on a mouse right now, the vet I spoke to on the phone said that if he wants it, let him have it, and it should also help him pass the bark chip.

[Kaorte]

Why don't you just use a different substrate?
Or try feeding the F/T mouse with tongs so he strikes up and not at the substrate.

[cptnwhizbang]

That's also a good idea. I read somewhere that feeding them in a separate enclosure than his tank is good because they're less likely to strike at you, however his extremely friendly and gets plenty of attention each day, so that hasn't been an issue yet. Either way, though, I think he'll be fine. He's finished that mouse and seems content.

[Kaorte]

That's also a good idea. I read somewhere that feeding them in a separate enclosure than his tank is good because they're less likely to strike at you, however his extremely friendly and gets plenty of attention each day, so that hasn't been an issue yet. Either way, though, I think he'll be fine. He's finished that mouse and seems content.

If anything, feeding in a separate enclosure will just make him more likely to bite at you. Also, moving right before a meal and right after can be stressful for the snake and can sometimes (though it is rare) cause a regurg. It is safer for you and the snake if you just feed in the normal enclosure. Cage aggression is a myth.

[cptnwhizbang]

I'll probably just use tongs from now on, if he can manage to actually strike the mouse, haha. He's so strange.

[Kaorte]

Yeah, mine miss all the time. Such goof balls. (Haha get it? get it?)

[brett1489]

Yeah, mine miss all the time. Such goof balls. (Haha get it? get it?)

hahaha lol

[cptnwhizbang]

Yeah, mine miss all the time. Such goof balls. (Haha get it? get it?)

lol, my younger brother was reading this over my shoulder and cracked up.