Spider gene and constipation?

I have two bps with the spider gene. Both seem to go for longer than normal periods without defecating. Is this a frequent issue for this gene? I've noticed that they seem to favor one of their two hides, which is usually on the cool side. They don't seem to move around a lot. I haven't had to use the soaking method yet to get them to "get moving," so to speak. All I have to do is take them out and let them crawl around and explore and they usually manage to go within two days. There are times when this hasn't worked, though. Other times, I have to take their hide away on the cool side so they will go to their warm hide. This has worked on a couple occasions, as well. It hasn't presented any serious problems. I usually can assist them in working it out. Just wanted to know if anyone else has encountered this with their spiders.

What makes you think that they're going for longer than normal? How are you determining what is normal? Why do you feel the need to assist?

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

What makes you think that they're going for longer than normal? How are you determining what is normal? Why do you feel the need to assist?

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Good question. I usually determine that it's longer than normal from the length of time my other bp's go. I can tell they are full by looking at their little tail end near their cloaca. I wouldn't say I assist. I just get them to move around a bit. It usually results in a big poo...and pee.

Problem is with your determination is that they are all different, if I compare some animals that are of the same sex, same age, same weight one might go every week while the other might go every 3 weeks.

Unless there is a persistent bulge near the cloaca that does not go away on it's own there is no need for concern or action.

Thank you, Deborah,

I'm still new at this stuff. I've only been a "snake lady" for a year, and as any new parent there is anxiety about always doing things right, wanting to give the best care to make sure my snakes are receiving the best care, and that they aren't uncomfortable in any way. I noticed that my two with the spider gene seem to go the longest. But, you are absolutely right, my other snakes don't all go the exact amount of time either. I'm glad that my mind is eased about my spidey pair. Thanks again.

Maybe its just coincidence, but my spider combo only pooped on the first day I had her and its been almost a month now. She also favors her cool side. I have been giving her meals on the small side, so that could be why. Does this look normal?

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...s/CAM00474.jpg

Looks kind of bloated to me. How often are you feeding? I wonder if it isn't digesting right staying cold. Hope it isn't impacted. I give my juveniles food every 5-7 days but usually just one hopper if its every 5. 2 hoppers if its every 7 and they are on the small side.

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I would try setting him in a shallow bath of warm water for 5 minutes or so and gently massage its belly and see if it defecates cause it looks backed up.

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Originally Posted by gtrdeath87

Looks kind of bloated to me. How often are you feeding? I wonder if it isn't digesting right staying cold. Hope it isn't impacted. I give my juveniles food every 5-7 days but usually just one hopper if its every 5. 2 hoppers if its every 7 and they are on the small side.

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She does feel colder than my other bp whenever I touch her. I took her out to explore yesterday, but she didn't poop overnight. The breeder had her on rat pups. I fed her a 17 gram rat pup on 9/11. 3 little mouse pinkies for a total of 7 grams on 9/17, and a 5 gram mouse fuzzy on 9/25. I was spacing it out and giving her smaller meals since she looked bloated to me also. She will go to her warm side for a bit after eating, but only occasionally other than that. The hides are exactly the same on both sides. I will try the bath if she doesn't go by the time I get back from the store. Thanks!

Any Luck?

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