Accidental New Owner

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Just be sure the vet you take him to has a LOT of experience with snakes, because snakes are very stoic & in a short exam, many things do not show up, & if the vet
can't see it, they can't fix it. What I was getting at is that unless you have a noticeable issue right now, it might be best to wait...for example, so you can take a fresh
stool sample for testing, and so you'll have seen anything unusual (when the snake is laying flat lengthwise, are there any bumps or depressions...anything that's not
symmetrical? Does the snake have a firm grip & hang on well, or does he seem weak or dizzy? How about a good appetite? etc.) I know you're new at keeping snakes,
so you understandably want reassurance...but sometimes you get better results when you can share more observations with the vet, so they know where to look.

I've taken a snake to a vet before, "knowing" (with years of experience) that something was "off" with that snake but not knowing what; the vet predictably found nothing, & the snake passed away not too long after that. Probably nothing we could have done, but I also consider that our snakes can also be exposed to other sick animals while at the vet, so without an obvious reason, mine don't see the vet. They don't take that much time to observe your snake...& some symptoms are sporadic & easier for us, their keepers, to spot. That's where I was coming from with that question, not wanting you to waste your money...but if it will make you feel better, by all means. ;) The vet SHOULD look in his mouth though, & that's something you may not feel comfortable doing yet?

Another reason a snake might be ditched has nothing to do with health...since the guy was shady, maybe the snake was stolen. I sure hope not...

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My vet handles a lot of snakes and other reptiles. I love her for my beardies.

But we may decide to put off the visit for now.

Just wanted to give a quick update on Fergus.

The UTH is hooked up to a thermoSTAT. His hot hide is a nice 89*, cool side is currently 79*, and ambient temp is hanging out around 83-84*. Humidity stays about 62% during the day, and goes up to 68-ish% at night. I have an acu-rite hydrometer/thermometer, and I use my temp gun as needed.

Fergus ate a 21g adult mouse (f/t) yesterday with gusto, so no issues there. When he finishes of the remaining 3 (roughly 20g each) mice, we will be switching to either rat pups or weaned rats depending on his weight. I plan to use the small mice his previous owner gave me to help scent the rats (thaw them together) if switching is an issue.

I hope all of that sounds good. I am already re-planning the closures I am building this year, b/c I know I want at least one more when spring gets here.

I think I see a smile on Fergus' little face...:gj: