Caring for Blind BP (DU Warning)

My 21 year old gal is blind, or at least mostly blind. She's a sweetheart and doesn't seem to have any problems eating. When I got her she was eating F/T every week because I think she was underfed on live mice, but the past couple of months she has only eaten live. I'm not sure if it's her age or the fact that her sight doesn't get in the way, but she is by far my most accurate and graceful snake when she hits her meal.

I'm sure the snake will come around as long as she settles in and has a comfortable environment. Is there anyway to find out what she has been eating? You might want to try a live scented rat pup to start her on. It's pretty safe and you can leave it in overnight.

Good luck!

Thanks all, and I would only forcefeed as an absolute last result.


I have no idea what the person actually did, they told the store that they just tried to remove the eyecaps. I have a feeling that there was more to the story than that. I could not believe when I saw the snake, and the owner kept hinting that he would rather see someone that really cares take the snake instead of taking a chance at the rescue.

He/She (will worry about sexing later ...) is actually in pretty good shape otherwise. The snake is definitely not too skinny, but I am not even sure how long ago the "incident" happened.

We will wait until next week and try the suggestion of a crawler rat. The snakes tongue goes like crazy, and its not too shy. Hopefully after settling in it will eat.

Oh, what does everyone think of the name "Ray". That could really work for a male or female right?

Neil

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by aaajohnson

Oh, what does everyone think of the name "Ray". That could really work for a male or female right?

Neil

---

I think Ray is perfect =)...you are his/her "Ray of light" in what could have become a pretty dismal life if placed in incapable hands...=)

Oh, this is cool: The boy's name Raymond is pronounced RAY-mund. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "protecting hands."

I think Ray is a beautiful name! And I'm really looking forward to all the updates on this beauty so we can watch yet another happy-rescue story!


One more thing that comes to mind...if you have any truly experienced snake-vets in your area, it might be worth the expense to have a vet take a look at his eyes. Maybe they can tell at least what KIND of damage has been done, if not exactly how it occurred...and let you know if there is any risk of future complications like infection or something to watch for.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cassandra

I think Ray is perfect =)...you are his/her "Ray of light" in what could have become a pretty dismal life if placed in incapable hands...=)

Oh, this is cool: The boy's name Raymond is pronounced RAY-mund. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "protecting hands."

---

Pretty sure it's a refrence to the blind piano player "Ray Charles" :P

nvmd...i didnt realize that their smell was that much more relied on then their eyesight

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rmune0750

nvmd...i didnt realize that their smell was that much more relied on then their eyesight

---

It's not their smell - it's more of their heat pits that they rely on more. One reason why it's recommended that you thoroughly wash your hands after handling prey, because if you don't, you smell like rodent AND you are giving off a heat signature that they target onto, increasing your chances of being bitten.

Neil, I think it's wonderful that you rescued this animal, and Ray is a wonderful name for him!

Thanks again all, I will keep updates coming as to his progress.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

One more thing that comes to mind...if you have any truly experienced snake-vets in your area, it might be worth the expense to have a vet take a look at his eyes. Maybe they can tell at least what KIND of damage has been done, if not exactly how it occurred...and let you know if there is any risk of future complications like infection or something to watch for.

---

I was thinking the same thing Judy, the one side is more swollen than the other. It is definitely worth a trip to make sure there is nothing else going on. I just can't believe the damage.

I was encouraged last night when I checked Ray before bed. He was under a hide, with his head sticking out waiting. I felt better that he did not just "dissapear", at least he is acting like all of our other snakes. He does not really seem shy at all.

I think am just going to call Ray a he until I find out otherwise.:)

Neil

Keep us up to date on him, Neil...do let us know what the vet says. Poor guy. =P

OT: Lawrence, I'd love to see a picture of your "old gal". =)

Welldone Neil and BIG KUDOS to you for taking he/she in :D :cool:
I really dont understand that people could even think about doing what has happened to this poor bp :( people can be so ignorant and careless but atleast he/she has found a good well caring home now :)
I was at a herp expo a few years ago where they had this young Green anaconda with only one eye the previous owners of her used duck tape to remove the eye cap :eek::sigh2::cens0r::cens0r: which inturn cost her her whole eye :(