pics of snake i rescued...these are sad.

now that i have 2 snakes i think i'm gonna start the old breeding my own mice venture, until my younger one is big enough for rats than i'll switch...it will prob be cheaper in the long run....here i go i'm really hooked now...lol

gotta get soem sleep 2am comes real quick

thanks for all the responses...makes me feel better about the situation.

Dan

Just some random thoughts that come to mind while reading this thread...


I've heard many rescue stories, and sometimes the person is amazed at how docile the snake is when it is in such sad condition. Only to later be caught completely offguard when the snake does a 180 and becomes hissy and defensive. It's possible that the snake seems so docile simply because it feels so lousy. Once it gets past all this roughness and starts to feel stronger and healthier, it may very well have an entirely different personality. That's not to say that HAS to happen...just that it is a real possibility to be aware of.

Also...please don't rush the feeding schedule. I can understand how anxious you must be, but if you rush it, you may end up doing more damage by causing regurge or at least refusal of meals. The snake's emaciated tummy will need some significant time to adjust to regular, decent sized meals....take it slow and gradual. (And that's slow by snake standards...not mammal standards! LOL)

And lastly, it's not uncommon for a BP to not use its hides for a few days or more after moving into a new home. Even if he's in the same tank as before, everything has changed around him and he's in all new territory. It may take awhile for him to relax and realize that those cozy little caves aren't occupied by some other animal. ;)

And I guess that wasn't "lastly" because one more thought pops up.....don't wait too long to take him to the vet. So far as I know, they can't do a fecal float with urates anyhow, so that is not worth waiting for. And if you wait for him to poop, you could be waiting for a LONG time...in the meantime, your snake may have issues that the vet could have discovered much earlier.

A good, experienced herp vet will be able to help you rehab your snake, and may prescribe some general de-worming, even if they don't have a fecal to start with....not to mention he may catch even worse health issues that you can't see right now, such as an early stage RI or scale issues.

Dan, Judy touched on some important issues in her post (great post btw Jude!) A vet can check the snake for internal parasites without a fecal sample, as far as I know they don't check the urate so I'd get an appointment as soon as you can. As Judy said, don't rush the feedings. Digestion in and of itself is a laborous process for a snake so going constantly in and out of a digestion cycle just can't be good for it. Weekly feeds of an appropriate sized rat or a couple of mice are likely best but again, your herp vet is your best friend if you are going to do rescues that is a reality of your life (and wallet), so check with the vet about feeding schedules, meds needed, etc.

awww....poor guy:( Glad that you have him and he can get proper care. Post more pics as he comes back around to the healthy side!

oh poor baby! I'm glad to see he is in a much better place!
makes me angry when people abuse animals. :colbert:

Huge points for the rescue!! I do all the local rescue's for my city and I know how hard it is not to want to knock that guy out. Let's hope he learned his lesson and won't bother to try another snake in the future. Thank YOU!! For caring enough to take the poor guy in and rehab him. Sometimes it seems like there are too few people willing to take on the challenge. Good Luck!

Cheers,
Kat

[QUOTE=JLC]Just some random thoughts that come to mind while reading this thread...


I've heard many rescue stories, and sometimes the person is amazed at how docile the snake is when it is in such sad condition. Only to later be caught completely offguard when the snake does a 180 and becomes hissy and defensive. It's possible that the snake seems so docile simply because it feels so lousy. Once it gets past all this roughness and starts to feel stronger and healthier, it may very well have an entirely different personality. That's not to say that HAS to happen...just that it is a real possibility to be aware of.

QUOTE]

This happened to us very recently, a friend brought over a 3 year old who was very malnourished weighing 590 grams:( Once we got some food in him on a regular basis he became a real handful. The second we opened his tub to feed he was half out of the tub before I reached the tub with his supper. Needles to say it was the most intresting feeding and getting him back in was worse he struck repeatedly me. So I filled up his enclosure with newpaper and left him be. He is now all calmed down, but that was something Id never expected.
Good for you for taking him in, best of luck.

Its great to see he is with someone who cares and is willing to put in the work to help this guy.
good luck with.


Eric

i was calling urates poop for some reason...and yeah i realize it may take awhile...did not know that vet could check with the fecal sample...i will try and get him in tonite...and i totally understand that he may do a 180 turn, and i'm kinda expecting it after reading other rescue stories. i do not let him near vital parts of my body nor my face, same with my healthy snake roo. lol...they are animals still. thanks for all the advice, i will get him in and talk wit vet and see what he thinks....hopefull he has something open....

thanks
Dan

They sure can change once they feel better but that's a good thing sometimes. Our rescue W/C female was always docile, balled up and obviously stressed. Recently when I was doing routine water changing and cleaning she hissed at me....a big, low, adult BP "back outta my tank NOW" type hiss. Raised the hair on my arms LOL and I sure kept the hide between her and me let me tell you. I couldn't have been more happy and proud though. Finally Ms Saoirse must be feeling so healthy and secure that she feels she can defend her space and be a bit fiesty! How cool is that! :)