Corny goes to the vet

Well, I'm NOT a fan of "force feeding" even small prey items, but it's much gentler to do a tube-feed (liquified Gerbers chicken baby food). This is one of
many possible reasons to tube-feed...just to get some food in there so the vet can diagnose what's going on from a sample. You might want to consider
it if you don't have any luck with his appetite soon. I know how frustrating this is, believe me. I wouldn't think much of it if Corny was a BP...but corn snakes
are chow-hounds, normally. Mine are, except for my OLD guy...he's about 20, so his appetite is flaky these days & his vision is poor. But he has a good excuse.
Anyway, don't blame yourself...snakes have issues just like everything else.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, I'm NOT a fan of "force feeding" even small prey items, but it's much gentler to do a tube-feed (liquified Gerbers chicken baby food). This is one of
many possible reasons to tube-feed...just to get some food in there so the vet can diagnose what's going on from a sample. You might want to consider
it if you don't have any luck with his appetite soon. I know how frustrating this is, believe me. I wouldn't think much of it if Corny was a BP...but corn snakes
are chow-hounds, normally. Mine are, except for my OLD guy...he's about 20, so his appetite is flaky these days & his vision is poor. But he has a good excuse.
Anyway, don't blame yourself...snakes have issues just like everything else.

---

thanks for your reply, but tbh i just can't respond rationally rn. i'm utterly beside myself. i'm so sorry, but i'm quite literally in tears...im so scared. why did i think i could take him and do better by him?

i'm sorry...i just don't understand what to do. i feel so incredibly lost. should i try a corn snake-specific forum for help? do i call my vet and explain? i've so rarely dealt with vets...im lost.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

small update: weights of the crew were taken today, and Corny was 322g. that's 2g more than when he was weighed on 5/7.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...084381ceaf.jpg

thoughts anyone? that's a weight gain after a refusal. idk, any input would be nice; reassurance is always nice. [emoji4] appt will not be cancelled regardless of forum opinion. [emoji3]

---

Hopefully you feel better soon and hope he eats for you. I thought I'd input that Corny looks to be of a pudgy weight from this picture, isn't underweight at all. Even if he does have an issue that can be resolved after a fresh fecal is done and loses more weight in the mean time, I think he has awhile to spare! It will be awhile to still and offer food every few days before trying assist feeding or anything drastic.

I read through the thread and just wanted to make sure I'm not misunderstanding what's been happening- his first missed meal was a little over one week ago, and today he missed the 2nd meal?

Did he miss meals prior to last week? I'm wondering how much weight he has lost from when he was heaviest (whenever that was) compared to now, and how long ago it was that you weighed him at his heaviest?

Maybe some outside eyes to analyze his condition and what's been happening might help, but I apologize in advance if I missed this info in the thread somewhere.

Taylor, I'm sorry to read Corny refused.

I'm even more sorry to read that you're taking it so hard, and so personally. But I understand, and I admire your heart.

I've come to know you pretty well through the forum, and despite never actually meeting you, I respect the hell out of you and am happy to consider you a friend.

You're a beacon of hope in this world, and in this hobby. I honestly don't know many people who are lucky enough to have the passion you have (for snakes, or otherwise) and you clearly have a heart of gold.

I know it's hard to feel like you can't help Corny, but you've provided a fantastic home and life for him to this point. Keep your chin up, you've done nothing wrong and you definitely have NOT failed him. You're doing what you can. He's a healthy weight, so time is on your side.

You and Corny are in my thoughts. Don't beat yourself up now, you're an amazing snake "Mom". The forum, along with your snake family, are lucky to have you. Keep up the amazing work, Taylor. Corny is lucky to have you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

thanks for your reply, but tbh i just can't respond rationally rn. i'm utterly beside myself. i'm so sorry, but i'm quite literally in tears...im so scared. why did i think i could take him and do better by him?

i'm sorry...i just don't understand what to do. i feel so incredibly lost. should i try a corn snake-specific forum for help? do i call my vet and explain? i've so rarely dealt with vets...im lost.

---

Please try to calm down and don't be so quick to beat yourself up...you are not "lost" and neither is Corny. Your vet has seen him and sooner or later will get a
stool sample to test, but otherwise she saw nothing wrong. You sound like an excellent snake owner to me, and if I was a snake I'd happily live in your house...

Tell me again, why are you convinced he is ill? I had the impression, perhaps incorrect, that he has refused more meals than perhaps he has?
He's about 5 years old, right? And you've had him for about a year? Maybe his mind is temporarily on mating & he just isn't that hungry for once.
Has he been behaving differently? Hiding more or less? Active more or less?

Your vet will understand that he's not eating & you are still waiting for a stool sample, believe me. Relax...

I don't have a corn and I don't have a clue what is wrong with your snake. But reading your posts like this shows how much you care for the little buddy. My Nibbler eats like a monster too so I can imagine myself also worrying in bits should she one day refuses for mysterious reasons. I just want to give you some comforting words, if they help at all, as I am not always so good with words:

We as pet owners love our animals so much that sometimes we either do too much for them. This can be both good and bad for the animal's wellbeing. As much veterinary medicine has taken steps to be better at diagnosing and treating disease that were once impossible to do so, we still know very little about our pets, may it be furry, scaley or fishey. I have many different types of pets and seen many vets for their ailments. I find that even the best vet may not have the answer. To say "I don't know what is wrong with your pet," is something you won't hear from them but in reality, there is much we don't know. How can we fix something we don't know?

Sometimes, like people, our pets can be born with genetic defects that don't kick in until much later in life. Some can be diagnosed, others are more difficult to find.

I am not suggesting anything ill towards your snake. You did the right thing by going to the vet. I am saying that sometimes things are out of our hands and you have to trust Corny to do what feels right to him. When he is ready to eat, he will. If he just wants to chill out for now, lets just wait and see what happens.

When was his last shed? Most snakes seem to know long before we do when they are going into a shed, and while some will continue to eat,
others do not. Shedding takes extra hydration (water) from the snake's body, and so does digestion: therefore, many snakes instinctively sense
that they should not eat if & when they feel a shed coming on. In captivity, many snakes will continue to eat when in shed & if their owner offers it,
with no difficulty...because unlike in the wild, they've got a bowl of water sitting right there. But others may have trouble eating at that time & shed
in a zillion pieces, or even get "stuck". If I see a snake refuse a meal, the first thing I think of is that perhaps he knows something that I don't...that
he's going into a shed cycle.

When I mentioned the idea of "tube-feeding" it was meant to reassure you, not stress you out. If you ever need to do that, I'm a good coach & it's
truly not that hard. But I just wanted you to think of it as another means to help a snake that's having trouble- I've found it a very useful skill over
the years. What you actually need at the moment is patience...

And yes, moving him to a different room adds a bit of stress...and certainly the vet visit did. So that alone could make him refuse food. Again, be
patient.

One more thought: How long is Corny? You mentioned feeding him a large mouse in your first post, & most corn snakes do not need that much food,
it makes them fat. It is possible that you've been feeding too much? You also mentioned the vet said 'no' to large mice but suggested, if I recall, that
instead you offer him 2 smaller ones? But that can do the same thing...possibly too much food. Offer one smaller mouse per meal.

How often are you feeding him? As an adult snake of 5 years, I'd feed him about every 10 to 14 days. (from your earlier posts I thought he was younger?)
And remember that there's no delivery service in the wild...snakes do not require an exact feeding schedule...that's only our doing.

What would really help here is a photo showing Corny next to a sample of the 'large' mice he's been eating. Especially since "large" means different things
to each person. It's possible that you've been over-feeding & that's why he just doesn't want to eat yet. I hardly ever weigh my snakes, btw: unless I
need to calculate a dose of medicine or there is a serious issue of weight loss, it's not needed & can stress some snakes.

P.S. Snakes are a lot like us: when too much food is offered, some keep eating while others say no thanks...;)

i appreciate everyone's responses so, so incredibly much. it was late and i was just very upset. i'll give you all replies about Corny later on today; i'm trying to focus on my work and staying positive. crying isn't going to help Corny! i'm feeling better.

i'm currently playing this song on repeat right now lol: Bishop Briggs – White Flag :snake:

:teamwork: :hug: :)

Oof late again. So sorry Corny refused!! I know how you feel, when Geno was fasting I held my breath everytime I offered and felt so defeated when I saw a mouse in his tank the following morning! But even though corn snakes don't typically, it's not unheard of for them to go off food for a while! If vet says all is well, I'd trust her/him and relax :) You have such a big heart, and although it's gonna be hard, just let the baby be and don't stress! Don't forget about it, but don't let it bug you! I thought May was a goner the other day and she was in my head all day. I didn't even want to look in her tank because I was so scared I'd find a dead snake! But I think she's gonna be A-OK! Same with Corny ;)

Bogertophis-
And yes, moving him to a different room adds a bit of stress...and certainly the vet visit did. So that alone could make him refuse food.

Best wishes Tay!

We’ve got three corn snakes (well, two are my husband’s and one is a long-term boarder), and the two bigger ones definitely go off feed at times. Tanis, the big girl, has the added bad habit of hiding her un-eaten mice. Pew. Henry and Aurora are more reliable, but Henry refuses sometimes, too. They all get what Big Cheese classes as medium adult mice, which are 19-29 grams, once a week.

The last time Tanis and Henry were on an extended refusal run, offering day-old rabbit kits snapped them out of it. I’d gotten the rabbits to give my carpet pythons and the boa some variety, and then realized they’d be what the corn snakes would likely be eating in the wild, and offered. Definitely popular!

If you want to try a kit in a week or two, ping me and I’ll see if I’ve got any the right size left (the last one is thawing for Fezzik the boa, and I think the latest batch from another supplier are all bigger), or if you go to Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo on Saturday or June 17th, I get them from Rat Pack Feeders; they’re usually around the middle of the wall nearest the parking lot. (I get their large mice for the corn snakes, based on eyeball evaluation of size).

Just a note to say I'm holding your hand in cyber space. These guys can break your heart when they struggle. Deep breath and day by day.

XOXO,

:hug:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

One more thought: How long is Corny? You mentioned feeding him a large mouse in your first post, & most corn snakes do not need that much food,
it makes them fat. It is possible that you've been feeding too much? You also mentioned the vet said 'no' to large mice but suggested, if I recall, that
instead you offer him 2 smaller ones? But that can do the same thing...possibly too much food. Offer one smaller mouse per meal.

How often are you feeding him? As an adult snake of 5 years, I'd feed him about every 10 to 14 days. (from your earlier posts I thought he was younger?)
And remember that there's no delivery service in the wild...snakes do not require an exact feeding schedule...that's only our doing.

What would really help here is a photo showing Corny next to a sample of the 'large' mice he's been eating. Especially since "large" means different things
to each person. It's possible that you've been over-feeding & that's why he just doesn't want to eat yet. I hardly ever weigh my snakes, btw: unless I
need to calculate a dose of medicine or there is a serious issue of weight loss, it's not needed & can stress some snakes.

---

FWIW, I'll throw this out there: granted Kings and corns are different species, I've always fed them the same way.

That being said, Django is about 52" and 772 grams and gets a LG mouse (18-32 grams, but most fall in the 24-27 range from Perfect Prey) every 7-10 days. He does occasionally get a refusal from one of the others as a treat, but his regular diet is one Lg mouse/7-10 days.
On that diet, he's still growing too. I got him in Oct 2016 and he was about 49" and 645 grams.
He pees and poops after every meal and is in great bodily shape. He's solid but not plump, no loose skin. He's firm and lean muscle throughout.
So, as long as he's still looking healthy and growing I see no reason to increase prey size and no reason to cut back to a 10-14 days schedule. Once I notice he's plateaued off with growth I'll probably cut back to 10-14 And see what happens.

Just throwing this out there as food for thought.

tttaylorrr,

First, big cyber hug!!!!!!

Katie sends a big one too!

Okay, deep breaths. Let's look at the facts and what you can do now.

You are great Snarent! You care so much about Corny, and your other little ones, and are doing what needs to be done. There is no need for "coulda, shoulda, or woulda," you can only move forward.

Snakes skip meals, not just BP's :). Figment, my corn, almost never skips meals, but did the other week prior to shedding.

As said, if you've been feeding him a lot, he might just be slowing down a bit. No way to know.

Now, some opinions, from me, who is not a vet, but keeps multiple species, and has for more than half my 38 years.

If you have had Corny for a long time and he's had trouble gaining weight since you got him, he could have come with some sort of internal parasite, etc. He has been able to gain weight, but that could affect him. The odds of it all of sudden getting really bad, especially when, I believe the vet said he looks good otherwise, is unlikely. The two (him not eating and a potential parasite issue), may not be related right now. He was also stressed going to the vet.

I had a similar situation. I adopted a 5 year old corn a while ago, who was thin, and was fed a live mouse monthly. I switched him to F/T pretty quick, but he was not gaining weight easily. Turned out it was a parasite and a few doses of meds and he was gaining like a champ. He did fine after that.

Of course, it could be something bad, but this has been a long-term/ongoing issue.

Remember, reptiles get sick slow and get better slow - slow metabolisms and they don't like to show they are uncomfortable, that equals weakness.

I would talk to the vet and explain your concerns. Ask if they can preventively treat for stomach/intestinal parasites. The treatment may be similar for a wide array of parasites, but I am not sure. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Corny will probably eat soon and poop after and you can bring it in for testing. However, consider the above if you want to be proactive and waiting is killing you.

I love in Connecticut, and take my reptiles to a vet in Westchester, NY. It's 2 hours from my house, but I trust them, and although pricey, have always been good to me and my pets. I am close with the team there and can run this by them as well, if you think that might help.

I would also recommend reaching out to a breeder or two of corn snakes. I have bought several animals from BHB and they have always been helpful when I have a question, even if it's not an animal I bought from them. Not sure who you know, but it might be worth an email or call and who knows, maybe you get a corn from them down the road!

Hang in there, we are thinking of you and Corny, and although not a clairvoyant, or emotionally involved here, logically, I think things will be okay. Regardless, focus on what you can do now and continuing to be the best parent possible to Corny and the rest of the crew.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redshepherd

I read through the thread and just wanted to make sure I'm not misunderstanding what's been happening- his first missed meal was a little over one week ago, and today he missed the 2nd meal?

---

thanks for the reply, red.

and yes, that's correct.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redshepherd

Did he miss meals prior to last week? I'm wondering how much weight he has lost from when he was heaviest (whenever that was) compared to now, and how long ago it was that you weighed him at his heaviest?

---

he has never missed a meal with me, except these past two times.
here's his records:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eeaa20a1d4.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...96120c8bd8.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9e89273c6f.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9ae764d92b.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redshepherd

Maybe some outside eyes to analyze his condition and what's been happening might help, but I apologize in advance if I missed this info in the thread somewhere.

---

no need for apologies. i appreciate it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Taylor, I'm sorry to read Corny refused.

I'm even more sorry to read that you're taking it so hard, and so personally. But I understand, and I admire your heart.

I've come to know you pretty well through the forum, and despite never actually meeting you, I respect the hell out of you and am happy to consider you a friend.

You're a beacon of hope in this world, and in this hobby. I honestly don't know many people who are lucky enough to have the passion you have (for snakes, or otherwise) and you clearly have a heart of gold.

I know it's hard to feel like you can't help Corny, but you've provided a fantastic home and life for him to this point. Keep your chin up, you've done nothing wrong and you definitely have NOT failed him. You're doing what you can. He's a healthy weight, so time is on your side.

You and Corny are in my thoughts. Don't beat yourself up now, you're an amazing snake "Mom". The forum, along with your snake family, are lucky to have you. Keep up the amazing work, Taylor. Corny is lucky to have you.

---

thank you so much for this, craig. this meant a lot to me. [emoji846]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Tell me again, why are you convinced he is ill? I had the impression, perhaps incorrect, that he has refused more meals than perhaps he has?

---

i think something is up with him because of his unexplainable weight loss recently despite normal feedings.

Corny has never refused a meal with me, except these past two.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He's about 5 years old, right? And you've had him for about a year? Maybe his mind is temporarily on mating & he just isn't that hungry for once.
Has he been behaving differently? Hiding more or less? Active more or less?

---

my experience with colubrids is limited to him, and i might be seeing things and applying a "ball python filter" to them and panicking.

i think he's a bit more active than he's ever been, but noting crazy. he's just always out of his hides and just generally hanging out. if this was one of my beeps i'd panic.

you bring up an interesting point about him not being hungry for once and it's got me thinking: ironically, despite this thread, i would assume Corny has never been healthier than he is now. for over 4 years he only ate fuzzies. now that he's got good weight on him and a good steady diet, he can start thinking about other things and not be so preoccupied with food.

thanks for your replies. you're going to get a few more now since you posted a couple more times i think lol. im finally getting aroundto replying.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

I don't have a corn and I don't have a clue what is wrong with your snake. But reading your posts like this shows how much you care for the little buddy. My Nibbler eats like a monster too so I can imagine myself also worrying in bits should she one day refuses for mysterious reasons. I just want to give you some comforting words, if they help at all, as I am not always so good with words:

We as pet owners love our animals so much that sometimes we either do too much for them. This can be both good and bad for the animal's wellbeing. As much veterinary medicine has taken steps to be better at diagnosing and treating disease that were once impossible to do so, we still know very little about our pets, may it be furry, scaley or fishey. I have many different types of pets and seen many vets for their ailments. I find that even the best vet may not have the answer. To say "I don't know what is wrong with your pet," is something you won't hear from them but in reality, there is much we don't know. How can we fix something we don't know?

Sometimes, like people, our pets can be born with genetic defects that don't kick in until much later in life. Some can be diagnosed, others are more difficult to find.

I am not suggesting anything ill towards your snake. You did the right thing by going to the vet. I am saying that sometimes things are out of our hands and you have to trust Corny to do what feels right to him. When he is ready to eat, he will. If he just wants to chill out for now, lets just wait and see what happens.

---

<3 thank you friend. your words were helpful.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

When was his last shed? Most snakes seem to know long before we do when they are going into a shed, and while some will continue to eat, others do not. Shedding takes extra hydration (water) from the snake's body, and so does digestion: therefore, many snakes instinctively sense that they should not eat if & when they feel a shed coming on. In captivity, many snakes will continue to eat when in shed & if their owner offers it, with no difficulty...because unlike in the wild, they've got a bowl of water sitting right there. But others may have trouble eating at that time & shed in a zillion pieces, or even get "stuck". If I see a snake refuse a meal, the first thing I think of is that perhaps he knows something that I don't...that he's going into a shed cycle.

---

shed records:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf3ec62d31.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

When I mentioned the idea of "tube-feeding" it was meant to reassure you, not stress you out. If you ever need to do that, I'm a good coach & truly it's not that hard. But I just wanted you to think of it as another means to help a snake that's having trouble- I've found it a very useful skill over the years. What you actually need at the moment is patience...

And yes, moving him to a different room adds a bit of stress...and certainly the vet visit did. So that alone could make him refuse food. Again, be
patient.

---

i think what i need is patience. again, thanks for your replies.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

One more thought: How long is Corny? You mentioned feeding him a large mouse in your first post, & most corn snakes do not need that much food,
it makes them fat. It is possible that you've been feeding too much? You also mentioned the vet said 'no' to large mice but suggested, if I recall, that instead you offer him 2 smaller ones? But that can do the same thing...possibly too much food. Offer one smaller mouse per meal.

---

Corny is pretty darn long; well over 4ft. you're right about the large mice, as i've now learned during this whole ordeal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

What would really help here is a photo showing Corny next to a sample of the 'large' mice he's been eating. Especially since "large" means different things
to each person. It's possible that you've been over-feeding & that's why he just doesn't want to eat yet. I hardly ever weigh my snakes, btw: unless I need to calculate a dose of medicine or there is a serious issue of weight loss, it's not needed & can stress some snakes.

---

i will try to get a photo comparison. thank you, again . [emoji4]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GpBp

Oof late again. So sorry Corny refused!! I know how you feel, when Geno was fasting I held my breath everytime I offered and felt so defeated when I saw a mouse in his tank the following morning! But even though corn snakes don't typically, it's not unheard of for them to go off food for a while! If vet says all is well, I'd trust her/him and relax :) You have such a big heart, and although it's gonna be hard, just let the baby be and don't stress! Don't forget about it, but don't let it bug you! I thought May was a goner the other day and she was in my head all day. I didn't even want to look in her tank because I was so scared I'd find a dead snake! But I think she's gonna be A-OK! Same with Corny ;)

Bogertophis-
And yes, moving him to a different room adds a bit of stress...and certainly the vet visit did. So that alone could make him refuse food.

Best wishes Tay!

---

[emoji177][emoji177][emoji177]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Prognathodon

We’ve got three corn snakes (well, two are my husband’s and one is a long-term boarder), and the two bigger ones definitely go off feed at times. Tanis, the big girl, has the added bad habit of hiding her un-eaten mice. Pew. Henry and Aurora are more reliable, but Henry refuses sometimes, too. They all get what Big Cheese classes as medium adult mice, which are 19-29 grams, once a week.

The last time Tanis and Henry were on an extended refusal run, offering day-old rabbit kits snapped them out of it. I’d gotten the rabbits to give my carpet pythons and the boa some variety, and then realized they’d be what the corn snakes would likely be eating in the wild, and offered. Definitely popular!

If you want to try a kit in a week or two, ping me and I’ll see if I’ve got any the right size left (the last one is thawing for Fezzik the boa, and I think the latest batch from another supplier are all bigger), or if you go to Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo on Saturday or June 17th, I get them from Rat Pack Feeders; they’re usually around the middle of the wall nearest the parking lot. (I get their large mice for the corn snakes, based on eyeball evaluation of size).

---

i've been wanting to try rabbits with him. thank you so much for the offer! i will PM you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hilabeans

Just a note to say I'm holding your hand in cyber space. These guys can break your heart when they struggle. Deep breath and day by day.

XOXO,

:hug:

---

[emoji177] thank you so much, hila.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dakski

tttaylorrr,

First, big cyber hug!!!!!!

Katie sends a big one too!

Okay, deep breaths. Let's look at the facts and what you can do now.

You are great Snarent! You care so much about Corny, and your other little ones, and are doing what needs to be done. There is no need for "coulda, shoulda, or woulda," you can only move forward.

Snakes skip meals, not just BP's :). Figment, my corn, almost never skips meals, but did the other week prior to shedding.

As said, if you've been feeding him a lot, he might just be slowing down a bit. No way to know.

Now, some opinions, from me, who is not a vet, but keeps multiple species, and has for more than half my 38 years.

If you have had Corny for a long time and he's had trouble gaining weight since you got him, he could have come with some sort of internal parasite, etc. He has been able to gain weight, but that could affect him. The odds of it all of sudden getting really bad, especially when, I believe the vet said he looks good otherwise, is unlikely. The two (him not eating and a potential parasite issue), may not be related right now. He was also stressed going to the vet.

I had a similar situation. I adopted a 5 year old corn a while ago, who was thin, and was fed a live mouse monthly. I switched him to F/T pretty quick, but he was not gaining weight easily. Turned out it was a parasite and a few doses of meds and he was gaining like a champ. He did fine after that.

Of course, it could be something bad, but this has been a long-term/ongoing issue.

Remember, reptiles get sick slow and get better slow - slow metabolisms and they don't like to show they are uncomfortable, that equals weakness.

I would talk to the vet and explain your concerns. Ask if they can preventively treat for stomach/intestinal parasites. The treatment may be similar for a wide array of parasites, but I am not sure. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Corny will probably eat soon and poop after and you can bring it in for testing. However, consider the above if you want to be proactive and waiting is killing you.

I love in Connecticut, and take my reptiles to a vet in Westchester, NY. It's 2 hours from my house, but I trust them, and although pricey, have always been good to me and my pets. I am close with the team there and can run this by them as well, if you think that might help.

I would also recommend reaching out to a breeder or two of corn snakes. I have bought several animals from BHB and they have always been helpful when I have a question, even if it's not an animal I bought from them. Not sure who you know, but it might be worth an email or call and who knows, maybe you get a corn from them down the road!

Hang in there, we are thinking of you and Corny, and although not a clairvoyant, or emotionally involved here, logically, I think things will be okay. Regardless, focus on what you can do now and continuing to be the best parent possible to Corny and the rest of the crew.

---

thank you, thank you, thank you for all the advice. i will try reaching out to some breeders and hope for some guidance.

yes. having to be passive about this and not knowing what to do is torturing me. i am not a "sit back and wait" type of person!

A few afterthoughts: A young (slim) adult mouse would be the right size for your 4-5' corn snake. My largest (& oldest @ 20 years) corn snake is
about 6' long & could take a large mouse but he actually prefers small adult mice. My other 4 corns (fyi) are all 10 years old att.

Even though Corny's last shed was only about a month ago, it's "possible" (especially if he's been eating large mice) that he's already shedding again.
It's a "wait & see". Their sheds don't always happen on schedule.

Weighing your snake: in your case, it seems to be even more stressful to you than to Corny? I mean this with love: you lean towards being a "helicopter"
snarent, lol. Focus on his weight can mislead you: the amount of undigested food in his system or how much water he drank will just mess with your head.

Activity: Corny sounds perfectly normal to me. This time of year my corns (I have 5, currently) are active, climbing in their branches, hanging out, alert.

And honestly: rare is the snake-keeper that takes a snake to the vet for one missed meal. A couple meals would get my attention, but not just one. Relax.
:grouphug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Weighing your snake: in your case, it seems to be even more stressful to you than to Corny? I mean this with love: you lean towards being a "helicopter" snarent, lol. Focus on his weight can mislead you: the amount of undigested food in his system or how much water he drank will just mess with your head.

Activity: Corny sounds perfectly normal to me. This time of year my corns (I have 5, currently) are active, climbing in their branches, hanging out, alert.

And honestly: rare is the snake-keeper that takes a snake to the vet for one missed meal. A couple meals would get my attention, but not just one. Relax.
:grouphug:

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i am absolutely a helicopter mom, to an obvious fault lol. patience, patience, patience...

thanks for all your input and advice. i really do appreciate everything you've shared with me. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Even though Corny's last shed was only about a month ago, it's "possible" (especially if he's been eating large mice) that he's already shedding again.
It's a "wait & see". Their sheds don't always happen on schedule.

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Hoo, yeah! I’ve got a Honduran milk snake that is *still* shedding once a month at almost three years old. Every time I turn around that boy is blue again!



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Even though Corny's last shed was only about a month ago, it's "possible" (especially if he's been eating large mice) that he's already shedding again. It's a "wait & see". Their sheds don't always happen on schedule.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Prognathodon

Hoo, yeah! I’ve got a Honduran milk snake that is *still* shedding once a month at almost three years old. Every time I turn around that boy is blue again!

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hm...i did notice some skin coming up on his face like 4 or 5 days ago...i just chalked that up to him burrowing.......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

hm...i did notice some skin coming up on his face like 4 or 5 days ago...i just chalked that up to him burrowing.......

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That's one reason not to panic or run to the vet* after just one food refusal (*unless you have time & money to burn): it takes time to play "detective"
with a snake that isn't eating. There's often a good reason that they know but we don't. Snakes help teach us patience & better observation skills. :snake:

And btw, when I first started keeping snakes I kept copious notes, not weights but everything else. (I blame it on nurse trng) One day a more experienced
keeper paid me a visit...she saw their "diaries" & had a healthy giggle over it, then asked me how I found the time? All my snakes still have a basic record
of their origin etc, but other than that, I only note things of significance (not every meal or shed). Experience tells me when to take notes. And as long as
a snake looks & acts healthy, I couldn't care less what they weigh. (same goes for me, lol...I gain about 5 pounds over winter, & swim it all off doing laps
all summer, no big deal)

So maybe he has some retained shed? or is shedding again? Good reason for him to pass on dinner. One tricky place that some snakes fail to shed is their
chin & I can imagine that would feel strange & signal to them not to eat until it's removed. Now & then, one of mine does that, & I have to help him, that's
how I know. It's a place they HATE to get help with, so it takes a soak & patience with gentle restraint, letting go frequently rather than over-powering the
snake, until the job gets done. You might try keeping him restrained in a "critter cottage" (smaller side cage) with wet moss or wet paper towels + shallow
water for a while, then see if there's retained skin you can help him with.

POOP PATROL LEVEL: 5000

it was a medium mouse.

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a84d8dfcd6.gif

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Corny is looking GREAT! I assume all is back to normal now? :gj:

Way to go Corny!!!

Thanks for sharing, Taylor. :)

AWESOME! GO CORNY!

Are you still going to test the poop?

Either way. Awesome!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Corny is looking GREAT! I assume all is back to normal now? :gj:

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i hope so!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Way to go Corny!!!

Thanks for sharing, Taylor. :)

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i'm just so happy he ate!!!

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Originally Posted by dakski

AWESOME! GO CORNY!

Are you still going to test the poop?

Either way. Awesome!

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yes i am, hence Poop Patrol being at level 5000 as of last night. i have reminders set in my phone to check the enclosure twice a day. i've only been able to catch some urates and possible poop, but since he hasn't eaten there hasn't been much. now with a meal in him, i've never been more anxious to find snake poop!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i hope so!

i'm just so happy he ate!!!


yes i am, hence Poop Patrol being at level 5000 as of last night. i have reminders set in my phone to check the enclosure twice a day. i've only been able to catch some urates and possible poop, but since he hasn't eaten there hasn't been much. now with a meal in him, i've never been more anxious to find snake poop!!!

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Awesome. It's great he's eating, and if something is wrong, or needs to be worked on, you will know from poop sample. At the least it will give you peace of mind. If there is something going on, you will able to address it ASAP.

Great sign that he ate. Really fantastic!

Im far too late on this thread, but congrats tay! Glad to hear finally that Corny is back to eating!

He seemed to gobble that down well, hopefully this means that he's all good to go in the future. You've worked really hard to make sure everything is perfect for him, and it worked out well! Congratulations, i'm so happy everything worked out the way it did.

he friggin' pooped in the water dish!!! this snake is going to give me an ulcer! i assumed the poop wasn't viable for testing and i just cleaned it out. tonight i will be offering a medium mouse so hopefully he keeps eating so i can get some freaking POOP. UGH.

dang it corny!!

But I'm really glad he ate for you :gj:

Think positive, he'll eat again...& "poop happens". Silly snakey, hahaha!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

he friggin' pooped in the water dish!!! this snake is going to give me an ulcer! i assumed the poop wasn't viable for testing and i just cleaned it out. tonight i will be offering a medium mouse so hopefully he keeps eating so i can get some freaking POOP. UGH.

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What are the odds?

You'll get it next time!

Good he's eating.

Good he's pooping.

He's a corn snake, he will definitely poop again.....and soon....that's how they roll.

one very blue Corny ate tonight

https://i.imgur.com/dPqrQmw.gifv

https://i.imgur.com/r01FaJu.gifv

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

one very blue Corny ate tonight

https://i.imgur.com/dPqrQmw.gifv

https://i.imgur.com/r01FaJu.gifv

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oops...

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He looks so zombie-esque in blue. :rofl:I'm so glad he seems to be okay, and he seems bound and determined to reassure you by eating in shed!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

one very blue Corny ate tonight

https://i.imgur.com/dPqrQmw.gifv

https://i.imgur.com/r01FaJu.gifv

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Nice job, Corny!! Now give Momma a poop she can use!!

alright! sorry i stepped away from the forum!!!

so Corny continues to eat and do well; he just shed out on monday! and with that, he gave me a poop!!!!!! so i bagged it, placed it in the fridge and ran it to the vet on tues. night. we should have results in a couple days!!! they're doing a regular test as well as the crypto test. fingers crossed it's all good!

he is also up to 302g after his shed and poop; a 3g gain. progress is progress imo!!!

i'll try and get some pictures tonight! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

alright! sorry i stepped away from the forum!!!

so Corny continues to eat and do well; he just shed out on monday! and with that, he gave me a poop!!!!!! so i bagged it, placed it in the fridge and ran it to the vet on tues. night. we should have results in a couple days!!! they're doing a regular test as well as the crypto test. fingers crossed it's all good!

he is also up to 302g after his shed and poop; a 3g gain. progress is progress imo!!!

i'll try and get some pictures tonight! :)

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Nice! Keep us posted! Thinking good thoughts and that there's nothing in the poop sample, or it's something easy to deal with if anything. Since he's doing so well, I am pretty confident (although not a vet) that if there is anything in his poop, it's pretty benign and/or easy to cure.

Thinking of you, Corny, and the rest of your crew.

Was starting worry about you, kiddo! Glad for the poop!

okay guys! i got the phone call on friday: both tests came back negative. it was expensive, but it's worth the peace of mind. i asked the vet what my next steps should be and she asked if he was eating; yes. she told me to keep an eye on him and to bring him back if things don't keep improving. she seemed like she wanted to get off the phone lol, but it was a friday and i could understand. then i asked her about quarantine and she "yeah it's wise to keep him away for a while."

what do you guys think? what do i do now? do i just keep him in QT and see if he keeps improving? also, i'm trying to get him a 40gal upgrade soon: should i hold off on that until this has all passed?

any advice or input is much appreciated! thank you all!!!!