Yafe - Albino Carpet - FINAL - Progression Thread

I have a feeling it's being overcome with curiosity & needing to be reassured that the RI hasn't returned...;)

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Originally Posted by zina10

With him eating and doing "snake" things, I do believe he is over the RI just like you say.

I do have to say, though, and PLEASE do not take this as criticism. Just as gentle advice which you can follow or not. You are there, you see your snake, you know him better then any of us. But honestly, I would dial back the handling to bare necessity as in moving him to another spot to clean, if needed. Even if he is so much better, its only been a short while since he has gotten over this. And it was quite a drawn out illness with lots of treatments and shots. Stress is bad for the immune system. Having been ill leaves the immune system vulnerable for a few weeks. It takes time to go back to 100%.

Even if he seems calm and fine during handling, we all know, it is still a bit stressful to them. He ate 3 days ago and been handled daily since. Even if just for a short while. It still gets his heart rate up, and probably adrenaline going (do snakes have adrenaline??) His body is still working on digestion, which is hard work, esp. with him having been weakened.

I only say this as a friend, but in my very humble opinion Yafe should still get as much rest, as low stress, as possible, for at least as many weeks as his illness took. Give his immune system every chance to build back up to former and normal strength. Feed him, do maintenance, but keep handling down. If he is a calm and tame snake now, he still will be in a few weeks. I find that the basic personality doesn't change. Even if he is over his former illness, a compromised immune system can quickly weaken again and then become overwhelmed by things it could normally easily fight off.

I don't want to hurt your feelings or get you worried. So I will leave this up only as a friendly suggestion and hope you do not take offense

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See below. Bogertophis literally took the words out of my mouth!

For me, it's more anxiety than curiosity, though. That RI ordeal took so much out of me. I am so anxious about going through it again or worse.

Okay. Deep breathe. I always worry about "what if" but then when it happens, I rise to the occasion and deal.

Even today, he showed a few symptoms, but as I said, and you said, Zina10, he is likely over the RI. Did I freak out? No. I worry more than I fall apart when something happens. Alford Hitchcock made a living out of the saying, "The anticipation of the bang is worse than the bang itself." In other words, the suspense is what kills people. I live that, daily.

I think it's out of my system now and for what's worth, I completely agree with you Zina10, and I had the same thought; "leave him alone for a bit and do the minimum handling." However, sometimes my anxiety interferes with my logical brain and my discipline. :(

He ate Friday night (4 nights ago) and I spoke to the breeder yesterday. He said it's okay to feed on a 4-6 day schedule for a few meals (an appropriate sized meal - not too big) as opposed to a 7 day to catch him up a bit and give him some strength, assuming he appears to have completely digested.

I offered tonight and he happily struck, coiled, and ate another F/T 14G mouse.

That's another thing that I've been anxious about as well. He refused so many meals, I am afraid he's going to refuse every time. The past two times though, he's struck without hesitation (I have a video and will post in a second).

Between his normal behavior, his regular eating, and knowing that he still needs his rest, I will cut back significantly on handling for the next few weeks and keep it at a minimum. Assuming all is well by the new year, I will begin a normal routine with him. I also agree with you that his personality, which is wonderful, is not going to change into something different, and he isn't going to turn into a monster, if I don't handle him regularly over the next couple of weeks. If shots, and nebulizer treatments, and vet visits, etc. didn't make him angry and irritable, I am not sure what will. He's just a sweet guy.

Finally, Zina10, I cannot take what you said as anything other than constructive criticism from a caring friend who wants what's best for me and Yafe.

I think it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. Zina10, you've proven yourself to be a friend to me by continually and consistently being there for me and for many others on this site. I want, and expect nothing else, other than you honest opinion and candor, especially when one of my beloved animals health is in question. I will never fault you for being critical if I am doing something that could harm one of my animals, even if you know my intentions are good. I cannot promise not to be a jerk about it at first, but I will likely come around pretty quick :). I do appreciate your gentle approach however.

I will close in saying, whether you like it or not, you WILL get the same from me!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I have a feeling it's being overcome with curiosity & needing to be reassured that the RI hasn't returned...;)

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Yep. See above!

We do understand, dakski...now get some rest & let Yafe get some too. :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHrQC67aPBU ;)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/imag...hCVCEqEL//2Q==

As mentioned in the above post, Yafe ate again tonight. He ate happily and willingly and struck with zest and glee!

I have rat fuzzy's and rat pups as well as weaned rats on order. I want to switch Yafe over to rats ASAP now that he's gotten back to eating. I've heard Carpet Python's can imprint on mice and I want to convert him over soon so that doesn't happen.

Video of Yafe striking and coiling his mouse: https://streamable.com/jx30j

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

We do understand, dakski...now get some rest & let Yafe get some too. :D

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/imag...hCVCEqEL//2Q==

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Oh yeah, I forgot, the whole RI thing took a lot out of me too! I need rest! I need R&R! So does Katie!

Well, I took this week and next week off and this weekend Katie has her birthday and we are having a "Staycation," just the two of us, and she's off Monday too, so it's a three day weekend for her. R&R here we come!

Thanks for the friendly reminder Bogertophis! I guess I'll either be asleep and not on here much, or on here all the time the next two weeks and bored out of my mind :).

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Originally Posted by dakski

I've heard Carpet Python's can imprint on mice and I want to convert him over soon so that doesn't happen.

Video of Yafe striking and coiling his mouse: https://streamable.com/jx30j

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Good plan. They sure can, way more common than people think actually. Riley's Reptiles where I have gotten several of my JCP's from has a few mouser breeders in his collection that refuse to switch, the largest get 5-6 adult mice every 10-14 days. That's a LOT of cash lol

You've definitely earned some R & R...you're the best "helicopter parents" I know of.... :rofl:

And I'll make you a bet that Yafe switches easily from mice to rats for you. :mouse2::rat:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I will close in saying, whether you like it or not, you WILL get the same from me!

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I expect no less !!! ;)

Thank you for not getting upset.

I have said it before, with our OWN animals it is always different, there is this emotional attachment, the worry, the anxiety, when things are not 100%. Being so close can sometimes give one tunnel vision.

Personally, when its MY animal that something goes wrong with, I know my brain goes into a hundred different directions and its hard to focus and think straight. Its easy to say, just calm down and do the right thing. Throw feelings and emotions into this, and its not just a logical thing anymore.

When I help out others with their sick animals, even in person, I know exactly what to do, who to call, what to write down (lots to do and lots of panic when horses go down, for example). But when its my own, its so much harder to focus through the worry, fear and anxiety. When you throw love and attachment into the mix, it is a whole other level.

So yes, I welcome another view, a reminder, a tip, even criticism when I do something that may not be in my animals best interest. Especially when it comes from people that have my and my animals best interest at heart. :)

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Originally Posted by zina10

I expect no less !!! ;)

Thank you for not getting upset.

I have said it before, with our OWN animals it is always different, there is this emotional attachment, the worry, the anxiety, when things are not 100%. Being so close can sometimes give one tunnel vision.

Personally, when its MY animal that something goes wrong with, I know my brain goes into a hundred different directions and its hard to focus and think straight. Its easy to say, just calm down and do the right thing. Throw feelings and emotions into this, and its not just a logical thing anymore.

When I help out others with their sick animals, even in person, I know exactly what to do, who to call, what to write down (lots to do and lots of panic when horses go down, for example). But when its my own, its so much harder to focus through the worry, fear and anxiety. When you throw love and attachment into the mix, it is a whole other level.

So yes, I welcome another view, a reminder, a tip, even criticism when I do something that may not be in my animals best interest. Especially when it comes from people that have my and my animals best interest at heart. :)

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100% on all counts Zina10.

We've talked about before in PM. I, and I am sure others, can get very myopic in my thinking, or as you say, "tunnel vision." To use even another metaphor, "to deep in the forrest to see the trees."

I get fixated on things and then my anxiety takes over and I feel I "need" reassurance. Sometimes I need a gentle reminder like you gave, and sometimes I need a giant kick in the you know what, to snap me out of it and get me refocused on the big picture.

Very easy to be helpful and objective when you are not emotionally involved, i.e. when it's not your animal! Not so easy when it an animal you love and care for and it seems to be taking forever for resolution because you are checking on the poor thing every 2 seconds and there are 86,400 seconds in a day!

Anyway, you are welcome for not getting upset, but it's not in my nature to get upset about someone trying to help me and my buddy Yafe anymore than it's in Yafe's nature to be an angry and aggressive little dude. :).

Now, you get some rest Zina10 (and Bogertophis!).

I promise to do the same and to let Yafe happily digest this mouse and get some rest and some meals in him (with minimal handling) for a while.

Two things on Yafe.

First, I have been leaving him alone. However, today he peed a ton, left a lot of urate, and even a little poop. He hasn't pooped much, but I think he's absorbing a lot of the food because he needed it. I took him out, put him in his container, cleaned his tank, and put him back. I did snap a few quick pics with my iPhone before putting him back. They are below. He is definitely getting better body definition. I also think he's going to shed soon. He's a little faded and his skin feels a little rough, but humidity has been pretty consistent.

Secondly, he will a small mouse Sunday, about 15G, and then I will offer again Friday or Saturday, a rat Fuzzy, about the same weight. I was going to try a rat this weekend, but my local guy has 11G Fuzzy's and I think that's too small to entice him to try a new prey item. Also, he's been eating, and he's eaten mice his whole life, I don't think one more mouse is going to make a difference in him switching to rats. I did a big order with perfect prey for him, Feliz, Solana, and Figment. I have a ton of medium rats for Shayna (who's not eating right now anyway) and it will be a while before I offer large rats to Behira. I've got rat fuzzy's pups, weaned, and small, all coming for Yafe and Feliz. Hoppers, weaned/small mice, and adult mice for Solana and Figment on the way as well.

Here the not so good iPhone pictures of Yafe. He's faded and the lighting is bad, etc. However, his body definition is definitely better.

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/zNyUXLI.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/I7sgZOS.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/gu2wRoz.jpg[/IMG]

He's looking great & I bet he's FEELING 100% better too. :gj: Food really helps...

Yafe looks amazing D! You and Katie have done a wonderful job with him. All your critters are beautiful, well cared for, and clearly loved.

His colors are gorgeous and he is looking great! Fingers crossed for an easy transition to rats in the next couple of weeks.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He's looking great & I bet he's FEELING 100% better too. :gj: Food really helps...

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Yeah, I think the food is definitely helping. That's also why I want to get one more mouse in tomorrow night (Sunday night) before trying to get him to take rats. That will be 3 mice in 2 1/2 weeks.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Yafe looks amazing D! You and Katie have done a wonderful job with him. All your critters are beautiful, well cared for, and clearly loved.

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Thanks EL-Ziggy. That really means a lot. I can't take credit for his beauty, it's not like I had much to do with that. However, he is very much loved and I believe, well cared for. He's really a great little dude. I've been leaving him alone, but in the limited time I've spent with him, he's really quite chill and curious. Really a calm guy. I look forward to spending a lot more time with him as he grows and while he's a healthy adult for a long, long, time.

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Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

His colors are gorgeous and he is looking great! Fingers crossed for an easy transition to rats in the next couple of weeks.

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Yeah, I love the more orange tones and not just the yellows on him; very unique, especially on his head. Darwin Carpet Pythons, of which he is 50% and where his albino comes from (Irian Jaya's do not have, or at least it has not been discovered yet, an albino gene), tend to be very orange as babies, but by the time they are juveniles, and definitely adults, they are all, or almost all yellow and white. He looks like he is going to keep some of those orange hues, especially on his head, which is pretty cool.

I really think he is due to shed soon and the his colors will pop once he does. Between being healthy now, and finally, and having a good shed, I think he's going to be stunning.

I am hopeful he switches quickly to rats as well. Now healthy, he does not appear to be a picky eater. However, I know it can be an issue for them.

I plan to defrost a mouse in the bag with the rat fuzzy and see what happens. Now that's he's got some weight on him and has been eating normally, I am also willing to hold a meal if I have too. I will offer two rats over a two week period if he doesn't take the first, but then will cave and offer a mouse again, before trying again with the rats. I am in no way, shape, or form, going to starve him to try to get him on rats now. He's way to close to that RI to be playing around with food intake too much.

I will keep everyone in the loop.

He certainly is very pretty! Glad he's doing infinitely better!

I'm glad Yafe is doing much better now. All your hard work, care and persistence is paying off and showing in his health!

Yafe took another small/weaned mouse tonight, about 15G. He's getting braver too. Before, if I offered while he was in his branches, like tonight, he wouldn't take it. I had to wiggle on the ground and he would come down and attack it.

Tonight, I showed him, wiggled for a second, and bam, grabbed and coiled while still in his branches. He's learning to Carpet Python pretty well.

I plan to leave him alone until Friday or Saturday, if not Sunday, when I will offer a rat fuzzy, scented with mouse, and see if he takes it.

I'll update if anything significant happens between now and then, otherwise, assume all is well.

He is taking off like one of your Sports cars !!!!

Love it :)

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Originally Posted by dakski

Yafe took another small/weaned mouse tonight, about 15G. He's getting braver too. Before, if I offered while he was in his branches, like tonight, he wouldn't take it. I had to wiggle on the ground and he would come down and attack it.

Tonight, I showed him, wiggled for a second, and bam, grabbed and coiled while still in his branches. He's learning to Carpet Python pretty well.

I plan to leave him alone until Friday or Saturday, if not Sunday, when I will offer a rat fuzzy, scented with mouse, and see if he takes it.

I'll update if anything significant happens between now and then, otherwise, assume all is well.

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Well, false alarm, I was wrong.

He did grab and coil, but when I came back an hour later, the mouse was stuck behind his house.

I warmed it up again and offered, but no dice, he didn't take it this time.

Not sure what happened or why he refused it, but I am not going to sweat it.

Maybe he will be extra hungry when I offer that rat fuzzy later this week?

Again, I'll keep everyone in the loop.

Well, darn it! but that just happens sometimes. Who knows, maybe he'll happen to prefer ratties.

honestly, idk much about the species, but the scenario seems pretty typical with a common refusal especially after some stress. just seems like he didn't want to fuss; i hope no worries!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, darn it! but that just happens sometimes. Who knows, maybe he'll happen to prefer ratties.

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I am hoping that's the case! We could use a break! Loving rats would definitely be that.

However, he seems like he's doing great, and I also know he's due to shed, although it's really hard to tell with an albino, especially with his coloration. So, it could be a variety of factors. Also, he ate 5 days ago, and 4 days before that, so he might just not really want food today.

Anyway, not looking into it too much. Just going with the flow.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

honestly, idk much about the species, but the scenario seems pretty typical with a common refusal especially after some stress. just seems like he didn't want to fuss; i hope no worries!

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Thanks tttaylorrr! Yeah, see my response above this one to Bogertophis. I literally posted it the same time you posted this. :)

Carpet pythons, especially young ones, can be picky from time to time, but usually grow out of it and pound their food.

Sorry Yafe dropped his mouse there Dave. Are you offering food every 5-7 days or so?

No worries there.

He seems to be a pretty smart little fellow. His eyes were probably bigger then his stomach, or so we say in Germany.

IF he is getting ready to shed, its better that he didn't eat. While some snakes have no problem to do both, shed and digestion, at the same time, I never even offer during shedding. Their bodies need extra fluid for the shedding process, but digestion does, too. With him just recovering, there is no need to put his body through double duty.

And maybe he really did have enough food already for now.

I take a refusal 100,000 times over a snake that will wolf it down, only to regurgitate it later on because it shouldn't really have eaten that meal for whatever reason. Regurgitation is really hard on a snake and can start a vicious cycle of problems. Much better for him to simply refuse to eat it, because he doesn't need to eat right now.

I think he is simply a smart little snake and realized that he shouldn't eat, once the thrill of the hunt was over !

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Originally Posted by dakski

... However, he seems like he's doing great, and I also know he's due to shed, although it's really hard to tell with an albino, especially with his coloration. So, it could be a variety of factors. Also, he ate 5 days ago, and 4 days before that, so he might just not really want food today....

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The more I think about it, he went for so long without food...I think that it's normal for his digestion to be on the slow side for a while. He's been ill, so his body hasn't
been focused on digestive enzymes...he might be a little short in that department for the time being, & his body had to conserve because he wasn't eating. So whether
or not he's going into a shed (& btw, I agree...albinos are so much harder to tell) I think he just might have regurgitated had he swallowed this item...trust this little
guy, he's made it this far. I think all is normal & well...he's not ready for more food yet...don't rush him. I'd go slower than you would ordinarily.

And I agree with zina10's post too- avoid feeding this guy when he's in shed.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Sorry Yafe dropped his mouse there Dave. Are you offering food every 5-7 days or so?

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No biggie EL-Ziggy, LOL! Sorry, I couldn't resist. 5-7 days for the last 3 meals, yes. Then, I plan to go weekly for a bit, and then every two weeks as he gets old, if not longer when he becomes an adult.

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Originally Posted by zina10

No worries there.

He seems to be a pretty smart little fellow. His eyes were probably bigger then his stomach, or so we say in Germany.

IF he is getting ready to shed, its better that he didn't eat. While some snakes have no problem to do both, shed and digestion, at the same time, I never even offer during shedding. Their bodies need extra fluid for the shedding process, but digestion does, too. With him just recovering, there is no need to put his body through double duty.

And maybe he really did have enough food already for now.

I take a refusal 100,000 times over a snake that will wolf it down, only to regurgitate it later on because it shouldn't really have eaten that meal for whatever reason. Regurgitation is really hard on a snake and can start a vicious cycle of problems. Much better for him to simply refuse to eat it, because he doesn't need to eat right now.

I think he is simply a smart little snake and realized that he shouldn't eat, once the thrill of the hunt was over !

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Well said, Zina10. Not sure about the shed as I haven't seen his eyes cloud over, but I could have missed it. Either way, he seems to know what's up.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

The more I think about it, he went for so long without food...I think that it's normal for his digestion to be on the slow side for a while. He's been ill, so his body hasn't
been focused on digestive enzymes...he might be a little short in that department for the time being, & his body had to conserve because he wasn't eating. So whether
or not he's going into a shed (& btw, I agree...albinos are so much harder to tell) I think he just might have regurgitated had he swallowed this item...trust this little
guy, he's made it this far. I think all is normal & well...he's not ready for more food yet...don't rush him. I'd go slower than you would ordinarily.

And I agree with zina10's post too- avoid feeding this guy when he's in shed.

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Yeah, I hear you. Slow and steady wins the race.

It's easier for us "outsiders"....if he was MY snake I'd probably be just as eager to feed him as you are...believe me I know the feeling. ;)

That’s a shame Dave , it’s so hard with albinos to miss them cloudy eyes sometimes


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I am sorry to post this on Christmas, but I have to get it off my chest.

Yafe refused his last two meals. Good news and bad news.

First, the good news, he struck and coiled both, including a rat fuzzy scented with mouse. However, the bad news, he dropped both and did not eat them.

Also, more bad news.

He's still flicking his tongue, and otherwise seeming normal; resting with head down, active, climbing, moving warm side to cool side, etc. He also pooped the other day and has been drinking and peeing and urating.

However, I had Yafe out for about 5 minutes the other day while his cage was disinfecting with F10SC. First time out in 2 weeks (aside from a quick drop in the holding container). He was popping again and after a minute or two, started doing the deep squeezes and spasming and flailing showing he was deeply uncomfortable.

I am not sure what to make of all this.

The RI has not come back full force. He has no mucus discharge at all. However, symptoms are worsening, despite that and despite that fact he is still happily flicking his tongue.

I have reached out to the vet and the breeder, but being Christmas, do not expect an immediate response. I am at a loss. The vet said that even if we beat the bordetella bacterial infection, he was susceptible and weak, and could have gotten either another bacteria in there, or a virus or fungus.

I am happy to keep treating and pouring money into him if he gets better and this goes away. However, the breeder said something that made me very nervous. He said that some "hybrids and morphs" are just weak animals. It happens." Yafe might be one of them. I can't spend the rest of his life with $2K vet bills every 3-4 months. I can't afford that and it's not fair to him or to me or Katie.

I am really upset and not sure what to do at this point. I am venting and do not have enough information to make a decision here either way. However, I am very down.

I wanted to share.

I'm SO sorry that all this is still not behind you, Katie & most of all Yafe. :( It's not fair.... but I grudgingly agree with what the breeder said...it's true of
purebred dogs too, for example, & it's why I favor snakes that are normals or not so far from it...nature sorts this stuff out. But do wait & confer with your
trusted vet & all that...hugs!

I'm at the barn and can't write a lot just now.

There are many morphs of that kind that are perfectly happy and healthy.

Ive said it before and will say it again. Test for Nido. It's known for lingering RI's and neurological issues and weakness.

It's far more widespread and ESP. in Morelia then previously thought.

A breeder I've thought had never ever had it...just admitted they did. And sold animals because they said they thought it was done with. One of those animals had it.

Some test every animal. Some just sell. Not all purposely do or even know. Some rather not test and hope for the best. Some sell Hatchlings from infected parents. Supposed to not cross into the Hatchlings.

I am NOT saying this is what it is. But with all you've done this far. Why not find out for sure. You have other animals and despite best of quarantine...this is one thing I would want to rule out for peace of mind.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Still hope it's just a hickup during recovery..


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So sorry to hear this has come back. Prayers for all three of you.

Yafe hasn't eaten since 12/11/18. He refused a mouse on 12/16/18, having coiled and then dropped and never ate. He also refused a rat fuzzy on 12/20/18, doing the same thing; striking and coiling, but leaving it and not eating.

Tonight, I offered a rat fuzzy again. Again, he struck and coiled.

However, tonight, he also ATE IT!

I don't know what to make of this guy. He's up, he's down, he's up, he's down. WOW. What a roller coaster. Either way, I hope this gives him some strength.

Thank you for all the comments and support, especially on the holiday. It means a lot. I will continue to keep everyone in the loop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Yafe hasn't eaten since 12/11/18. He refused a mouse on 12/16/18, having coiled and then dropped and never ate. He also refused a rat fuzzy on 12/20/18, doing the same thing; striking and coiling, but leaving it and not eating.

Tonight, I offered a rat fuzzy again. Again, he struck and coiled.

However, tonight, he also ATE IT!

I don't know what to make of this guy. He's up, he's down, he's up, he's down. WOW. What a roller coaster. Either way, I hope this gives him some strength.

Thank you for all the comments and support, especially on the holiday. It means a lot. I will continue to keep everyone in the loop.

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Woohoo, go Yafe! It's possible his wonky appetite is because he's still recovering (hopefully not getting sick again). Then again, he could just be a fussy eater. I know we don't normally think of carpets as fussy, but I think a couple of members on here have had them be that way off and on.

Our Bredli is like a garbage disposal. But if it makes you feel any better, our IJ... not so much. She's 2 for 4 on meals so far. I'm not too concerned yet, but it will be nice if we can get her eating more reliably.

Here's hoping for good health for Yafe and to establishing a consistent eating pattern in the New Year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

Yafe hasn't eaten since 12/11/18. He refused a mouse on 12/16/18, having coiled and then dropped and never ate. He also refused a rat fuzzy on 12/20/18, doing the same thing; striking and coiling, but leaving it and not eating.

Tonight, I offered a rat fuzzy again. Again, he struck and coiled.

However, tonight, he also ATE IT!

I don't know what to make of this guy. He's up, he's down, he's up, he's down. WOW. What a roller coaster. Either way, I hope this gives him some strength.

Thank you for all the comments and support, especially on the holiday. It means a lot. I will continue to keep everyone in the loop.

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Hooray!!!

Well that's really only 2 weeks then, since he ate previously...all things considered that's not half-bad! He's still getting his digestion up & running after not eating
for so long. I suspect he's doing the best he can, even though it's driving you crazy, as it would any of us, wanting to see faster progress. (Did you ever get any
Bene-Bac into him? Might run it by your vet too, I don't recall now if you mentioned that?)

I'm sorry that in my earlier post I absorbed too much of your disappointment & negativity, and I'm glad that zina10 reminded you to test for Nido, I'd forgotton
about that too. It would still be really nice if he'd stay asymptomatic though...hang in there!

That's really good news Dave yafe ate again , as said may be just a picky eater, some snakes are


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Glad he ate again. Hopefully he can finally kick what has been bothering him.

So glad he ate for you Dave and I hope he stays on the path of wellness. After fighting thru that RI his appetite probably just hasn't kicked into full gear yet. My female albino carpet was really finicky at first too. It took months before she would eat consistently. When I offered food more frequently she refused more often. Once I started offering food every 3 weeks she started eating more regularly. Then she would eat every 2 weeks and now she eats anything on tongs/anytime. I'm confident Yafe will be eating like a typical carpet real soon.

Yafe is moving!

Yafe's Boaphile 4X2X1.5' Arboreal Tank came the other day and the reptile area is all setup (except for Ferry and Ezzy's tanks - due in about 5 weeks). The tank is dialed in and he is moving today.

In talking with the vet, Don Soderberg (from South Mountain Reptiles and Solana's breeder), and Jeff Ronne, my tank builder, and Boa breeder (aka: The Boaphile), the consensus is that if he still had an active infection, he would have gotten worse by now.

The facts PROS:

1. Yafe has ZERO mucus discharge.

2. When resting, he has no audible popping or wheezing.

3. HE EATS!

4. He rests with his head down, not elevated or raised.

5. He is active, especially at night, being nocturnal. He climbs, he goes from warm side to cool side, etc.

6. He urinates, urates, and poops, normally.

7. He is calm, and frankly, a delight, when being held, at least initially.


The facts CONS:

1. When held for any prolonged period, he starts to pop and becomes noticeably uncomfortable over time. So, he is still showing some symptoms. I will point out that I've only held 2X in the past month (and not in 10 days), so there is limited data here.

2. He has struck and coiled, but refused to eat two meals. However, that could be because they were given too close together and have nothing to do with feeling ill.


No one thinks he is still contagious, or if he is, that it is airborne. The belief is also that if it were Nido, or something terrible, it would have gotten much worse by now, or killed him; it's been 3 months. He also would not have responded positively, even if it took some time, to antibiotics.

Further, the symptoms can be caused by the need for residual healing and/or scarring in the lung. It is unclear whether this will improve with time. He also has not shed yet. When he does, that might help clear up anything in his nostrils, etc.

I am concerned that there is some lung scarring. In people, that rarely gets much better or heals completely, but not sure how that works in reptiles.

What is clear is that he needs a stable and appropriate environment for him to heal. The quarantine 10G tank he is in now is okay for temps (with CHE and UTH thermostat controlled), but not ideal for humidity and it's been a tough battle now that it's winter. He needs a consistent temp and humidity environment to be comfortable and hopefully continue to heal.

For all those reasons, we are moving him into his tank tonight and I will post pictures later or tomorrow.

That's good news Dave,can't wait to see the setup for little yafe

Sent from my TA-1024 using Tapatalk

That is awesome :)

I know you are excited and I hope with all of my heart that this is behind you.

For the sake of education and others that may be reading this I would just like to point out, Nido will not necessarily get worse or kill within 3 month. If it kills, it usually takes 3 to 6 month, but many snakes just stay chronically ill for a long time, or turn un-symptomatic.

Please understand I'm not trying to worry you or rain on your parade, this is truly just so that other people reading will understand this and always seek out the latest research, which is still ongoing.

At this point this is the latest one

https://www.stengleinlab.org/blog/20...virus_FAQ.html


I do believe Yafe simply has some issues still with his respiratory system recovering. I have had a terrible walking pneumonia once and it took me a good 4 month to breathe normal again, and another 2 month to fully recover from feeling weak and quickly tiring.

Since he did get pretty sick, it will take time to go to 100%. Just the fact that he is eating now and doing normal snake things is absolutely awesome :) Now you and Katie can relax and enjoy your animals. Doing boring stuff like cleaning poop and whatnot :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

That is awesome :)

I know you are excited and I hope with all of my heart that this is behind you.

For the sake of education and others that may be reading this I would just like to point out, Nido will not necessarily get worse or kill within 3 month. If it kills, it usually takes 3 to 6 month, but many snakes just stay chronically ill for a long time, or turn un-symptomatic.

Please understand I'm not trying to worry you or rain on your parade, this is truly just so that other people reading will understand this and always seek out the latest research, which is still ongoing.

At this point this is the latest one

https://www.stengleinlab.org/blog/20...virus_FAQ.html


I do believe Yafe simply has some issues still with his respiratory system recovering. I have had a terrible walking pneumonia once and it took me a good 4 month to breathe normal again, and another 2 month to fully recover from feeling weak and quickly tiring.

Since he did get pretty sick, it will take time to go to 100%. Just the fact that he is eating now and doing normal snake things is absolutely awesome :) Now you and Katie can relax and enjoy your animals. Doing boring stuff like cleaning poop and whatnot :D

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Zina10 - thank you. I know where your heart is and where you intentions come from!

He sounded eh today when I picked him up to put him in the new digs. I am very hopeful that being in a tank with great temp and humidity control and many hide options and a greater temp gradient can only help him heal!

However, he is still a sweet and calm boy and continues to be tongue flicks galore. So I continue to be optimistic!

Pictures coming ASAP!

Yafe went in to his new home today. He went pretty much right into a hide. I'll see if he explores tonight.

He wheezed a little when I picked him up, but I think part of that was displeasure; haven't handled him much lately.

He was then sweet and calm, but popping a bit in my hands, but still tongue flicks like crazy, so that was good.

By the time I got him downstairs and was introducing him to the new tank, I could feel he was getting a little uncomfortable.

I am hoping and praying that the new tank makes a big difference for him. The stability in humidity and the temp gradient can only help.

Here's video of Yafe moving into his new digs: https://streamable.com/l7kka
Yafe in his new digs!

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/3a2vqR0.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/qaTtqQ6.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/8jq5WJS.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/IWMUOgm.jpg[/IMG]

Yafe seems to loving his new digs.

Humidity, with the heat running often here in CT and not much humidity in the house, is maintaining around 55% without intervention. A quick mist or two every couple of days keeps it averaging about 60%.

Below are a few pictures of Yafe exploring the heck out of his new enclosure last night (note: I moved things around today - so the pictures in this thread and my "reptile area" thread will look different as well as pictures on a go forward basis).

Yafe was due to eat tonight (7 days from last feed) and I figured why not? If he refuses, I'll just offer again in a week, or Sunday, when everyone else eats.

Well, he nailed, coiled, and happily ate, a 16G F/T rat fuzzy. No problem at all. I think he's really liking his new home and he really seems to like rats. That's two in a row!

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/0YBx6cD.jpg[/IMG]

Feliz begging for food while Yafe explores (he ate the day before, FYI).

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/r24tgKd.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/CQVmjA3.jpg[/IMG]

Yafe eating tonight!

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/1bw9TaF.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/fwGiHdd.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/1nmfD0b.jpg[/IMG]

That's great news Dave, go yafe.
He should soon start to grow and pile weight back on rats, that's for sure
Really glad he's enjoying his new digs

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Glad to see things going well for Yafe. :)

Yafe's a rock-star for ratties! :D

I spoke to the vet again to today.

She reiterated that as long as he’s doing snake things like eating, being active and climbing, going hot side to cold side, drinking, peeing, pooping, etc. she’s happy.

She said again that if he had an active infection it would have returned by now in full force.

She he thinks the good temp gradient and proper and CONSISTENT humidity can only help him get as well as can be. However. She is open to the idea that he has some permanent damage.

Only time will tell.

Thank you again to all for the support and kind words. We all appreciate it.

I will keep everyone in the loop.

You & Katie really deserve a lot of credit, along with your vet, for really sticking with it, to get Yafe as healthy as he can be. What a lucky snake to have landed
with you.