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Help! Mites

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  • 03-18-2019, 02:55 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Hey everybody, it's been a little while & I have a few questions.
    Firstly, would it be okay if I attempt to feed her this week? On Wednesday it'll be 3 weeks since she's eaten and I don't want to leave her without food for so long but I'm not sure if she'd even eat because of the stress.
    Second, how often should I be spraying the tank with PAM and replacing the paper towels? I've only fully sprayed the tank once & replaced the paper towels twice since I got the PAM, I believe the bottle says it remains effective for 2-4 weeks once sprayed but I'm not sure if that's how often I should be reapplying it?
    And to top things off just a little update (with an added question), the mites seem to be dying off more now. I soaked her before I put the natural chemistry on her today & there wasn't anything in the water, and when I actually put the stuff on her there weren't any mites coming off on the paper towel (and none on the paper towel substrate when I opened up her tank). I know they're not gone yet but I'm cautiously optimistic, so my question is how long should I keep treating her? I think I've heard people say to keep treating them for a long time after you think they're totally gone because of the eggs, but I can't remember exactly how long

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

    Correction, I believe it'll have been 4 weeks since she's eaten on Wednesday?
  • 03-18-2019, 03:06 PM
    Bogertophis
    I've been wondering how your poor unlucky little snake has been doing...:( what a miserable way to start off with a pet.

    I'd offer food, personally. I'll leave the PAM questions to those who've used it though, & you might want to PM an experienced member about this?
  • 03-18-2019, 03:49 PM
    AbsoluteApril
    You should be okay to offer food.

    I only do one PAM treatment. If after 4 or so weeks, you still see mites, then go ahead and spray the enclosure again.

    Glad it sounds like things are getting better!
  • 03-18-2019, 04:38 PM
    Ditto
    Thank you guys! I think I'll try to feed her on Wednesday so she has a bit of time to destress from today's handling?.. poor thing, she must be so hungry. I'm really looking forward to when this is all over & she can just be a regular snake
    Also turns out I was right the first time, she hasn't eaten in almost three weeks, I had my dates wrong
  • 03-18-2019, 04:42 PM
    Bogertophis
    Yeah, that's a long time for such a little snake. Poor sweetie...hope the end of the mites comes soon!
  • 03-29-2019, 11:33 AM
    Ditto
    A little update, she finally ate last night! She wouldn't take any food last week so I'm really relieved that she finally ate after 4 weeks of nothing
  • 03-29-2019, 12:25 PM
    Bogertophis
    Sure hope the mites are gone now too? And she can get back on track...treating a new snake adds so much stress, ugh!
  • 03-30-2019, 11:00 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Sure hope the mites are gone now too? And she can get back on track...treating a new snake adds so much stress, ugh!

    I haven't seen any mites in a while but I feel like I'll jinx it if I say they're totally gone. I hadn't looked in her tank since she ate on Thursday & I checked on her tonight, she's in shed! I feel bad I hadn't checked on her sooner, the humidity wasn't high enough & she had bits of old skin peeled up around her face :( I misted the tank & put a towel over the screen top to help keep it humid, I'm not sure if I should try to soak her or not
  • 03-30-2019, 11:11 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    I haven't seen any mites in a while but I feel like I'll jinx it if I say they're totally gone. I hadn't looked in her tank since she ate on Thursday & I checked on her tonight, she's in shed! I feel bad I hadn't checked on her sooner, the humidity wasn't high enough & she had bits of old skin peeled up around her face :( I misted the tank & put a towel over the screen top to help keep it humid, I'm not sure if I should try to soak her or not

    Keep in mind these are desert snakes: honestly, I never mist them or increase humidity for their sheds, & they do fine. The only reason yours might need help now is
    that she was without food for so long, & hasn't caught up much yet. I don't think I'd advise soaking her at this point...poor little thing, see how she
    does with just what else you've done.
  • 03-30-2019, 11:17 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Keep in mind these are desert snakes: honestly, I never mist them or increase humidity for their sheds, & they do fine. The only reason yours might need help now is
    that she was without food & presumably water for so long, & hasn't caught up much yet. I don't think I'd advise soaking her at this point...poor little thing, see how she
    does with just what else you've done.

    Okay, I'll wait & see how she's doing tomorrow and update here, I hope she's alright
  • 03-30-2019, 11:27 PM
    Bogertophis
    I corrected my response, btw...dunno why I said "without....water"? Lol, mind elsewhere. Just that she hasn't been eating much was what I meant to say.
    I look forward to your update & hope she's doing better.
  • 03-31-2019, 09:57 PM
    Ditto
    Sorry for not updating earlier! Been having a busy couple of days. I checked on her twice today, she hasn't gotten any of her shed off & it's still crumpled up around her face. I sprayed the enclosure again today just in case, my house is really dry so I figured it would help a bit? I've never really had a shed like this with my bp, not sure how exactly to go about fixing it.
    She also pooped today, I think twice? The first time I checked on her I saw she had pooped & I replaced the paper towels, & the second time I saw a smaller brown spot on the towel, it looked the same as the first time but they were both really liquidy? They looked like when she urinates but brown, nothing solid. Is that normal? I'm not sure what to think, I'm trying not to get too worried but I don't know what this would be caused by :( Any input would be really greatly appreciated!
  • 03-31-2019, 10:03 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Sorry for not updating earlier! Been having a busy couple of days. I checked on her twice today, she hasn't gotten any of her shed off & it's still crumpled up around her face. I sprayed the enclosure again today just in case, my house is really dry so I figured it would help a bit? I've never really had a shed like this with my bp, not sure how exactly to go about fixing it.
    She also pooped today, I think twice? The first time I checked on her I saw she had pooped & I replaced the paper towels, & the second time I saw a smaller brown spot on the towel, it looked the same as the first time but they were both really liquidy? They looked like when she urinates but brown, nothing solid. Is that normal? I'm not sure what to think, I'm trying not to get too worried but I don't know what this would be caused by :( Any input would be really greatly appreciated!

    Well, she's just eating pinkies, right? if so, that stool is fairly normal...pinkies aren't much nutrition or fiber.
    Can you post a pic of her shed issue? (you could just spray her, y'know...desert snakes in the wild actually come out when it rains to get a drink) Did she shed her body?
    What exactly is her size (length) now?
  • 03-31-2019, 10:17 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Well, she's just eating pinkies, right? if so, that stool is fairly normal...pinkies aren't much nutrition or fiber.
    Can you post a pic of her shed issue? (you could just spray her, y'know...desert snakes in the wild actually come out when it rains to get a drink) Did she shed her body?
    What exactly is her size (length) now?

    Oh okay, that's relief, she's still eating pinkies. I can't get a pic of her tonight (I'm not at home tonight) but I can tomorrow, so far no skin has actually come off, just a few bits that have peeled up. I'm not exactly sure but I'd say she's around 1 1/5'-2'. Sorry, I can get more exact measurements tomorrow
  • 03-31-2019, 10:31 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Oh okay, that's relief, she's still eating pinkies. I can't get a pic of her tonight (I'm not at home tonight) but I can tomorrow, so far no skin has actually come off, just a few bits that have peeled up. I'm not exactly sure but I'd say she's around 1 1/5'-2'. Sorry, I can get more exact measurements tomorrow

    If she's 1.5-2' long, she needs to be eating fuzzie mice. Pinkies are like an appetizer, little substance. Without better nutrition, a snake's body has trouble making
    new skin, etc.
  • 03-31-2019, 10:41 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    If she's 1.5-2' long, she needs to be eating fuzzie mice. Pinkies are like an appetizer, little substance. Without better nutrition, a snake's body has trouble making
    new skin, etc.

    Do you think she'll be okay on pinkies until the 27th? There's an expo then that I could probably make it to. If not I'm fine paying to have them shipped, but the expo would be cheaper & more convenient, of course
  • 03-31-2019, 10:59 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Do you think she'll be okay on pinkies until the 27th? There's an expo then that I could probably make it to. If not I'm fine paying to have them shipped, but the expo would be cheaper & more convenient, of course

    Until the 27th of next month? That's a long time...if you fed multiple pinkies, she wouldn't exactly starve, but that's likely causing the issue with her shed right now,
    or at least partly. Remember the mites were sucking her blood too...they cause dehydration & malnutrition. And again, I'm not seeing her, but from the length you
    indicated, her mid-body width should be about the width of a fuzzy (aka "crew") mouse. When she's hungry next time, try giving her 2 pinkies...if she takes them,
    offer food again in about a week, 3 pinkies. She needs to build up. Sure hope she has no mites left...poor little snake.
  • 04-01-2019, 12:45 AM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Do you think she'll be okay on pinkies until the 27th? ...

    To put it another way, it's like asking "can my toddler stay on a liquid diet for about a month?"
  • 04-02-2019, 12:13 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Really sorry for not posting yesterday as promised!! Her shed hasn't improved at all since Sunday, I tried to get some pictures today but they're all kind of blurry, I hope you can sorta tell what's going on! The skin on her face has peeled up a tiny bit more around her mouth & the piece that was covering her eye flopped back over so she can see again, & her body is a lot more crinkley (if that's the right word?) than it was yesterday, but other than that nothing has changed. I also tried to measure her but she was, understandably, very squirmy, so an estimate is the best I can give you (She's probably close to 17"). And the expo is the 27th of April? not sure if that's what you meant by next month, but again I'll do whatever I can to get her what she needs asap.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2e591f0b88.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b69937e183.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...272e152286.jpg

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 02:50 PM
    Bogertophis
    I have a feeling the cat litter was not as harmless as you think...it's hygroscopic & she is terribly dehydrated. I'd put her in a shallow soak* (water only, not deeper than her body height (1/2" or less of water) for at least an hour, maybe 2+...her old skin needs to come loose. I've never tried "Shed Aid" products for snakes & I'm pretty sure they're a waste of money...they do what water does. She needs help, a.s.a.p. -she's miserable like this, and there's NO WAY she can do this herself.

    *Best way: in small plastic carrier w/ ventilated top, 1/2" or less of water. You can put a wadded paper towel in one corner too (for traction & to rub against).
    If after the soak it seems her shed is coming off fairly easy, do help with damp towel etc. If she needs more time, give her more time, by all means.
    Make sure her head gets wet- mist or gently run water over her.

    P.S. Underneath is a really cute snake! :snake:
  • 04-02-2019, 03:28 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    She is terribly dehydrated from the mites. I'd put her in a shallow soak* (water only, not deeper than her body height (1/2" or less of water) for at least an hour, maybe 2+...her old skin needs to come loose. I've never tried "Shed Aid" products for snakes & I'm pretty sure they're a waste of money...they do what water does. She needs help, a.s.a.p. -she's miserable like this, and there's NO WAY she can do this herself.

    *Best way: in small plastic carrier w/ ventilated top, 1/2" or less of water. You can put a wadded paper towel in one corner too (for traction & to rub against).
    If after the soak it seems her shed is coming off fairly easy, do help with damp towel etc. If she needs more time, give her more time, by all means.
    Make sure her head gets wet- mist or gently run water over her.

    P.S. Underneath is a really cute snake! :snake:

    Oops! Revised post, running everywhere today & haven't had lunch, for some reason was thinking about the TP that got loose & found in cat litter...but either way,
    mites do the same thing...they suck snakes dry. All of us living creatures are mostly water...it's critically important for us all to function & live. If an hour or two
    doesn't do the job, leave her in ventilated carrier overnight with very saturated small towel & minimal water on bottom, like 1/4". Please do not delay helping her.
  • 04-02-2019, 04:06 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Oops! Revised post, running everywhere today & haven't had lunch, for some reason was thinking about the TP that got loose & found in cat litter...but either way,
    mites do the same thing...they suck snakes dry. All of us living creatures are mostly water...it's critically important for us all to function & live. If an hour or two
    doesn't do the job, leave her in ventilated carrier overnight with very saturated small towel & minimal water on bottom, like 1/4". Please do not delay helping her.

    Thank you so much, I'll soak her right away and keep you posted!

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 05:37 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Just checked on her after soaking for an hour, her shed definitely seemed way looser than when she first went in so I tried rubbing her with a damp paper towel. I got all the shed off of her face but couldn't get anything off of her body, though there were still bits that were flaky & almost coming off, and there were a few tiny bits of shed in the water. I put her back in to soak for another hour or so to see if we can get any more off today. I guess it's not much but progress is progress, and it seems like all the mites are gone, too. I'm just really excited for her to be able to live a normal snake life again soon

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 06:01 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Just checked on her after soaking for an hour, her shed definitely seemed way looser than when she first went in so I tried rubbing her with a damp paper towel. I got all the shed off of her face but couldn't get anything off of her body, though there were still bits that were flaky & almost coming off, and there were a few tiny bits of shed in the water. I put her back in to soak for another hour or so to see if we can get any more off today. I guess it's not much but progress is progress, and it seems like all the mites are gone, too. I'm just really excited for her to be able to live a normal snake life again soon

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

    Don't know how late you stay up (or what time zone you're in, for that matter) but leave her in there for now, hours or over-nite, it won't get any easier to remove
    by waiting.

    Would not surprise me if you have the most trouble with her neck (& I hope her chin shed OK? that's another spot that tends to stick), & be sure her tail tip sheds
    after all this too. Hopefully she's not upset about this, but I would think it feels good to get "free" -reminds me of that horrid movie "The Man in the Iron Mask". :rolleyes:

    That would be awesome if the mites are totally gone too...& they should be?

    One other thing ('cause you don't need any more problems!)- leave the plastic cage inside her normal (locked) cage, just in case
    she can manage to push open the plastic cage, she won't then be roaming your house... Also, it will help keep the temperature
    stable.
  • 04-02-2019, 06:06 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Don't know how late you stay up (or what time zone you're in, for that matter) but leave her in there for now, hours or over-nite, it won't get any easier to remove
    by waiting.

    Would not surprise me if you have the most trouble with her neck (& I hope her chin shed OK? that's another spot that tends to stick), & be sure her tail tip sheds
    after all this too. Hopefully she's not upset about this, but I would think it feels good to get "free" -reminds me of that horrid movie "The Man in the Iron Mask". :rolleyes:

    That would be awesome if the mites are totally gone too...& they should be?

    Okay, I'll check on her in another half hour or so to see if I can get any more off & leave her in there longer if need be. Her chin is good, I don't think she has any old skin left on her head at all.
    I haven't seen any mites in over a week, so I'd like to believe they're gone, I'm just worried about if there are any eggs left on her

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 06:08 PM
    Bogertophis
    I think the eggs would most likely be in crevices in the cage.
  • 04-02-2019, 09:21 PM
    Jmarshall
    Re: Help! Mites
    Wow Ditto,
    I just read this entire post and bless your heart. Hoping all of this turns out well for you and Orla.. the two of you have been through enough. And kudos to you for asking for advice and following it. Best wishes!
  • 04-02-2019, 10:01 PM
    Bogertophis
    How's little Orla doing?
  • 04-02-2019, 10:17 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    How's little Orla doing?

    She's good! I just got the rest of her shed off around 20 minutes ago & she's back in the safety of her tank (no mites in sight!). I think I'll try to feed her again on Thursday, and I have a small question about that? So far I've only been able to get her to eat by leaving a mouse in her tank overnight, do you think she'd eat more than one if I did this?

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 10:25 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    She's good! I just got the rest of her shed off around 20 minutes ago & she's back in the safety of her tank (no mites in sight!). I think I'll try to feed her again on Thursday, and I have a small question about that? So far I've only been able to get her to eat by leaving a mouse in her tank overnight, do you think she'd eat more than one if I did this?

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

    YESSSSSSSS! :carrot: (Happy Dance!) Trust me, she's grateful for your help. :gj:

    I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she eats 2 or 3 pinkies (at night, as before). It's more important that she eats now...she'll get braver when she feels better, I promise. And waiting until Thursday is perfect...she'll be settled down by then, & hungry. (good instincts...)
  • 04-02-2019, 10:28 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    YESSSSSSSS! :carrot: (Happy Dance!) Trust me, she's grateful for your help. :gj:

    I wouldn't be a bit surprised if she at 2 or 3 pinkies (at night, as before). It's more important that she eats now...she'll get braver when she feels better, I promise. And waiting until Thursday is perfect...she'll be settled down by then, & hungry. (good instincts...)

    Okay great! I'll leave her alone till then & keep you posted!

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-02-2019, 10:35 PM
    Bogertophis
    I can hardly wait to see her (hopefully!) past the "cooties" now, & able to just eat, relax & get to know you.

    Now you can see why everyone dreads mites so much! :O Such a set-back for a new snake.
  • 04-02-2019, 10:45 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    I can hardly wait to see her (hopefully!) past the "cooties" now, & able to just eat, relax & get to know you.

    Now you can see why everyone dreads mites so much! :O Such a set-back for a new snake.

    Yes!! I'm so excited for her to eventually be stress free & to get to see her personality come out more. I know all snakes are different but you've described this species so beautifully & I can't wait to fully experience the "Trans-pecos charm" lol (not that she hasn't charmed me already, even now she's just a total sweetheart)

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 04-03-2019, 10:32 PM
    Bogertophis
    How is little Orla this evening? Hiding or peeking?
  • 04-05-2019, 04:16 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    How is little Orla this evening? Hiding or peeking?

    I'm sorry I never saw this! She's been hiding since she shed, no peeking but sometimes part of her body sticks out from the hide. I tried to feed her last night & left three pinkies in with her overnight, I checked on her this morning & they were exactly where I left them :(
    I guess I'll just try again next week? Unless there's something else I could try, but it's probably best to just leave her alone, right?
  • 04-05-2019, 04:25 PM
    Bogertophis
    Oh, so sorry. It obviously wasn't long enough after all the "drama" for her to feel hungry. Yes, let her rest, feel safe & then try again in about a week.
    You could try earlier IF you see her cruising & hunting...but no rush.

    The pinkies you left...were they right at the doorway of her hide? or further away? (she might not have come out far enough to have found them...I do think
    she's "running on empty" ie. feeling weak) And no problem, I only just missed you on the 3rd...I noticed you were on & by the time I posted, you were off, lol...
  • 04-05-2019, 04:34 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    Oh, so sorry. It obviously wasn't long enough after all the "drama" for her to feel hungry. Yes, let her rest, feel safe & then try again in about a week.
    You could try earlier IF you see her cruising & hunting...but no rush.

    The pinkies you left...were they right at the doorway of her hide? or further away? (she might not have come out far enough to have found them...I do think
    she's "running on empty" ie. feeling weak) And no problem, I only just missed you on the 3rd...I noticed you were on & by the time I posted, you were off, lol...

    They were right by the doorway, not like fully blocking the entrance but if she had poked her head out a tiny bit she would've touched one. I hope she's feeling well enough to eat next week!
    & yeah sorry about that lol, I used to be online a bunch everyday but I've just been so busy lately, though thankfully things seem like they're clearing up so I'll have a lot more time on my hands again
  • 04-17-2019, 01:29 PM
    Ditto
    Hey all! Sorry I forgot to post an update last week. I left her 3 pinkies last thursday overnight & she ate 1 & left the rest. I haven't touched her in a few weeks, aside from changing her paper towels once, to reduce stress, and she's been getting a lot more confident. She's been poking her head out for the past few days & today she's actually out looking for food! Going to attempt to feed her once it gets dark, fingers crossed she takes more than one pinky. I'm hopefully going to be able to get her some fuzzies this week, money's been a bit tight lately but I think I've found a place local to me where I could get some
  • 04-17-2019, 05:09 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Hey all! Sorry I forgot to post an update last week. I left her 3 pinkies last thursday overnight & she ate 1 & left the rest. I haven't touched her in a few weeks, aside from changing her paper towels once, to reduce stress, and she's been getting a lot more confident. She's been poking her head out for the past few days & today she's actually out looking for food! Going to attempt to feed her once it gets dark, fingers crossed she takes more than one pinky. I'm hopefully going to be able to get her some fuzzies this week, money's been a bit tight lately but I think I've found a place local to me where I could get some

    At least she ate one, but too bad that's all she took. Sounds like a good sign though now (looking for food). She's been thru a lot, so hopefully her appetite will keep
    improving now, along with some courage. ;) Up until lately, she's felt like she's been under attack...not that you had a choice, nasty mites!
  • 04-30-2019, 02:55 PM
    Ditto
    Ugh okay, sorry for no updates in a bit! Feeling a bit discouraged lately, I'm not sure how to help her. On Thursday it'll have been three weeks since she ate. I'm gonna be honest, she's looking pretty skinny and it's really freaking me out. She's been out and about a lot, it looks like she's searching for food but I'm not sure now because she's not eating. I'm going to attempt to feed her tomorrow night, I'm FINALLY getting some fuzzies for her tonight. If you have any more ideas on how to get her to eat they would be really greatly appreciated!! :(
  • 04-30-2019, 03:03 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    Ugh okay, sorry for no updates in a bit! Feeling a bit discouraged lately, I'm not sure how to help her. On Thursday it'll have been three weeks since she ate. I'm gonna be honest, she's looking pretty skinny and it's really freaking me out. She's been out and about a lot, it looks like she's searching for food but I'm not sure now because she's not eating. I'm going to attempt to feed her tomorrow night, I'm FINALLY getting some fuzzies for her tonight. If you have any more ideas on how to get her to eat they would be really greatly appreciated!! :(

    I've been wondering how it's going...so sorry to hear "not so good". She sounds hungry, I'll keep my fingers crossed...gosh, I've never had this much trouble feeding
    TPs, though admittedly I've never had to treat any for mites either. That was a huge setback...

    How do you thaw the pinks/fuzzies? In cold water (only) until soft (by feel) I hope?
  • 04-30-2019, 03:07 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    I've been wondering how it's going...so sorry to hear "not so good". She sounds hungry, I'll keep my fingers crossed...gosh, I've never had this much trouble feeding
    TPs, though admittedly I've never had to treat any for mites either. That was a huge setback...

    How do you thaw the pinks/fuzzies? In cold water (only) until soft (by feel) I hope?

    I've been just putting them in warm water until they feel squishy like I do with my bp's food, I had no idea the water should be cold! I hope that's not what's been causing this..
  • 04-30-2019, 03:24 PM
    Bogertophis
    I dunno, but try thawing in cold from now on, ok? Warmth causes spoilage & snakes have way better noses than we do.
    And then pinch-damage the nose slightly right before you offer it, to release a bit of scent.

    Gosh I wish you lived next door...it would be so much easier to help.

    TPs don't need their food warmed up prior to offering...they don't have heat sensing pits like BPs do. But IMO, even prey for BPs
    should be fully thawed in cold water first, before warming briefly to entice them to grab. The thing is, since you thawed in warm
    water, & then had to leave the pinkies overnight in hopes she'd eat, they spoiled faster & that might have made the difference.

    You could also try a live pinky or fuzzy, but you shouldn't have to if she's been raised on f/t.
  • 04-30-2019, 05:16 PM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    I dunno, but try thawing in cold from now on, ok? Warmth causes spoilage & snakes have way better noses than we do.
    And then pinch-damage the nose slightly right before you offer it, to release a bit of scent.

    Gosh I wish you lived next door...it would be so much easier to help.

    TPs don't need their food warmed up prior to offering...they don't have heat sensing pits like BPs do. But IMO, even prey for BPs
    should be fully thawed in cold water first, before warming briefly to entice them to grab. The thing is, since you thawed in warm
    water, & then had to leave the pinkies overnight in hopes she'd eat, they spoiled faster & that might have made the difference.

    You could also try a live pinky or fuzzy, but you shouldn't have to if she's been raised on f/t.

    Okay, definitely gonna be thawing in cold water from now on, thank you! I really had no idea that would have an effect.
    Man, that'd be so great, I'd love to know someone like you irl. Where I am right now I don't know anyone else with even the slightest interest in herps. I'm extremely grateful for all you've done to help me with through this forum, though
  • 05-02-2019, 10:45 AM
    Ditto
    Re: Help! Mites
    This will be the last real update on little Orla
    Last night I was getting her fuzzy mouse ready, thawed in cold water, pinch damaged the nose, I was feeling really hopeful until I walked into the room where she was & smelled something really awful. I opened up her tank & she was just laying in the middle of the tank wrapped around her water dish and not moving, I touched her to see if she was okay & there was no response. I picked her up & it was very clear she had been gone for at least several hours. She looked deflated, her eyes were conpletely glazed over & her face was almost shriveled.
    I am completely heartbroken, I was her sole caretaker & I failed her. I feel like I could have done more, I wish I would have taken her to the vet & done more to get her to eat & checked on her more often.. The last time I checked on her before I found her was Tuesday afternoon & she looked thin enough that I was concerned but I never thought that she was so malnourished that she would die..
    I just feel like I've completely failed as a keeper & I'm so so sorry that she had to go through all this. Thank you for all of your help, I'm sorry that it was apparently wasted on me

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk
  • 05-02-2019, 02:04 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Help! Mites
    Oh no! I'm SO sorry to hear this. I have a feeling that the mites (or the mite treatments) were just too much for your little Orla. You did your best, but sometimes
    it's just not enough. I hope you don't give up...we've all lost snakes, and we'll never know if there was any more that we could have done, or if it was just out of our
    hands. I'm a little heartbroken too, to be honest...I looked forward to your having a great experience with her. Don't give up, you're a caring owner.

    Rest in peace, little Orla. :snake: See you over the Rainbow Bridge.
  • 05-02-2019, 04:39 PM
    WhompingWillow
    Re: Help! Mites
    I'm so sorry. :( Please don't beat yourself up too much, as hard as that might be. It sounds like you were doing everything you could to both get rid of the mites and get her feeding.
  • 05-02-2019, 11:24 PM
    tttaylorrr
    Re: Help! Mites
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ditto View Post
    This will be the last real update on little Orla
    Last night I was getting her fuzzy mouse ready, thawed in cold water, pinch damaged the nose, I was feeling really hopeful until I walked into the room where she was & smelled something really awful. I opened up her tank & she was just laying in the middle of the tank wrapped around her water dish and not moving, I touched her to see if she was okay & there was no response. I picked her up & it was very clear she had been gone for at least several hours. She looked deflated, her eyes were conpletely glazed over & her face was almost shriveled.
    I am completely heartbroken, I was her sole caretaker & I failed her. I feel like I could have done more, I wish I would have taken her to the vet & done more to get her to eat & checked on her more often.. The last time I checked on her before I found her was Tuesday afternoon & she looked thin enough that I was concerned but I never thought that she was so malnourished that she would die..
    I just feel like I've completely failed as a keeper & I'm so so sorry that she had to go through all this. Thank you for all of your help, I'm sorry that it was apparently wasted on me

    Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

    oh you poor thing...

    i went through a mite issue with two babies this past winter. we were not successful. it crushed me.

    please don't beat yourself up. use this time to grieve, reflect, learn, and move forward.

    PM if you need to; im here. [emoji177][emoji177][emoji177]
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