Found on the road rescue

Got a fb message from an acquaintance this morning that her friend had found a snake, brought it home but couldn't keep it. Could I take it? With a pic of a ball Python on the road.

Apparently the lady saw it while on her night bike ride and moved it to the side with a stick but thought it wasn't native, did some googling about pythons and returned in the morning armed with welding gloves and a sack. Then she bought a tote, drilled holes in the top, added straw, a live cricket and set it on a heating pad. I guess she offered some raw steak and chicken too. Finder was very concerned this snake will hit 18 feet like google said. [emoji23]

I had the finder bring the snake over on my lunch. It's very small, I thought it was fairly unlikely to be an escapee already, it was found miles out of town in a very rural area, the homes around aren't close to the road. But at this size no way. It's skinny, some stuck shed and scales sticking out weird. Some discoloration on the belly but I didn't have time for much examination. In a ten gallon on paper towels with a UTH on my spare herpstat for now. It feels weird to the touch, idk if it's just dehydrated and malnourishment or if something serious is going on. But it seems very lively at least. I'll see how it does over the next couple days with heat and water. Decide if we need a vet trip or not. It was 50 last night and who knows how long it's been outside or if it was tossed from a car or what. I'll try a tiny ft mouse in a few days once it's settled.

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I don't know what to say. Thank you for doing this.

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Originally Posted by Homebody

I don't know what to say. Thank you for doing this.

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I 'second' this- thank you for being this snake's hero! :gj: I hope he continues to improve with you, without too much effort, medical or otherwise.

Poor snake- it sounds like he was just dumped. :( What's wrong with people? (<rhetorical question, I have plenty of theories.)

Seriously, "welding gloves"!!! :rofl:

I laughed so hard to myself about the welding gloves and the cricket. Poor Roger. I've named "him" since I now have two normals and he was found near a place called Roger's corner.

Pic I was sent, you can't tell size at all
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Skinny body
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Belly, idk if that discoloration is anything to worry about yet or no

Almost looks like a belly-burn- maybe "road rash" (not trying to be funny). Poor snake, he's awfully thin, & dehydrated, but with TLC, probably has a great chance now, in knowledgeable hands such as yours. It hurts me to see a snake in such condition.

Wouldn't feed him right away- let him settle in, & gain hydration, then feed only small items (as if he's a hatchling) & don't rush meals- he's gonna take a while to recover.

Looks like he's been living outside for a while. Once he's rehydrated and eating regularly a vet visit is in order for a fecal test, as wild rats and mice carry parasites.

I was thinking I'd wait until after the weekend to try and feed. He did pass some liquid and a small amount of white urates. I see why the lady tried to feed him, he's hanging out in the open very hungry looking. I have 10-15 gram mice frozen and hopefully he won't mind dead since I'm sure he's got an appetite. Should I feed once a week or ten days in between or ? Any thoughts are appreciated. Wondering if I should be trying to add anything to the feeder, I'll probably offer it damp at the very least.

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

I was thinking I'd wait until after the weekend to try and feed. He did pass some liquid and a small amount of white urates. I see why the lady tried to feed him, he's hanging out in the open very hungry looking. I have 10-15 gram mice frozen and hopefully he won't mind dead since I'm sure he's got an appetite. Should I feed once a week or ten days in between or ? Any thoughts are appreciated. Wondering if I should be trying to add anything to the feeder, I'll probably offer it damp at the very least.

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Just see how it goes with the first one- how fast he digests & how he acts. There's no hard & fast answer- you're in the best position to judge by how he acts & all. Trust yourself- I do.

If you have reptile vitamins, you could add them to the rodent, but I wouldn't dust them on the outside, in case the different smell puts him off eating. I like to put them in the oral cavity (mouth).

I agree on the fecal test, once you're getting some stool from him. Fingers crossed- he's so lucky that he was found.

This is a thread I'll be watching.

I'm pulling for Roger and I'm hoping you get him healthy. I'm glad he was discovered now because once we get to late August things can get pretty cool at night.

Good work!

I'm sure with the proper sized prey you'll have him at around 18 feet by fall LOL!

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

I was thinking I'd wait until after the weekend to try and feed. He did pass some liquid and a small amount of white urates. I see why the lady tried to feed him, he's hanging out in the open very hungry looking. I have 10-15 gram mice frozen and hopefully he won't mind dead since I'm sure he's got an appetite. Should I feed once a week or ten days in between or ? Any thoughts are appreciated. Wondering if I should be trying to add anything to the feeder, I'll probably offer it damp at the very least.

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Offering the feeders wet is a good way to help him rehydrate. Weekly feedings should be fine.

I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread as well. You're in good hands now Roger, we're all rooting for you! :please:

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Originally Posted by Gio

This is a thread I'll be watching.

I'm pulling for Roger and I'm hoping you get him healthy. I'm glad he was discovered now because once we get to late August things can get pretty cool at night.

Good work!

I'm sure with the proper sized prey you'll have him at around 18 feet by fall LOL!

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I'm honestly shocked this snake sat out on the side of a highway and didn't get snatched up by an eagle or anything. Then to get seen and rescued by someone that actually cares about animals even if she didn't have a clue what to do and who thought it might be a retic! She brought me a sweet thank you card and $20 with him, I showed her some of my snakes and setups so she could see proper care and a healthy one.

Little Roger is finally under a hide and resting today, I got up right away this morning to make sure he was still with us. There was brown fluid stained under him on the paper yesterday but I wasn't sure if it was seepage or just wet from the previous bedding. Must have just been the latter, the new paper was still dry and clean today.

Roger eagerly took a small damp mouse last night so fingers crossed. Definitely a will to live on this one.

How’s Roger doing? Hopefully he is still doing well!

He's doing really well, seems strong and lively for how he looks and his size. I'm going to offer another mouse tonight but he looks a lot better just with one in him and the hydration I'm sure he desperately needed, scale says he's only 10 grams heavier but the moisture has made a huge difference. His belly and scales still look weird but hopefully a shed will take care of that and chances are he'll head into one soon. He didn't pass anything at all from his first meal yet but that's to be expected I would think. Certainly doesn't look uncomfortable or bloated at all.

Great job GP!

Mouse [emoji242] 2 in the belly, he was out and hunting hard
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That's FANTASTIC news! :dance: Some of the things that snakes survive just amazes me- it's why I'd rather have a rescued snake than one I just bought from life on "easy street".

Well Roger started shedding off some of his stuck shed on his own, I gave him a short soak last night. He got the rest off and peed heavily overnight so I had to take him out for cleaning and while he looks tons better, he's got a skin rip.

Slipped skin disease was one of my big worries too. My other concern is he's a bit bulgy at the end but maybe he'll poop in a day or two. I'll have to do some major reading today and call the vet, I seem to recall snakes with this might need vitamin supplementation to help heal? It's a fairly minor injury right now but I've seen how awful it can get.

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Thanks again for all you're doing for this little guy. I'm confident that in your care he'll make a full recovery.

It just occurred to me that one benefit from taking in rescues is that you get experience dealing with health issues that people that take proper care of their pets will never see. While their care is costly, the experience you get is invaluable. If one day, I have the resources I may take in a rescue myself.

Have an appt made for next Wed, apparently they are down to just one herp vet at this clinic now.

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Well Roger started shedding off some of his stuck shed on his own, I gave him a short soak last night. He got the rest off and peed heavily overnight so I had to take him out for cleaning and while he looks tons better, he's got a skin rip.

Slipped skin disease was one of my big worries too. My other concern is he's a bit bulgy at the end but maybe he'll poop in a day or two. I'll have to do some major reading today and call the vet, I seem to recall snakes with this might need vitamin supplementation to help heal? It's a fairly minor injury right now but I've seen how awful it can get.

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If you haven't already, this thread is a compelling read about the treatment of slipped skin disease. According to the thread, he'll need vitamin C supplements.

I've been working my way through that thread and a couple others on here. It really seems like this forum has more info than anywhere else about it. I did tell the vet receptionist what I thought it was so they have a heads up.

I'm thinking it might be safer removing his hides and just giving wadded paper towels for hide spots? They are reptile basics hides, not sharp but I feel still too hard when the skin is that fragile. Idk. I'm also going to ramp up my humidifier which usually isn't needed in the summer but I figure can't hurt to keep things well hydrated. I'm not sure if I want to feed him this weekend or not, I'd prefer if he pooped first and it'll definitely have to be a tiny one to prevent more tearing.

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

...I'm thinking it might be safer removing his hides and just giving wadded paper towels for hide spots? They are reptile basics hides, not sharp but I feel still too hard when the skin is that fragile. Idk. I'm also going to ramp up my humidifier which usually isn't needed in the summer but I figure can't hurt to keep things well hydrated. I'm not sure if I want to feed him this weekend or not, I'd prefer if he pooped first and it'll definitely have to be a tiny one to prevent more tearing.

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I'd agree- there's nothing wrong with paper towels for "hiding", under the circumstances. I do something similar when I've raised hatchlings/neonates, only I layer a couple towels at a time, then tear them into strips, then fluff them like a salad. It creates a soft cloud that snakes feel safe to hide in, even though light comes thru, plus it's easy for them to move thru.

There's more than one way to do this- you'll figure out what works for you & this snake. Agree with you on feeding again too- trust your gut & what you're seeing- you're the best one to decide.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'd agree- there's nothing wrong with paper towels for "hiding", under the circumstances. I do something similar when I've raised hatchlings/neonates, only I layer a couple towels at a time, then tear them into strips, then fluff them like a salad. It creates a soft cloud that snakes feel safe to hide in, even though light comes thru, plus it's easy for them to move thru.

There's more than one way to do this- you'll figure out what works for you & this snake. Agree with you on feeding again too- trust your gut & what you're seeing- you're the best one to decide.

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Oh, I almost forgot- to keep the shreds from being dragged into water bowl where they can soak the whole cage, I use a single layer of paper towel on the cage floor, then the shreds for a "hide", then a single layer of paper towel over the shreds, leaving a folded back corner for an opening, & setting the water bowl is such a way to keep that top layer on the shreds. Hope this makes sense? Anyway, snakes seem to like it. And for this fragile snake, it might just be safer than "hard" hides? At least for a while?

We've got poop! Oh the things that make pet parents happy. Roger is down to 159 grams empty and I'll take out a small mouse for him to enjoy tomorrow night. Still just that one small tear from what I can see and his skin and belly look so much better. He's feisty too, my other little rescue stayed a ball forever while out and Roger is like get out of my way lady booping me and wanting to go places, probably to the mouse supply.

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

We've got poop! Oh the things that make pet parents happy. Roger is down to 159 grams empty and I'll take out a small mouse for him to enjoy tomorrow night. Still just that one small tear from what I can see and his skin and belly look so much better. He's feisty too, my other little rescue stayed a ball forever while out and Roger is like get out of my way lady booping me and wanting to go places, probably to the mouse supply.

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Such wonderful news! :D :dance:

If it's not one thing, it's another! So today was supposed to be Roger's appt. Nothing has changed with him, he's eaten a third mouse, just that one small tear on his side still. I had to work the morning then headed out of town with him.

Made it about an hour away and my truck started feeling weird going down a hill so I pulled over, thankfully was headed into another small town then. Get out to look and I'm pouring out red fluid and smoking under the hood.

Apparently finding a tow in rural MN is basically impossible so after a lot of calls and waiting around we ended up renting a car hauler from the next town over and buying a hitch so my stepdad could haul my poor Jeep home. I knew today might be long and expensive but this wasn't how I planned. Now I have to get my truck fixed and make an new appt likely for next week now. [emoji30]

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

If it's not one thing, it's another! So today was supposed to be Roger's appt. Nothing has changed with him, he's eaten a third mouse, just that one small tear on his side still. I had to work the morning then headed out of town with him.

Made it about an hour away and my truck started feeling weird going down a hill so I pulled over, thankfully was headed into another small town then. Get out to look and I'm pouring out red fluid and smoking under the hood.

Apparently finding a tow in rural MN is basically impossible so after a lot of calls and waiting around we ended up renting a car hauler from the next town over and buying a hitch so my stepdad could haul my poor Jeep home. I knew today might be long and expensive but this wasn't how I planned. Now I have to get my truck fixed and make an new appt likely for next week now. [emoji30]

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Sorry your day turned to one big steaming doggy-pile! :( Hang in there- when that happens to me, I like to remind myself that while I didn't deserve this, it could have been worse, & in your case, the vehicle failure didn't cause an accident or a fire. ;) I hope your truck leak isn't too expensive to fix, but having to give it a ride (haul) home was pretty rude. At least your vet visit was not urgent. I can relate- I used to drive a van that crapped out more than once & needed a ride home (to the mechanic).

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

If it's not one thing, it's another! So today was supposed to be Roger's appt. Nothing has changed with him, he's eaten a third mouse, just that one small tear on his side still. I had to work the morning then headed out of town with him.

Made it about an hour away and my truck started feeling weird going down a hill so I pulled over, thankfully was headed into another small town then. Get out to look and I'm pouring out red fluid and smoking under the hood.

Apparently finding a tow in rural MN is basically impossible so after a lot of calls and waiting around we ended up renting a car hauler from the next town over and buying a hitch so my stepdad could haul my poor Jeep home. I knew today might be long and expensive but this wasn't how I planned. Now I have to get my truck fixed and make an new appt likely for next week now. [emoji30]

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Sounds like a really tough day. Hang in there. Glad you and Roger are okay though.

Keep us posted when you are able to see the vet and good luck with the truck.

Have an appt rescheduled for Tue the 30th now, my jeep needed a new water pump so she is back up and running now, had my mom's firebird for a couple days and man does a sports car get attention lol!

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

Have an appt rescheduled for Tue the 30th now, my jeep needed a new water pump so she is back up and running now, had my mom's firebird for a couple days and man does a sports car get attention lol!

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How'd the appointment go?

Appt. went great! Roger rides a lot quieter than my cats and dogs. The vet doesn't want to suture because it's shallow, but said it will likely be an issue during shed so keep a close eye when he does go into one, otherwise he looks perfect and is indeed a male. It hasn't gotten any worse or spread so hoping it's just a tear injury he had that wasn't visible initially. They want me to drop by a fecal when we can, got a container for that. The vet and techs all were most excited to see him so that was cute. They were curious about the backstory and if he was feeding regularly, agreed with me he was likely just in ill prepared hands previously. Only had to pay an exam fee. Very successful all in all.

So, no slipped skin disease? No vitamin C supplementation?

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Originally Posted by Homebody

So, no slipped skin disease? No vitamin C supplementation?

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No she didn't think so. Wanted to treat as an injury only. It hasn't gotten any worse so maybe it was hiding under the stuck shed or a result of that somehow?

Very good!

You have such an incredible collection and adding Roger only benefits him. I have no doubt he'll get the best care from you.

You are a shed or two away from getting him into perfect shape.

Well done Postal!

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Just a cute pic I took yesterday, I don't really take him out unless necessary but figured it'd be good to give him a little handling as he's doing well. Still skinny but that takes time

Thanks to you he is looking good and in more than capable hands! What a great progression story. :salute:

Finally a shed. He only got the head part off initially but I put a wet paper towel over the cage top, bumped up my humidifier and he got the rest off on his own the next night. He pooped both nights so is definitely emptied out and looks so scrawny. Up 40 grams from when I got him so up to a whole 206. His cut looks a lot better imo, like it's healed over with a layer? I didn't touch or mess with it but that's how it appears.

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Injury area

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So skinny looking post poops

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Same snake, same day, different background/lighting and body position, a good example why it's so hard to judge body condition off pictures

What a great update. It always feels like "forever" when you're waiting for a starved snake to gain weight- but it's a very slow process, as you know. :gj:

How's Roger doing?

He's doing really fantastic! Last time I threw him on the scale he was almost 400 grams. When I was on vacation my pet sitters fell in love with him and asked if they could adopt him. They've already purchased a full size enclosure and waiting for everything to come together and then he can move to their house and enjoy being a single spoiled pet.

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Most recent pic I took of him

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

He's doing really fantastic! Last time I threw him on the scale he was almost 400 grams. When I was on vacation my pet sitters fell in love with him and asked if they could adopt him. They've already purchased a full size enclosure and waiting for everything to come together and then he can move to their house and enjoy being a single spoiled pet.

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Wow! If that ain't a happy ending, I don't know what is.

I'm pretty thrilled, they did their research and purchased everything needed to set him up really nicely and now that he's well established I think he'll do fine moving up sizes.

1) the rescue is super cool - seriously!

2) really wish Google would learn to generate factual info since if you look up any giant snake’s size in captivity the average size across the board is 12 feet :rolleyes: (even green anacondas) /rant

Love following this story, you will have to add a picture before he heads to his forever home. You have done such a great job rehabbing him!