My ball python just died right in front of my eyes half an hour ago.
This is my first snake, i've only been keeping it for 4 months. It is a juvenile, measuring about 2 feet 2 inches. It had just recovered from respiratory infections 1 month ago after treatment from the vet. Its last feeding was 2 weeks ago, then refusing feeding until last night, it took a hopper rat (about the same diameter as its widest part). He has been feeding on thawed hopper rats this size since about 2 mths ago.
It took the meal as usual without difficulty yesterday. However, when i came back home just now, i smelled something foul smelling. My BP regurgitated its meal after 24 hours, and it appears to be writhing in pain. After about 5 minutes of struggle, it died. I did not handle it at all since the last meal.
My housing temperature is 28 celcius at cool side and 35 celcius at warm side, i clean and disinfect my tank regularly and change water every day.
I'm very distressed and I hope to learn from my mistakes. Can anyone tell me where have I done wrong and how should I prevent this from happening again in the future, thanks.