Rescue situation, newer keeper

[Bogertophis]

Also, hydration is FAR more essential to a snake's life than food is- just keep that in mind. I know how you feel, believe me- I've taken on my share of rescues. But this is also why difficult cases- "rescues"- are better off in the hands of those with more experience- if only there were enough "experienced rescuers" around for all the snakes needing help, but you were there for this snake- willing to do the best you can. It's not usually easy or fast though- just very rewarding when it works- so hang in there.

[GuardianHunter]

Thanks for the encouragement. I always look back at beginning husbandry on aquatics and shudder, even knowing I did my best. So I’m just hoping I don’t shudder looking back at my beginning herp husbandry. I was honestly just thinking he would be much better off in more experienced hands. If there was another choice, I’m sure that’s where he would have gone. Unfortunately, I was the only one around that had even the slightest interest—let alone the ability to even be around a snake—, and I can’t stand to see a living thing in bad shape without me even trying to help it. I figured in either case, he’s better off with me. That’s how I ended up with all my pets. Haha.

noted on hydration. That’s been my number 1 since he got here. Here’s some photos for this week of his little folds and scales. Left is day one. Right is current:

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[GuardianHunter]

It was a no go for food this morning. I’ll wait a while and
maybe try a mouse, since I’m told he ate either one. In the mean time keeping after the mites, moisture and skin.

I am apt to think all the brown on his back is partially layers and layers of stuck shed. It is the one location that continues to flake shed in large amounts after each soak.

[Bogertophis]

It was a no go for food this morning. I’ll wait a while and
maybe try a mouse, since I’m told he ate either one. In the mean time keeping after the mites, moisture and skin.

I am apt to think all the brown on his back is partially layers and layers of stuck shed. It is the one location that continues to flake shed in large amounts after each soak.

When a snake won't eat, it helps to pay close attention to ALL the details to improve your chance of success- ie. BPs usually feed best in the evening- nighttime hours.

I didn't realize you're still battling mites- many snakes undergoing treatment for mites will refuse to eat- so don't be too surprised if yours won't either. Treatments for mites or for much of anything will stress out a snake.

[GuardianHunter]

He’s kind of battling all the things. I don’t blame him for not eating, I just wish he would. Wishful thinking.

Fortunately the treatment semi overlaps for the dehydration and mites. We have all the adults that I can see with my eyes off of him, so now it’s the month long waiting game.

[GuardianHunter]

Good news: so, all the treatments for his mites and be dehydration paid off in the form of a decent shed. After two weeks of dropping who knows how many scales in his baths, he sloughed off the gnarly looking area on his back. The skin under it appears much better—but it still is rough feeling. He looks loads better this morning.

[Armiyana]

That's awesome to hear.
When the skin gets really roughed up like this one's was it will take a couple more good sheds for things to get back to smooth. A couple small spots may just kind of stay that way from scarring as well, but you should see most of that area improve with the next shed again.

Thank you for working so hard for this noodle!

[Bogertophis]

Good news: so, all the treatments for his mites and be dehydration paid off in the form of a decent shed. After two weeks of dropping who knows how many scales in his baths, he sloughed off the gnarly looking area on his back. The skin under it appears much better—but it still is rough feeling. He looks loads better this morning.

Hang in there.

[GuardianHunter]

That's awesome to hear.
When the skin gets really roughed up like this one's was it will take a couple more good sheds for things to get back to smooth. A couple small spots may just kind of stay that way from scarring as well, but you should see most of that area improve with the next shed again.

Thank you for working so hard for this noodle!

Ok. Good to know. The shedding does kind of help give some insight into why he wouldn’t eat also. Between that and the mites and needing water, no flippin wonder.

No thank you required. Just the right thing to do—help things that need help.

[Bogertophis]

Ok. Good to know. The shedding does kind of help give some insight into why he wouldn’t eat also. Between that and the mites and needing water, no flippin wonder.

No thank you required. Just the right thing to do—help things that need help.

That would be a great "signature" for you -or for anyone- : "Help things that need help."