Sad discovery.

[Seru1]

Well I went downstairs this morning to water, spot clean, check temps, and mist cages.

I made a very sad discovery. Ting my new ratsnake was dead. I just got him wednesday.


I don't know what happened. His temps were within the rangers I researched. He had good humidty, daily mistings and cypress to burrow in and a humid hide. He had 4 other hides to. New water daily.

Wednesday night and thursday morning he had been stationary with his mouth open. But his mouth looked healthy and he had no wheezing or labored breathing. He favored the cool side of the cage, but I assumed it was because his species likes it cool. Plus I had covered the glass front in hopes that it would help in acclimate. I attributed the open mouth to an uncomfortable snake as did the breeder.

He seemed better yesterday. No open mouth. It makes me wonder if the light brown substance in the container he came in was just poop or something else. I didn't think to look or even mention it I just assumed it was.

I feel pretty shaken. Was it because of me? IS it my fault this poor snake is dead? Do I even have any buisness being in this hobby? Did I kill this poor little snake?


I researched ratsnakes so much for a month before I bought him. I thought I was so ready. What if something happens to opera now? I love snakes, I thought I was doing really well. But what if I am some snake angel of death.

What if my BP is suffering right now to. I mean she seems fine her temps below the cypress and humidity are good.

I'm really upset, I wish I knew what I did wrong. Poor little guy. I'm sorry little dude.

[ballpythonluvr]

Don't be so hard on yourself. Somtimes these things just happen for no particular reason. I'm sure Opera will be just fine. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[BPelizabeth]

wow being so new and gaping the whole time I would think that he was sick to begin with. I am so sorry for your loss...loosing any pet is so hard!! Don't give up it sounds as though you were doing everything right!!

[Seru1]

I appreciate it. I guess I'll email the breeder today and see what he has to say.

I researched RI, I didn't see or hear any signs of it. I dunno what it was.

[Jason Bowden]

Sorry for your loss.
I saw the picture of Ting earlier this week. Very awesome.
I would contact the person you got him from. At least bto let them know what happened.

[SAR17]

Sorry for your lose. Anybody thats that hard on themself defanitly belongs in this hobby it shows you realy care, so keep your head up. These things just happen somtimes

[Hulihzack]

Sorry about your loss. You should get a necropsy done to know what really happened.

[redstormlax12]

Sorry for your loss. The thing is, sometimes its just nature. Not every offspring comes out healthy, and its only natural for some to die. Unfortuneatly it was yours that died. Dont assume it was your fault though. It may have just been born with a defect.

[kc261]

So sorry for your loss!

I think Hulizack's suggestion to get a necropsy done is a very good one. Knowing why Ting died will give you some peace of mind. Even if you do find out it was your fault, you will at least feel better about your ability to prevent the same thing in the future.

I also agree with Michelle (BPElizabeth) that since it happened so soon after you got him, and the open mouth thing started even sooner, that the snake was most likely already sick when it arrived.

I would definitely contact the person you got him from, immediately so that he is aware what happened, and again after you get the necropsy results back. It is possible that you will be offered a replacement snake or a refund. However, I think the more important reason is to let him know to look for any possible issues on his end so they can be corrected.

[CA cowgirl]

I think Hulizack's suggestion to get a necropsy done is a very good one. Knowing why Ting died will give you some peace of mind. Even if you do find out it was your fault, you will at least feel better about your ability to prevent the same thing in the future.

Sorry about your loss. You should get a necropsy done to know what really happened.

By chance, have either of you had a necropsy performed on any of your animals?

And I'm sorry for your loss of Ting, Seru.