My BP ate some reptibark during feeding, help!

[Brstin2flames]

While trying to position a frozen thawed hopper, my ball python swallowed a few small pieces of reptibark that got stuck to the mouse! It was maybe three small pieces, very thin, like strands of wood, maybe one that was slightly thicker.

Next feeding i will try feeding in a seperate enclosure with no substrate...but until then, should I be very worried?? This is my first snake, so I dont know how bad this is or isn't. Any help would be great, I'm really worried! This is only the second week I've had him

Thanks so much!

[BPelizabeth]

Your BP will be fine. Mine have done the same thing when I had them on substrate. So bad sometimes we would need to take them out and pick out some out. Instead of taking her out to feed her in a seperate spot as that causes the snake to stress, I would suggest putting down some paper towels prior to feeding. This is what worked for us!! Hope that helps!!

PS-I freaked out too the first time it happened!!

[stevepoppers]

DO NOT WORRY. She will be fine. They digest bones, remember? Don't bother feeding out of the enclosure as this is PERFECTLY NORMAL and WILL NOT HARM HER.

Read this and preferably the thread it links to about the HUGE piece of substrate.

[Brstin2flames]

Thank so much, I can breathe a sigh of relief now!

I had decided to feed in his tank in order to reduce stress especially since he is new and just settling in, after this I was thinking maybe I should try a seperate enclosure for feeding but, BPelizabeth the paper towels are definitely a good idea! Thanks again.

[kitedemon]

BPelizabeth's suggestion is a great one! I do the same but I use a plastic sheet in place of paper towels. Don't worry mine have had a number of mouthfuls.

[Pip]

i just fed my bp and he struck and missed and got some substrate in his mouth. He kinda started to open and close his mouth, looked pretty uncomfortable, so I let him calm down, and got him out and pulled out the two pieces... I was freaking out, and my fiancee kept trying to calm me down and tell me it was ok... Reading this thread makes me feel a lot better I put down some paper and tried again... Perfect strike and a fast swallow!