BP got a mouthful of substrate!

[Athen]

ok when i was feeding my BP he went to strike the mouse i was feeding him and he missed as he missed he got a mouthful of substrate ( coco husk the kind in a block) and he swallowed it is that potentially bad?

[littleindiangirl]

They digest teeth, fur, nails and bones. A little coco husk fiber isnt going to hurt him.

[ChicaPiton519]

if you are real worried about it...
and it still has a bum load of crap in its mouth, rinse it out with some water, thats what i did when my JCP got a mouthfull... lol

[NightLad]

Just be careful to avoid getting any liquid directly in the snakes glottis (breathing tube). It is a small tube near the front of its mouth that can be extended externally when swallowing food to allow the snake to continue breathing. Liquid that gets directly in the glottis travels to the lungs where it can easily cause RI.

Snakes have swallowed worse things, I'm sure. If he goes for an extended period of time without a poop, I'd be concerned. It may signify an obstruction. Just keep an eye on that. If you get concerned, take him to the vet just to be sure everything is working okay.

If the snake is young, or if you are afraid of this happening again, perhaps you would consider switching him to a separate feed-tub for meals? I've had a lot of success with it, personally, and no worries about eating substrate.

I hope something I've said will help.

[ChicaPiton519]

Just be careful to avoid getting any liquid directly in the snakes glottis (breathing tube).

prolly should have specified how to hold its head while you do that, i faced her nose down and ran enough water to 'erode' away the bedding, i didnt poor water into her mouth

[Athen]

ok i was just wondering if it is critical with snakes as it is with lizards and i do feed them in a separate tub but i keep some substrate in it to make them feel a little more comfortable while feeding and to try to give them a slight edge on their prey

[starmom]

Snakes are made for being very capable hunters and being able to tag their prey- they really don't need your help with this
Lots of people who have loose substrate place a paper towel down first and then offer the prey.