I think i switched from Mice to small rats too quickly

[Raverthug]

This last week I had to feed my snakes small rats when they normally take weaned because where I normaly get em was closed. Theres no problem nor do I expect any. If nothing else skip a week of feeding to allow extra time for it to digest.

[Bodiebroadus]

Like others said, a lump will do no harm. I like seeing my girl with a lump in her, actually. It's definite satisfaction. Just make sure your BP is sitting on the warm side so it doesn't take too long for that large prey item to break down in his stomach, and possibly turn rancid.

However, like others didn't point out (and I don't mean to start an argument here), but if you went on vacation for 3 weeks, who did you have to drop in every few days to check water bowls and spot clean for you? If you had someone to do that, they could have easily fed the snake for you as well. Provided they didn't mind mice.

( no argument here i understand your concern as a fellow snake lover) I had my best friend come by and replace the water and spot clean 2x a week but I couldn't get him to feed Guillermo because he has a thing about small rodents.

Good News when i got home yesterday the lump was noticeably smaller and Guillermo was sticking out of his warm side hide (the lump prohibited him from getting in all the way) and when i awoke this morning he was completely in his usual cool side hide. I read the care sheet again and it stated that after a larger than usual meal sometimes balls will go into those dreaded non feeding periods that i hear so much about well so ill keep you all updated since im going to try and feed again on Friday and hopefully ill have some more good news. Thank you all for your comments and input.

[muddoc]

The simplest answer to your question, is that if the snake did not regurge, then the meal was not too big. With that said, too large of a meal, could make the snake not eat for about 2-3 weeks (I saw someone comment on this already). If done enogh times, you may get a snake that will only eat once a month when it reaches adulthood. It doesn't help when trying to get a snake on a consistent feeding schedule to feed them large meals.

Hope that helps,

[bsash]

You should not have any issues. I would just suggest not handling for at least two or three days, just to allow the snake to keep it's meal down. As long as the snake keeps the meal down, there should be no issue, but handling could make the snake uncomfortable, and possibly regurgitate, which is why I suggest not handling for a little while. Other than that, you should be good to go.

P.S. You can try to feed the snake next week your usual prey item, but don't be upset if it does not eat.