Recovering from Regurgitating Guide

[RichsBallPythons]

See it so often, posts all over the internet of someones snake regurgitating its meal. This guide should give a good idea of whats going on of how it happened and how to prevent it from happening.

First thing when you see a Regurge you need to inspect it and be sure its a regurge. They cant be mistaken as they stink BAD.

If the snake did in fact regurgitate you need to leave the snake alone and increase temps. By doing so you will help the snakes immune system take over and generate its stomach flora. Regurges are more dangerous to younger snakes who are already small as it is, and the convulsions are very hard on their body.

When you attempt to feed, do NOT do it right away, Its best to wait 3-4 weeks after a Regurge regardless the species of snake.

Once the 3-4 week period has approached, Offer a meal that is 1/3rd of its normal meal size. If feeding small rats, Offer rat pup in the 25-30g range.

If the first attempt of feeding the small meal is successful move on to the second attempt 3 weeks later. Feeding the Same size meal again and wait. If second attempt is successful move on as well.

By the 3rd attempt the meal should slightly be increased and then fed at 2week intervals. Take your time increasing meals, as too fast will cause you to start ALL OVER from square one again.

In some extreme cases noted in boas Flagyl has been given with each meal to help settle the stomach to recovery faster. Having a chronic regurgitating snake can lead to death if not dealt with swiftly.

When doing so be sure the hot spot is increased 2-4F above normal temps. This allows for a better digestion while recovering the flora.


Reasons for Regurge

1. Stress from being handled,shipped,
2. Not enough Security within the enclosure to feel safe enough to digest
3. Temps are too low and or humidity is not right
4. Meal was too big, which can be accompanied to low temps as well, therefore they regurge it to get the rotting meal out.
5.Excessive loud noises that vibrate setup a lot will interfere with their security level.

The 5 listed are the most common reasons why majority of snake species regurge their meals. This is a general guide to help you address the situation that will work is done right.

[Slim]

Sticky worthy!

[Mike41793]

x2 on the sticky!
One of the biggest mistakes i see, is people rushing to feed again. They think "oh since he regurged he must be reallyyyy hungry". Instead of waiting the proper amount of time to allow their digestive systems to recooperate.

[RichsBallPythons]

Ive dealt with it with colubrids,boas in my time but not with any pythons. Always feed apporiate.

Sent from Evo 3D

[RichsBallPythons]

Bump...

[RichsBallPythons]

Lets not let this drop and be lost

[loonunit]

I'd like to add that the one time I had a regurge, it was because my husband unplugged the new hatchling's quarantine tank by mistake the day after a big feeding, and I plugged it back in the next day. So the temps went from HIGH to LOW back to HIGH very quickly. And I think that plus the big meal was too much for little Maureen the Enchi.

[jsmorphs2]

I'd also recommend to anyone who has a snake regurge a second time to see a vet and/or have a fecal float done. Our GTP regurged due to parasites. Unfortunately I waited till after a second regurge to take him in and he ended up dieing. Had I brought him in right away he might have had a chance.

[Evenstar]

Thanks for posting this Rich! Very helpful and informative!

[Daybreaker]

Good info! I also had a regurge happen to me, and I feel bad because I know it was my fault. It was with my albino boa that I fed too soon after her previous meal, and I believe it was just too much for her so she regurged that mouse. Gave her two weeks off from no handling and no feeding then started on smaller feeders. She's now back to normal and on a weekly feeding schedule and growing steadily. Definitely don't overload little ones with too much food at a time! Lesson learned