Live feeding & mouth wounds concerns

[JulieC]

I have a 2yr old male ball python and just fed him a medium/large rat. It was a little difficult for him but after wrestling it for about 30mins he finally decided it was dead and tried to eat. Only it wasn't. And it bit him inside his mouth as it died. There was a tiny bit of blood on the corner of his mouth and when he yawned I couldn't see real damage. He still finished it off and seems happy now that it's all over but what I'm wondering is, if it bit him either in his mouth or anywhere else I couldn't see, what's the chance of infection? His tank is very clean and the temp and humidity is proper. But should I worry? I do t want to over stress him by taking him out and searching him if its not that big of a deal. I'm new to all this so any experience based info/advice is very appreciated.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

Next time post this type of thread in the BP husbandry section, it will get more views that way.

I wouldn't be terribly worried yet, and there really isn't much you can do at this point anyway. Over the next few days to a week or so if you see any swelling in or around the mouth a trip to the vet might be necessary to get some antibiotics, but I don't think you are going to have any issues based on your description.

Maybe it's time to consider pre-killed or frozen/thawed rodents.