I'm leaving for a month, what to do with my snake?

[BallPythonChick]

I have a baby Blood python, and I will be gone Aug12-Sep12

I got her about 3 weeks ago, and she didn't eat anything until today (I was so happy that she finally ate) I had to block off most of her space so she felt more secure, not handle her for a week, and leave the light off for a week (Not a heat light, she has a UTH), and when I put the live mouse in her tank I had to cover it with a blanket, and THEN she was willing to eat.


I was really worried about her, even though I knew it's okay, and normal for snakes not to eat for a while. She was just stressed out, so she wouldn't eat.

Now, someone (Mother in-law) Will be looking after her... As in filling her water bowl, and checking temps/humidity. She's afraid of snakes, and I don't think she wants to feed it, especially if she has to put her hand in to get the mouse out if she doesn't eat it... She's not afraid of the mouse, but of the snake biting her, even though the snake has never struck at anyone yet, but she might mistake her for food and strike.

Also, i'm afraid she might leave the mouse in for more than 30 minutes... even if I tell her not too.

What should I do? I will be attempting to feed her one last time before I go. Should I tell my mother in law to feed her, even if she leaves the mouse in for more than 30 minutes? (Ugh, I would hate to do that....) Or would my snake be fine for a month with no food?

She is my first Blood python, I have owned Red tail boas, BP's, California Kings, Grass snakes, garter snakes, ring necked snakes, and northern water snakes.


I felt as if I could post this on the BP thread too, because I think you BP people can also answer this for me.

[Xaila]

I don't think it's a good idea to let a baby snake go a month without food. Can she take FT? Would that be easier for your MIL to deal with?

[BallPythonChick]

I don't think it's a good idea to let a baby snake go a month without food. Can she take FT? Would that be easier for your MIL to deal with?

She does not take FT yet, but I will be working with her to eat FT when I get back from my trip, after she have had a few meals first.

[Navaro]

You could always buy your mother in law, some huge ass tongs =P

[bcr229]

Tell your MIL that if she has to remove the mouse and doesn't want the snake to bite her, she can cover the snake for a few minutes with a dry paper towel. If the snake is in a hide, just use the paper towel to block the entrance. Most baby snakes are happy to hide under something anyway.

Once the mouse has been secured she can use tongs to pick up the paper towel.

[BallPythonChick]

Tell your MIL that if she has to remove the mouse and doesn't want the snake to bite her, she can cover the snake for a few minutes with a dry paper towel. If the snake is in a hide, just use the paper towel to block the entrance. Most baby snakes are happy to hide under something anyway.

Once the mouse has been secured she can use tongs to pick up the paper towel.

Oh great idea! Never thought of that!

[BiggBaddWolf]

Yep I have used things to block the hide where the snake can't see me when I need to do something inside the cage, as retrieve a rodent..works good