Quote Originally Posted by redshepherd View Post
Stress can contribute to RI too, so I'd leave her be. Maybe only handle once a week for a few minutes for now. BP's don't need to be handled often to "keep them tame", they naturally are!

I wouldn't even think about climbing for muscle tone, that she's stressed and refusing food. Having muscle tone is great, if the BP is healthy. If the BP is not totally healthy or having other issues, climbing/taking them out to handle is low priority... they don't "need" it to survive. Make sure her warm side temps are on point, and her enclosure is clean with good ventilation, and let her be.

As a general rule, if a BP is refusing food due to potential stress or illness (and not just doing a fast), you should minimize handling/don't handle at all until they eat.

I also agree that if the vet didn't do a culture for her last RI, it's possible she never fully recovered from it. There are different types of RI, and you won't know what medications to use for sure until a culture has been done.
I just worry that she won't calm down again, she's such a gentle snake and enjoys handling. I think she's mad at me for poking her with needles.


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