Ball python eats substrate

[Kcl]

My derpy little garters like to drag their worms through the coco fiber sometimes. It's never hurt them, just mildly annoyed them. They seem to be attempting to clean the worms off on the coco fiber which does NOT work. They poop plenty despite this. A snake that is well supported (proper digestion temps) won't be bothered by a bit of coco fiber.

As to regurgitating from stress from the brief handling you did, if he didn't do it at the time/pretty immediately after, it's highly unlikely that he will. That type of regurgitation is a defense against predators - they get rid of the meal weighing them down so they can run. Doing it after the predator's gone away for long enough for them to decide they're ok without fleeing isn't a benefit to them and just means they lose their meal for no reason.

[redshepherd]

Thank you! Do you think me handling him so little after he's finished swallowing and all his squirming and clenching that he might regurgitate? I've never handled him after he's eaten before and he definitely did not like it at all.


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I've never had a snake regurg before so I'm not sure, but just wait and see. I think it'll be just fine though.

[wickedserpent]

Dumb question. Did you rehydrate your coconut? If you did, there's little chance he'd get a chunk stuck in his mouth. Better to take it out despite his hissy (no pun intended) fit than to leave a chunk in his mouth.

Rehydrate the coconut fiber? Lol why do I get the feeling you're being sarcastic here? I wasn't aware that was a thing seeing as the mouse got wet causing the coco fiber to stick to it and get stuck in his mouth. I would think the dryer it is the less likely it is to get stuck idk?


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[spellbound04]

I usually set down a piece of cardboard or paper towel before feeding. I didn't this time because the hide he was in is at an awkward angle


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I get that, my tank is in a super inconvenient location rn, good idea with the cardboard tho I'll have to give that a try!

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[Kcl]

Rehydrate the coconut fiber? Lol why do I get the feeling you're being sarcastic here? I wasn't aware that was a thing seeing as the mouse got wet causing the coco fiber to stick to it and get stuck in his mouth. I would think the dryer it is the less likely it is to get stuck idk?


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Nah, that's not sarcasm. You can get coco fiber either in a bag, which won't need rehydrated, or in a brick which does. The latter is cheaper, but you could feasibly end up with some big solid chunks if you didn't rehydrate it properly. Sounds like you might be using the bagged version. Pretty reasonable question with context.

[wickedserpent]

Nah, that's not sarcasm. You can get coco fiber either in a bag, which won't need rehydrated, or in a brick which does. The latter is cheaper, but you could feasibly end up with some big solid chunks if you didn't rehydrate it properly. Sounds like you might be using the bagged version. Pretty reasonable question with context.

Ah gotcha! I do use the loose kind!


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[sufficio]

My BP ate paper towel once. Struck a bit of papertowl that was sticking up along the side of the wall and got the mouse at the same time. They truly are NOT apex predators