Russian Rat Regurgitated

[zina10]

On my phone, so won't get to thoroughly read until I'm back online. But was going to go get supplies for a new, smaller ,"observation" tub while I'm out. Do you feel I should still move him into a small tub?

I felt like this last pinkie I offered was cooler than any I've offered before, but I was maybe over-correcting so as not to offer something too hot. I guess I'm totally questioning everything I ever did before, and should just do whatever I did originally because it always worked until the last big pinkie screwed everything up. He was always a champion eater until then.

Is the weight loss a big concern?

I do not believe its a big concern just yet. Of course, with young snakes, you have to be more diligent about everything and about monitoring and fixing problems.

Since the last meal WAS bigger then usual and regurged almost immediately, I tend to think size was the issue. The quick regurge is actually less strain on the body, then one after a few days. However, if there is a underlying problem that caused it, its still concerning.

Since you have had no other issues, before and then, I tend to think perhaps it was just to big.

You should follow your own instincts, but imho it would be worth ONE more try in his old enclosure. Since a move in itself can be stress. Of course a move can help in some instances, but like you said, he was fine before...so I do not think you have parasites to worry about, or that he feels unsafe in a larger enclosure.

Make sure your temps are right. They don't need high temps like Ball Pythons (actually, to high is harmful, they are from a cooler climate) but do offer a area where he can warm up a bit if he chooses so. Without raising the ambient to high. I'm sure you already know the parameters, though. Just double check them..

Warm that pinky up a bit more. NO water so hot that it hurts your hands, but it does need to give off a heat signature.

go SLOW with heating up. First defrost...then very warm water for 5 minutes, then hot (not burning) water for 5 minutes. Try to keep it warm while transporting to cage (wrap in paper towels), offer. If its slightly to cool, hit it with a hair dryer, again, don't cook it though !!

Its hard to give advice through the computer. What is hot to one person, is burning hot to another, or just very warm. Err on caution. You can always hit it with a blow dryer for a min, rather then cooking it in the water

Don't drive yourself to crazy just yet. Try the small meal and see what happens. If he takes it, NO stressing for a few days. But do observe for eventual issues.

Should there be another regurge (hopefully not) we will re-visit

Good luck !!