I agree with what you've said. I'll do what I can from home, let him go through his shed (which will hopefully be soon). Then I'll go from there.Originally Posted by Bogertophis
I think the main difference is that at home, you know the snake better, and you can take your time. I've never had a snake die from "the stress of tube-feeding" either, incidentally, & I've saved quite a few snakes of all sizes (including tiny 7" glossy snake hatchlings) with tube-feeding.
Snakes react to how they're handled...gently- versus the firmness usually practiced by vets. When I do something like a tube-feed, as I've often told people, it's a give & take...not too pushy, not too fast. Snakes grabbed firmly at the head & neck think you're a predator, not their friend, whereas a lighter & slower touch can still get the job done with a whole different message. When you throw in injections by the vet, it's no wonder some snakes don't survive.
Vets mean well...I believe that...but they put medicine before 'husbandry' techniques whereas I believe in the reverse order. Your touch can reassure a snake...I've handled lots of wild snakes, & they generally know I'm not a threat to them, even if I do something they don't like. You love this snake, so YOU should be the one doing the handling...the snake will feel the difference. Medications used go furthest on a snake not fighting for it's life (not feeling so stressed). True healing is about more than drugs.
When he's in a "not today" mood he'll literally fling urate/pee everywhere just by me taking the lid off of his tub. I can't imagine how he'd handle a vet visit.
I understand that he's an import. Stress, and picky feeding can be an assumable risk. But if all husbandry parameters are correct and he shows limited progress after his shed, I have the tools to take some careful action, and see if I can stimulate his appetite. I just want to rule out parasites as a contributing factor here.
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