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Thread: Regurgitation?

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    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    Re: Regurgitation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Maaarble View Post
    I watched him while the rat was still alive then left him alone to swallow in peace once I was sure it was dead. I checked in briefly maybe half an hour later to confirm that he'd finished and he seemed fine. It's the first time I've fed him live but I know that's what he was given before I got him.

    I've had Simon for 4 years and two other ball pythons for 3 years. Their thermostats are set to turn off at 98F and as far as I know there haven't been any power outages. I didn't notice a smell from the dead rat but I don't have a great sense of smell to begin with.
    You need to check -immediately!- what the temps are in your snakes' enclosures where the heat is located- specifically, INSIDE the enclosure, under a warm-side hide or wherever the temps. are the highest. 98* is TOO HOT. Many snakes (BPs especially) get burned when in contact with surface temps over 90*- seemingly they don't realize the harm until it's too late, but in your case, your snake MIGHT have realized it's too hot & therefore avoided the warm areas...but then was too chilly to digest well- hence the regurgitation.

    Note- you cannot rely on what a t-stat is set to- you need to double check what the actual temps are INSIDE the enclosure where the snake can touch (underneath substrate also, because they often push it aside) with an IR/laser temp gun or other accurate thermometer.

    This time of year, most of us use A/C for our own comfort, so it's essential that you adjust the temps. provided for all your snakes to be sure they have the proper & SAFE range of warmth. BPs need about 78* lowest & 88-90* warmest, with matching hides on each side so they aren't "forced" to choose their sense of security over the temperatures they require to digest & function.

    The only way a regurgitated rat might not smell really gross is if it was left to dehydrate under the warmest part of the cage, but it takes days to become that dry. I know of no one that cannot smell a regurgitated rodent, so perhaps this actually is funky stool? Stool doesn't smell good either but a regurge is THE worst, & either way, it's not a good thing (judging from the appearance shown in your photo).
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 07-12-2021 at 07:48 PM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

    The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Gandhi

  2. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Bogertophis For This Useful Post:

    ballpythonluvr (07-12-2021),GoingPostal (07-13-2021),Maaarble (07-12-2021)

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