Honey and constipation?

[Bogertophis]

Well, give it time. You might not want to breed snakes, just saying. Because it does add risks, not to mention the eggs/offspring. Snakes un-bred tend to stay healthier & live longer- as pets only.

[JJpeep]

Exactly what I was thinking. I bred parakeets for a long time. Parrots are vicious when in season to breed. I got very attached to my breeder birds. When one would pass I would grieve like this. Also bred leopard geckos with the same feelings. I know the risks, I get what you are saying whole heartedly. I loved the process, I loved how interesting it is to see animals come out of eggs and it really gave me something to look forward too. It enriched a good part of me. That is why I was going to get back into it. My Dad got a couple colonies of leopard geckos started and his corn snakes. I decided on ball pythons because we never bred snakes and I just think they are beautiful. I grew up with snakes. My Dad always had some kind of species of snake. I have to admit, I was always kind of afraid of them. No in a phobia way, I just didn't like to pick them up. Since getting the latest batch of snakes (we haven't had any in awhile). I got over that fear and I really grew to be comfortable with them. This little snake helped me with that. Maybe that's why this hurts so much as well. Anyways, thank you all for listening to me ramble. It is my way of working through this I guess.

[Bogertophis]

For sure, there's both pro's & con's to breeding. I love seeing new little snake faces peeking out of their eggs too, & then watching them thrive. But parting with most of them later- worrying about them being well-cared for- that I can do without. And then knowing the health risks of breeding the adults too. Anyway, you have time to think it over.

You're lucky to have grown up with a father that kept snakes- I wish I had. I can sure see why this little one was so special for you. We learn things from the animals in our lives- not just the other way around. She'll always have a place in your memory, in your heart. I wish she'd had more time.

[JJpeep]

For sure, there's both pro's & con's to breeding. I love seeing new little snake faces peeking out of their eggs too, & then watching them thrive. But parting with most of them later- worrying about them being well-cared for- that I can do without. And then knowing the health risks of breeding the adults too. Anyway, you have time to think it over.

You're lucky to have grown up with a father that kept snakes- I wish I had. I can sure see why this little one was so special for you. We learn things from the animals in our lives- not just the other way around. She'll always have a place in your memory, in your heart. I wish she'd had more time.

I think worrying about if the babies get taken care of would bother me the most. I have thought about that àctually. Plus parting ways with them. I would always be thinking about that. But like you said, pros and cons.
When I was really little, my Dad had a pair of garter snakes, that actually produced babies. All the babies were sooooo tiny and adorable. I wish I would've been old enough to remember that clearer. Those are the first snakes i remember as a kid. Was the first snake that bit me too. Lol. I had to have been about 5. A long long time ago. Anyways, yes I wish she had had more time with me as well. I think it is something that will stay with me forever. Thanks again.

[JJpeep]

I just wanted to share something strange. The breeder I bought the snake from hasn't posted to Instagram or Facebook since the week a bought her which was the week of October 9th. I scrolled through Instagram this afternoon and he pops up. It was a moment I actually didn't think of her since I found her passed. I told my dad about it, then a few minutes ago he posts to fb. I don't know, I believe in strange things happening. I wonder what that sign was about. I don't know maybe I am just weird, but I found that eerie.

[Bogertophis]

I just wanted to share something strange. The breeder I bought the snake from hasn't posted to Instagram or Facebook since the week a bought her which was the week of October 9th. I scrolled through Instagram this afternoon and he pops up. It was a moment I actually didn't think of her since I found her passed. I told my dad about it, then a few minutes ago he posts to fb. I don't know, I believe in strange things happening. I wonder what that sign was about. I don't know maybe I am just weird, but I found that eerie.

I'm not a believer in "signs" but now that you mention the breeder, I wonder if any physical abnormalities showed up in any of your late snake's siblings? I don't suppose he'd want to discuss it if they had- it wouldn't be good for business, but that's the only thing that crosses my mind. You might want to let him know what happened with yours anyway.

[JJpeep]

I should reach out and see. You never know.

[Bogertophis]

I should reach out and see. You never know.

With all the selective breeding for fancy morphs, some defects might also be passed on. We don't know for sure that's what happened with yours, but it's a decent guess, & best prevented if possible.

Personally, I'd make him aware of it. Just to see what he says, & just so he knows regardless.

I can remember years ago hearing about a snake that actually had no opening at the cloaca- some defects are visible, but many are not. I once had a parthenogenetically-produced neonate (rosy boa) that was born with obvious defects that nevertheless managed to live about 6 mos. before she succumbed to some internal abnormality that ended her sweet little life. So it does happen. I called her "Longshot" & I was truly rooting for her. Many things can & do go wrong- that's partly why "baby" snakes cost less than ones that have lived longer- their risk (of issues) goes down (& of course, there is also an investment of time & food with more mature snakes).

[JJpeep]

Yes absolutely. I contacted him. He said he has seen nothing weird out of the parents. Their babies have no issues he is aware of. He said that all her siblings found homes and he hasn't heard anything from them or hasn't had anyone contact him with concerns. He told me he was going to be at a show coming here in March and he would love for me to come say hello. He said he was very sorry for my loss and all. Well I guess this is the closing of my search for answers. I will continue to blame myself I think. Just because there isn't an explanation. All my wishing I could've gave her more time, I have to just come to the realization this stuff happens. It is just fresh. I have gone through this owning many animals. I just miss my poor little baby.

[Bogertophis]

Yes absolutely. I contacted him. He said he has seen nothing weird out of the parents. Their babies have no issues he is aware of. He said that all her siblings found homes and he hasn't heard anything from them or hasn't had anyone contact him with concerns. He told me he was going to be at a show coming here in March and he would love for me to come say hello. He said he was very sorry for my loss and all. Well I guess this is the closing of my search for answers. I will continue to blame myself I think. Just because there isn't an explanation. All my wishing I could've gave her more time, I have to just come to the realization this stuff happens. It is just fresh. I have gone through this owning many animals. I just miss my poor little baby.

Be good to yourself & call it "failure to thrive" or just "bad luck" instead, unless you can point to some specific way you failed her, & note, I'm not asking. But your other snakes being healthy suggest that it wasn't your doing.

If you go to the nearby show in March, it's very possible he'll offer you a deal on another snake- at least, that's what I'd do in his place & under such circumstances. Only you know if you'll feel comfortable with that, & at that time. But it's something to think about ahead of time. I'm glad you let him know & got his answer to ponder meanwhile.