(Let me preface with the fact that I left my roommate to monitor the rat, but apparently she got distracted, even though she volunteered, and didn't see the feeding. This IS my fault, and I apparently didn't stress the importance of watching the rat b/c they can be dangerous to the snakes. I'm new to this and doing my best, so I hope no one will judge me on that mistake I made.)
(Also, I just inherited this snake from my dad who can't care for her anymore. I knew her when she was younger, but haven't worked with her in a number of years)
I have two questions:
1) How much blood splatter have you seen come from a rat during a killing? This is a medium rat and an 11 year old female BP (just got her and don't know her weight yet). The rat was a bit small for her (b/c it was her first feeding in her new home and she's been known to refuse larger prey). Based on the clean spot of the substrate - therefore where she must have gotten it - there is blood at a 10-12 inch radius and up to about 6 inches off the ground. Small droplets. Is this normal, because I've never seen it before? Am I correct in thinking this came from the strike/kill?
2) Should I check the snake's body, and when? I mean, is there any chance this could be her blood? I have lifted the lid on her hide and she looks alert and I don't see anything. Because she is in sort of a tupperware hide, I need to handle her to see more than about a quarter of her body. I ask when, because it's been 18 hours since she ate and I don't want to put her in danger.
Sorry this is wordy, and thank you in advance for your help.