Odd feeding behavior

[Argentra]

Tonight was a feeding night for that little rescued pastel, who has been eating like a trooper for me so far. Past feedings were rather quick: he would nab the fuzzy (he's almost ready for small hoppers) and gulp it down quick. Not really surprising since he was so underweight. Tonight, however, he took 2 1/2 HOURS to take the fuzzy down. He did finally eat, and slithered right into his warm hide afterwards, but I was shocked at how long it took him. It seemed he was just holding the mouse in his coils most of the time, then the last half hour or so was spent in swallowing it. Or so I would estimate...I checked on him quickly every 15-30 minutes after the first 45.

Could it have been that I was checking on him so much? Or could it be that he seems a little 'backed up' in the waste production area (i.e. the area just above his vent is kind of swollen)? I've never known a snake of any age or condition to take that long with a meal.

Also, related to the waste backup, has anyone here ever had to 'help' their snake pass wastes before? I know the vet helped him by squeezing him gently, like a toothpaste tube almost, but I would be scared of hurting him if I tried to do it myself and I can't take him in again. Any suggestions??

[joepythons]

Tonight was a feeding night for that little rescued pastel, who has been eating like a trooper for me so far. Past feedings were rather quick: he would nab the fuzzy (he's almost ready for small hoppers) and gulp it down quick. Not really surprising since he was so underweight. Tonight, however, he took 2 1/2 HOURS to take the fuzzy down. He did finally eat, and slithered right into his warm hide afterwards, but I was shocked at how long it took him. It seemed he was just holding the mouse in his coils most of the time, then the last half hour or so was spent in swallowing it. Or so I would estimate...I checked on him quickly every 15-30 minutes after the first 45.

Could it have been that I was checking on him so much? Or could it be that he seems a little 'backed up' in the waste production area (i.e. the area just above his vent is kind of swollen)? I've never known a snake of any age or condition to take that long with a meal.

Also, related to the waste backup, has anyone here ever had to 'help' their snake pass wastes before? I know the vet helped him by squeezing him gently, like a toothpaste tube almost, but I would be scared of hurting him if I tried to do it myself and I can't take him in again. Any suggestions??

Well they can take forever to eat if they notice a shadow from you checking on him.When was the last time he passed some poo? I know lol but we are a family freindly site so i tried my best .

[Argentra]

Well, yeah, I admit I may have been opening that lid a bit too often for his liking...

And he hasn't passed any as long as he's been with me, and that's been a month. He did pass one urate(at least I think that's what it was since the tip was white and the rest was green), but no obvious poo. I hadn't been really worried since he was so emaciated and dehydrated before that he was probably taking every drop of nutrients from his meals for a while there. When I took him to the vet shortly after I got him, he had quite a bit of liquid and urate stones squeezed out, and now I'm concerned that he might always need help due to damage from his old injury. I wouldn't mind since he's such a beauty, but I would have to learn how first...

[frankykeno]

Maybe once he's digested this meal try a bit of a soak in tepid water followed by some gentle massage down there and see if he passes anything. It could be with his meals being fuzzy mice there isn't a lot left over after digestion for him to pass but if you're concerned he's backed up then maybe a soak and massage isn't a bad idea. If there is a concern though regarding his injuries it might be best to at least phone the vet first before messing about with him.

[joepythons]

Well, yeah, I admit I may have been opening that lid a bit too often for his liking...

And he hasn't passed any as long as he's been with me, and that's been a month. He did pass one urate(at least I think that's what it was since the tip was white and the rest was green), but no obvious poo. I hadn't been really worried since he was so emaciated and dehydrated before that he was probably taking every drop of nutrients from his meals for a while there. When I took him to the vet shortly after I got him, he had quite a bit of liquid and urate stones squeezed out, and now I'm concerned that he might always need help due to damage from his old injury. I wouldn't mind since he's such a beauty, but I would have to learn how first...

Well you can try and maybe soak him in some water to maybe give him the "flushing" feeling .He might be absorbing every bit since he was starved also like you said.If it helps to ease some worry my spider male has only put out a little urate since i have had him.He is eating rat fuzzies and is a pig for sure

[alopez700]

what is urate and so does a snake pee

[Alice]

what is urate and so does a snake pee

A urate is a snake's pee . . . or at least part of it. They sometimes pass urates (look like poo but are usually white, yellow or sorta light yellow/green) and some liquid. Of course that usually happens to me right after I clean the tub or water bowl.