Snake bit himself!!

[ReefMedic1]

I'm a new BP owner, first time owner (i know, bear with me).I've had my juvinile BP for about a month now and still hasnt eaten for me yet (shocking)...his temp and humidy is doing just fine and he is more frequently exploring his enclosure.
Last night as I tried (again) to feed him a frozen-thawed fuzzy mouse, he refused to eat and went back into his hide rock. I lifted the rock from the enclosure and again dangled and waved the prey in front of him.....dropped the prey accidently on his body, he recoiled as if annoyed, and as I picked the mouse back up with the tongs, he struck at it (assuming out of anger) BUT missed and BIT himself on the body!!! He struggled for a second to release himself, and I covered him back calling it a night. I just felt soooo bad for himself......
Question is.....I havent had the opportunity to look at the wound if there is any, but wanted to know..is there any concern for infections from the tag?? I can imagine a bite from live prey would be more traumatic, but I'm wondering if this is anything to be alarmed about.
By the way...I'm leaving him alone for atleast another week to chill out and not stress him out anymore. Any advice would help please.

[ReefMedic1]

Oh and whats everybody's take on putting the uneaten mouse back in the freezer? Acceptable??
Thx!

[Drew87]

Dont refreeze the mouse, and trust me everyone battles with feeding there BP every now and then, just give him some time and try again, i would try again in about a week, but this time resent the room leave the mouse close to his tank,tub whatever for about a hour or so then try to feed. Or you can try a rat pup instead hope this helps

[ReefMedic1]

Ok, but if I dont refreeze during this "feeding strike" of his, it would be expensive to toss out all these perfectly good mice. IMO I guess. But thank you about the scenting tip!

[dr del]

Hi,

It would be just as expensive if he ate them.



dr del

[771subliminal]

try live mice, then after you get him started well then try f/t. this will also save you money if he dont eat just keep the mouse fed for a week.

[771subliminal]

Hi,

It would be just as expensive if he ate them.



dr del

Touché

[scotty99]

I am babysitting a a (year old now) BP. I was given by the owner fuzzy mice to give to him weekly. He had no thermostat or thermometer. Well once i got some research done on BP's, thanks to this great forum and my local reptile room,i found the BP was being underfed and underweight by his owner and by me for the 2 months i had him . Now his temps/humidity are correct etc with Habistat/ digi thermometers.

He never got excited about the fuzzy mice and used to miss strike (no wonder they are that small), he's now on rat fluffs and eating well. I pre scent with the paper towel the rat was defrosted in an hour before feeding, and he goes wild climbing up the enclosure. I would suggest getting him on rats or larger mice asap. Don't chase him with food by lifting his hide up as it will leave him nowhere to feel safe and add more stress, i guess striking out was his last means of telling you he's not happy after his safe place was lifted away.

I got frustrated when he wouldn't eat, and it took a few unsuccessful attempts to switch to new rodent size, but everything seems to be going well so far, touch wood.

I am no expert and still learning about snakes, but i would try the rats as it made a massive difference in my BP's eating response...(he's filling out already!)....and yes it looks like he's with me for good as owner has gone AWOL!!

good luck

[Somed00d]

If there is a wound i would get some polysporin asap, dont worry about the stress that is something you need to deal with immediatly.

[Sonya610]

...and yes it looks like he's with me for good as owner has gone AWOL!!

It sounds as if you should come up with a good cover story in case the previous owner calls. He is much better off with you.