Last week I noticed a couple of tiny insects on my baby corn and, figuring they might be mites, got some spray for it. Today I thought I saw some more so I decided to try rubbing olive oil on my little guy because I read it would be a good way to expose any that might be left on him in hiding (I had free time while his tank was being purge). I dabbed some olive oil on my palm and let him run through it (avoiding his nostrils), then let him run through some dry paper towels being held firmly in my hand with a gentle squeeze so he'd be rubbed off. I did the drying part a couple of times until I got a towel that seemed completely dry. Now I'm reading that oil washing could be potentially lethal! Is there anything I can do to make sure my little guy is okay?
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I think I made a big mistake.
- Thread starter Cornewbie
- Start date
Karl_Mcknight
Common Sense Holder
Never heard of the lethal aspect.
In fact I've always heard that Olive Oil is good for your skin, and I've even read it's good for a snake that is having shedding problems. I think as long as you just used a few drops he will be fine.
I am curious as to where you read about it being lethal. I'd like to read that too.
I've never used Olive oil on my corn snake, but I used it several times on my Boa and she lived to the ripe old age of 22.
In fact I've always heard that Olive Oil is good for your skin, and I've even read it's good for a snake that is having shedding problems. I think as long as you just used a few drops he will be fine.
I am curious as to where you read about it being lethal. I'd like to read that too.
I've never used Olive oil on my corn snake, but I used it several times on my Boa and she lived to the ripe old age of 22.
Karl_Mcknight
Common Sense Holder
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Snake-Care/How-to-Recognize-and-Treat-Reptile-Ectoparasites/
if you visit the link above and read, down near the bottom of the page is plainly states:
"... A light coat of olive oil over the entire animal is another nontoxic method of killing mites by suffocation. Leave the oil on the pet for an hour then rinse it off. Yes, this can be as messy as it sounds, and the environment must be treated or the infestation will return....."
Don't worry, the olive oil will not hurt your snake.
if you visit the link above and read, down near the bottom of the page is plainly states:
"... A light coat of olive oil over the entire animal is another nontoxic method of killing mites by suffocation. Leave the oil on the pet for an hour then rinse it off. Yes, this can be as messy as it sounds, and the environment must be treated or the infestation will return....."
Don't worry, the olive oil will not hurt your snake.
*copies and prints whole article for ever-growing wall of snake info* Thank you, that's reassuring. I guess later in the hour I'll moisten a paper towel and snake him through it. He's currently doing his usual viv things like climbing his plastic plants so he doesn't seem to stressed or at least not behaving like you'd expect a suffocating animal to. Sorry to panic so hard. He's just such an affectionate little baby I'd never forgive myself if I hurt him.
I have never heard of toxicity nor suffocation. You rub some oil on your hands, and let the snake pick it up as you handle it. I have heard some claims that it takes off scales (I expect more likely, it is taking off some grime, that gets mistaken for scales.)
I recently had to oil two hatchling Kings of the same tiny size (12 grams, 13" long). One was sticky from a mouse trap, and the other was very grimey and dirty. These were wild Kings I found in the kitchen. Both did MUCH better after oiling.
Personally, I don't think it is harmful, but I would only use it on occasion when needed.
I recently had to oil two hatchling Kings of the same tiny size (12 grams, 13" long). One was sticky from a mouse trap, and the other was very grimey and dirty. These were wild Kings I found in the kitchen. Both did MUCH better after oiling.
Personally, I don't think it is harmful, but I would only use it on occasion when needed.