What is wrong? [Archive] - CornSnakes.com Forums

Wilder

09-15-2005, 12:55 AM

I noticed:
- Whenever i take a pic with flash, his skin changes color (view imgs with flash discolor)
- One eye has a cap
- Skin is stretched or loose (view stretched skin imgs)
- He has a "default" in his pattern.

http://photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/
Thanks

.... I believe the discolouration is a result of your camera's white balance. In other words, it's not the snake changing colour, it's all in your... picture.

The 'default' (defect?) in his pattern is completely normal, snakes won't always have perfect saddles.

As to the loose eyecap, I know someone whose milksnake retained an eyecap. Although she tried the usual damp towel to let the snake crawl through, it didn't work in getting it off, and the herp vet said to just leave it be and it would likely come off with the next shed. It did.

Perhaps someone else can respond about the stretched skin, as I can't quite see what you mean.

Joejr14

09-15-2005, 01:27 AM

The stretched skin is a result of dehydration.

There are tricks for getting retained eye caps off, I'd do a search for 'retained eye caps' or 'eye caps'.

As was stated, there's nothing wrong with the snake---it's not changing colors, it's your camera over-exposing the picture.

Patterns are not perfect.

Do you have a copy of the Cornsnake Manual by Kathy Love? I think you'd benefit by picking up a copy and reading it.

Taceas

09-15-2005, 03:45 AM

But plz, stop with the "maybe u shoudnt get a snake" or "u should have done this or that..." advices..

Most of the time its called constructive criticism. We all need it from time to time. If there's obviously something wrong, we're going to let you know about it. However instead of coming right out with your guns pointed and THEN asking a question, you could have just asked a question. Not all questions warrant a "duck on a june-bug" response, contrary to your popular belief.

I have noticed certain things i will name.

This intrigued me considerably, especially saying it right out of the gate. If you're going to name these things you don't want to get flamed for..and all of the questions weren't flame material anyway......what things AREN'T you naming? ;)

Off-topic Rant:
People have just become way to sensitive to being corrected about their husbandry practices or lack of knowledge. Good grief, we were all beginers at some point. We all experienced that moment of ignorance. The best way of learning is to make mistakes and to have someone with more experience than us to help to rectify the situation and us to learn from it.

Back to the issue at hand...Ditto what was recommended by Wilder & Joe for the eye cap. You can either try to get it off gently with a wet rag/paper towel, or you can leave it to see if it comes off with the next shed.

I also whole-heartedly recommend "The Corn Snake Manual" by Kathy Love. It's informative, easy to read, shows pictures of common issues, and is a lifesaver at times, even for us ole fogies.

I notice that you're using Repti-bark, or whatever another brand name calls it. It's a fir bark substrate, at any rate.

In my own limited experience with using it, fir bark is really meant for those herps who require a higher ambient humidity as the bark holds quite a bit of moisture. I use it in my orchid potting mixes just for that purpose. Its generally non-molding and holds moisture. It also works great in my Ball Python tank where the humidity has to be there every day after I mist the tank down.

But in my experience with corns, it was a lousy substrate choice. Sure, it looks awesome with their colors and it smells nice too. But it was oh so dusty and ended up clogging the nostrils of my corns and after a while really discoloring them as the dust would get down in the crevices around their scales.

When I tried it with my hatchlings, it had such a drying effect, that they were experiencing the same "skin effect" you're noticing. It just dried them out faster than they could replenish themselves through drinking. With the drying effect, they had terrible sheds. Their skin just couldn't cope with the dryness.

That being said, you'd probably just say "well I'll just mist down the snake's cage everyday". That can be just as bad as being too dry in some cases. Corns come from a more temperate climate than that of tropical species and too much moisture in contact with them brings on a whole other list of problems. Unless you live in an arid desert climate, you should have enough ambient humidity in your home to suffice for the snake.

You might try switching to an aspen or paper based substrate and see how he does with that. If you don't notice any significant change, then I've no clue. If you end up sticking with the Repti-bark, I do encourage you to take it out and place it on a screen and hose it off then let it dry in the shade for an hour or so before putting it back in the freshly washed down aquarium. That washes off the majority of the dust and lets the surface dry out a little bit, but it still has some moisture in it. Just keep in mind that it will create loads more dust as it dries out and as the snake jostles it around.

Also this is just a nit-picky thing of mine...how can one be 23 years old and still type "u" for you and "n" for and? They're easy little three-letter words for goodness sakes. You do really well with capitalization at the beginning of the sentences, but forget to capitalize the I's within the sentences. But, at least you use punctuation so the whole paragraph isn't one long run-on sentence. =P

Don't be lazy with your spelling and grammar, it will come back to haunt ya! Trust me on that. ;)

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 09:04 AM

Well 1st of all, all of us try to minimize the words on the internet, its the internet for crying out loud, aka abbreviation world, as long as ur getting ppl to understand u....

This is exactly the reason why i said DO NOT say ur critique-advices. It would be nicer for SOME of u out there to just help out the person with their question. Its funny how u start asking simple questions n people here make u feel dumb n then u end up looking like a cold hearted bitch coz u just want the answer n ur sick with all the introductions people do before giving u the answer.

As for Taceas. oh Taceas.... thank u for the info, ill try my best to do what ive been told. Believe me if i knew i was getting a snake, i would have at least researched it or looked for a breeder instead of going to stupid petco, i would be better off getting my crickets from them n thats it.
n one more time, since this pisses u :) haha

Roy Munson

09-15-2005, 11:11 AM

Well 1st of all, all of us try to minimize the words on the internet, its the internet for crying out loud, aka abbreviation world, as long as ur getting ppl to understand u....

No, all of us do not do this. I find it highly annoying. If you were a thirteen-year-old, and this was a chat room, it would be one thing. But you are an adult, and this is not a chat room- it's a discussion board. When I see "ppl", I have to think about it; it's not intuitive to me. So "ppl" are not always understanding "u". Don't be surprised when experienced adult keepers ignore your queries because you write like a nine-year-old girl in a 'Hello Kitty' fan-chat room.

Mitch

09-15-2005, 11:33 AM

Please dont feed your corn crickets.

MastersHaven

09-15-2005, 11:57 AM

pardon me while my immature side shines through!!!!

*in my best broken english-internet lingo*

Did I ms. sumthin?
wut up w/ 'at ?
whN u ask u receive!

Well 1st of all, all of us try to minimize the words on the internet, its the internet for crying out loud, aka abbreviation world, as long as ur getting ppl to understand u....
well, well, well... some of us may have completed English 101 and prefer to use proper grammar... to each their own, I always say BUT if you feel you need to come on here and critique the way others do things maybe you need to be prepared for the responces you get in return!
.... This is exactly the reason why i said DO NOT say ur critique-advices. It would be nicer for SOME of u out there to just help out the person with their question. Its funny how u start asking simple questions n people here make u feel dumb n then u end up looking like a cold hearted bitch coz u just want the answer n ur sick with all the introductions people do before giving u the answer.
If you didn't want "critique-advices" maybe you should have purchased a book --- they tend not to answer questions on a question-answer bases... they are point given and then you take the info as you wish...

The only thing funny about this thread is that you think we make you feel dumb... it wasn't us making you feel dumb, it was you making yourself look dumb!

.... n one more time, since this pisses u :) haha
well... touch you! :-poke:

N 1 Mor Tym sinc th' P's u Off...
PS...

I noticed:
- you need a better camera
- maybe your snake is going to shed
- if you would feed him properly he wouldn't be thin
- not everyone is so perfect as yourself....

To you Cursed_Witch I will offer one bit of very important advice...
If you treat people with respect then usually they will return the favor!

BTW... :rolleyes: I would much rather be pissed off, than pissed on!

amelanistic frank

09-15-2005, 12:35 PM

Cursed Witch-
I am a "noob" to this forum myself, and my best advice to you is to chill out a little, stop being so prematurely defensive, ask LOTS of questions, and take each answer with a grain of salt.
Everyone is different, everyone has different personalities, they may clash, but remember- we are all here for the same thing, the same love for corn snakes.
Ditch the substrate you have, clean the tank, try some aspen or turf, feed that thing some more, and have fun instead of getting your skivvy's in a knot! ;)
Everyone here that I've "met" for the most part in my opinion is pretty cool, except for you. Chill out and learn, and before long, you'll be smooth sailing and have a lot of peoples respect.
Dave \m/

danvega

09-15-2005, 12:46 PM

Can we all just get along?

With that said, some people will just be the way they are, and by arguing with them, nothing really gets accomplished. I, like many others on this forum, do not like abbreviations--it just makes your writing harder to read, and therefore, harder to get any answers to your questions.

Many of your questions can be answered from looking through the mounds of old posts, which are indispensable sources of information.

To answer your queries: 1. Your snake may be dehydrated or under-fed from the stretched skin (as said previously). 2. Your flash/camera may be the problem with the color change. Unless your snake is actually changing colors after you take a picture of it, but I have never heard of this---then you would have some sort of chameleon cornsnake.

Question for you [Cursed Whitch]: Is the snake eating?

Anyways, it becomes a moot point where you bought your snake from when it is in your care. Petco, or not, the snake is in your care now, so proper care is the key---and this (cornsnakes.com) is the place to be! <<---hey that rhymes. Good luck.

PtDnsr

09-15-2005, 05:00 PM

Well 1st of all, all of us try to minimize the words on the internet, its the internet for crying out loud, aka abbreviation world, as long as ur getting ppl to understand u.... Actually I agree with Roy here - the minimization of words on the internet is one thing for a pre-teen chat room and something else entirely for everywhere else. If you use the abbreviations like "ppl" and "u" and "n" then people won't take you as seriously or put as much effort into replying. Period. I'm 21 - I can type and not use the teenage internet lingo. It is possible. I'm not trying to be mean but I'm trying to point out that if you actually bother to TYPE out your post that you might have more answers that you are looking for.

As for your snake I'll ask the same thing as danvega: what are you feeding it?
Also, how much does it weigh and do you know the approximate length?

~Katie

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 05:16 PM

Well to all of you out there.
It seems you are all interested in my writing more than what I ask. Therefore, to please you, I shall write in full words...

For those of you who are bothered by how I seem, please go check my other posts, I haven't asked much, But you will see in each of them I got the good people and people who obviously didn't like me for reasons unknown. I have been polite. I repeat myself, I do sound like a mean B*..ch now.

Yes I have done the mistake of getting a snake without researching it. But it doesn't mean I shouldn't be treated like anyone else. I have posted previously how I came to have a snake.
I have purchased the snake from a pet store, which is bad, I know, but this is the one I exchanged with my other snake who was not eating. This one had this skin condition when I got him on Sunday. So it is not something I have caused. I have not fed him yet, because I was advised to let the snake be for its first week.
Now, as you can see, i have tried my best. I do hope of getting the replies I need. And yes I have searched the forums, but I could not get an exact answer without posting my snake's pictures.

Thank you for all your patience,and please BE patient with me as well.

Roy Munson

09-15-2005, 05:40 PM

Well to all of you out there.
It seems you are all interested in my writing more than what I ask.

I'm interested in both. I'm much more interested in your questions though, but I can't answer them if I don't know what you're saying.

Therefore, to please you, I shall write in full words...

Don't do it to please me. Do it because your snake will benefit from the responses you get when your questions are presented intelligibly, and as a result, taken more seriously.

Wilder

09-15-2005, 06:29 PM

Just a thought, is the loose skin from a stuck-on shed? I went by a pet shop today that had a sad looking little BP who had a stuck shed from about midway down its body down to the tail. It looked like loose skin draped over.

Maybe try to get some better pics to post?

PtDnsr

09-15-2005, 08:13 PM

Truly, if I had to hazard a guess as to what was going on the first two things that would jump out would be either dehydration or lack of food. Pet stores are not known for feeding their animals adequately - at least not adequately to survive. I have seen folds of skin (if that is indeed what it is) on the non-feeder ball pythons that we have because they were refusing to eat. Could it be that it wasn't fed nearly enough in the store and is now showing signs of severe malnutrition? If you can let us know what the pet store was feeding or what you're planning on feeding it would be helpful. Maybe also put a hide partway over the water dish if possible so if your snake wants to hide and drink it can.
people who obviously didn't like me for reasons unknown Not true, for me it's all in how I perceive things which could be totally wrong. It's not easy being the opinionated bunch that we are, but we usually get along (well...mostly I think :shrugs: ).

~Katie

rerat

09-15-2005, 08:39 PM

Well, I'm assuming that, since you seem so.."new' to this whole thing...you aren't buying crickets for another reptile...you aren't feeding them to your corn, are you?

rerat

09-15-2005, 08:46 PM

And...this probably isn't the greatest holding method for hatch. corns..
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/My%20Snake/56170022_edited.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/My%20Snake/DSCF0088.jpg

Just an oppinion..

MastersHaven

09-15-2005, 09:16 PM

now that we have all put our evil alter-ego's to bed maybe we can get down to the business of solving this problem...

first of all, I want to apologize for my harsh words before... anyone who knows me knows that I am not a mean person BUT I do believe highly in the theory -- give respect/receive respect... I understand that this is a forum and sometimes correspondence on-line like this takes the personal touch out of the conversations but we all deserve to give and receive respect. here -- this being done in the way things are written and worded... just something to remember.

Now on to the snake.... you said you returned a non-eater and received this one in exchange (is that correct?) first of all, the original snake not eating should have been a heads up... did you happen to ask the person who actually sold you the snake when the last time it was fed? and what they were feeding it? (I really hope they didn't tell you crickets... snakes should NOT be fed crickets... they don't have the proper systems to digestive their hard *skins* AND crickets are not an adequate source of vitamins)

what are the temps in the snakes aquarium? sometimes if it is too hot several things can happen --
1) they can become dehydrated (even with water present) and
2) they don't shed properly, which can cause the (the stretched skin look AND eyecaps)

I have bought from petstores before and I know that their practices are not always the best but they should at least be able to tell you "what" and "when"... even when purchasing from a breeder (if it's someone I don't know or trust) I have learned to ask for a feeding photos to show that the animal does indeed eat willingly... If they can't do that.... best practice would be "NOT TO BUY" ...

Go get "The Corn Snake Manual" by Bill & Kathy Love <---- it is a MUST HAVE! and what I would start off by doing is to add a moist hide in your viv to aid in shedding (just in case that is the problem)

try feeding him.... take him out of the big enclosure and place him in a small deli cup or Tupperware and give him a small pinky mouse (you know what a pinkie is, right?) :shrugs: sorry -- just making sure!

if he willingly takes it within the first few minutes *GREAT*, if not then you will need to leave it longer and come here and search the forum for topics such as "not eating" or "feeding hatchlings" or something to that effect.

BUt the main thing is to get him eating (the proper type food) as soon as you can... and probably for the first couple of feedings I would feed him about every 3 or 4 days... until he is beginning to look better then you can move it to once a week...

Hope this helps,
Let us know how it's going...

TrpnBils

09-15-2005, 09:20 PM

Believe me if i knew i was getting a snake, i would have at least researched it or looked for a breeder instead of going to stupid petco

I have to ask. How could you have not known you were getting a snake if you went and bought it at Petco? It's not like it was dumped on you by somebody that couldn't handle keeping it.

And you've been asked a few times now but haven't answered as far as I can tell - are you or are you not feeding it crickets?

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 10:09 PM

To save you the time of reading my previous posts. I will try to tell the whole story from the beginning.
Well almost 3 weeks ago my brother and I have caught a garter snake. And it was a sunny day, it was kept under the sun and my brother decided to wet it with the garden hose *pretty clever huh?* and soon in less than 15 minutes it died. I was devastated as snakes are my favourite animals.
One day, we were coming from Home Depot my brother stops at petco to get crickets... I have at least a dozen frogs and toads. Crickets are not for the snake. Anyways he goes to the snake section and asks me to get one and I said I cannot decide but he insisted because he was feeling guilty the other snake died.
Well I did get the snake, came home, left it for a week to get adjusted, then tried feeding him half a pinkie *as i was told by the petstore* he didn't eat. I try again 4 days later with different methods I have gotten from this site. Some of you were with me online during the process. SO he never ate. I call the petstore and they tell me they gave me a snake from the wrong container "the non-eating" so I gave it back to them and got this new one that the girl said he has shed two days ago and he is due to eat in two days.
But one my way back I have noticed the skin and I called back, they said it's because of the shed. It will go away. But I took pictures, which I have put the link in the 1st post. And here I am asking what to do.

I have not caused this to the snake, I have water in there, and I mist the viv twice a day. I am letting him get adjusted to the new viv but I have touched him and he felt really moist. I have temps on one side of the tank, which shows around 87 during the day and lower to mid 70's during the night. He does move around from hide to hide.

As I write this long message, I have put a WHOLE pinkie in a small tupperware. Left it in a dark room, hoping he will eat.

cka

09-15-2005, 10:24 PM

Instead of misting twice a day (that's a bit much) just use a big waterdish...Too much humidity is just as bad as not enough...

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 11:06 PM

It is almost 11 pm, just an hour after my last post. And to my surprise, i went up there to check, he did eat a full pinkie. Here's a lousy image of his lump. <img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/DSCF0222.jpg">

Sorry im too carried away with this but I was really worried this one wouldn' eat.
So I guess, Step 1 = Completed. Im so happy.

Wilder

09-15-2005, 11:16 PM

Good to hear that he has eaten! Remember to leave him alone for at least two days so he can digest his meal. You don't want to worry about a regurge now. You can try feeding him again in five days or so. :)

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 11:21 PM

Wilder

09-15-2005, 11:27 PM

Yes thank you, I will remember that. At least now I know that this one IS eating.
But I still have to take care of his dehydration. I have tried soaking him, he did not stay there. And I tried the papertowel, but it was getting cold really fast. Maybe i didn't warm it as necessary.

I HOPE you're not doing this now after he has eaten. You WILL end up with a regurge. Just leave him alone for the next two days. Be sure there is fresh water in his dish and leave him alone.

Cursed_Witch

09-15-2005, 11:36 PM

No No, of course not after he ate... As you can see in the pic, i took the tapperware and put it as is because I dont want to touch it. For 2 days! Im a good listener.

But when I held him today, he was moist, i did try to soak him anyway he kept trying to run away, and tried the warm/damp paper towel, he just stood there not moving.
Sorry to ask this, but what is exactly that I need to do now?

amelanistic frank

09-16-2005, 05:43 AM

Cursed Witch-
Good job! Glad to hear he ate. Hang in there, like I said-
soak it up the advice the advice this board offers you,
and you will be fine, and so will your snake.
:)
Dave \m/

MastersHaven

09-16-2005, 07:17 AM

YAY!!! he ate, that's WONDERFUL!!!! :cheers:
you can put a moist hide in his tank by getting a delicup and placing damp moss or papertowels in it (somewhere in the middle of the tank *not too hot/not too cool*) he will get inside when he feels dry or too hot. you could do a search for *moist hides* or even *nesting boxes* <--- you may find something that will help in those also...

That way you dont have to mist so often and he will have free access to it without you having to touch him after he eats...

Nice Job!!! keep it up...
:wavey:

Roy Munson

09-16-2005, 10:26 AM

[QUOTE=Cursed_Witch]It is almost 11 pm, just an hour after my last post. And to my surprise, i went up there to check, he did eat a full pinkie. QUOTE]

Excellent! I'm sure that everything's going to be ok. I'm happy for him (and you, of course).

Cursed_Witch

09-16-2005, 08:20 PM

Thank you Roy, frank and all of you. I am glad, because this means progress...Now i will put the delicup in there with paper towels. But are they supposed to be hot or cold or anything, or just wet! And wouldn't they dry by the time i come home from work?

Cursed_Witch

09-16-2005, 08:25 PM

and oh, i guess this means i dont suck that much in taking care of my snake! Right?

Roy Munson

09-16-2005, 08:47 PM

and oh, i guess this means i dont suck that much in taking care of my snake! Right?

I guess not (ha ha). A feeding snake is a good sign. Now you can relax a little and enjoy your snake.

I wouldn't worry about the temperature of the wet paper towels. If you put the hide in the middle of the heat gradient as MastersHaven suggested, their temps will end up close to the ambient temp in that spot anyway.

Tracee

09-17-2005, 11:39 AM

I must be missing something in the pictures because the skin problem is not too apparent to me! You have provided water and nourishment, which is all you need to do for now. Try not to worry about it too much unless the snake's condition deteriorates, just wait until s/he sheds. If it comes off ok you'll know for sure there is nothing wrong - and you can check the eye caps then as well. Corns are hardy snakes and don't require your constant attention to thrive; a successful first feed is a great sign. Good luck!

Cursed_Witch

09-17-2005, 06:33 PM

Ever since he ate, he just stayed in the tupperware. So when i misted him last night he tried to drink it. SO i put some water in it and he drank it really fast... Then he moved around a bit....But hid the whole night..
I just came home from work, and i found him back in the tupperware thingy. So im worried if he doesnt know that he's supposed to drink! Besides i don't want him to get used ito sitting in that because that's what i feed him in and then he won't use his hides!

SnakeAround

09-17-2005, 07:13 PM

Good job getting the sweet thing to eat!

I don't understand; do you mean you just put in water when he was obviously thirsty when you misted the viv? I assume the water is available all day... I hope and assume it's just a reading or typing error.

Why do you worry he doesn't know he's supposed to drink? He drank right in front of you you said? :shrugs:

I think if you'll take out the tupperware thingy when his skin is ok, he'll remember where to go to hide, don't worry! And I think it's a good thing when he's laying on the wet paper towels; thats what theye are meant for after all?

Last question; when you say the skin feels moist; I hope you dont mean a little wet or 'wettish'? A too high humidity could also cause the 'stretchy' skin! IOn the'othe rhand, if the corn gets on the wet towels by itself I guess the problem is not too high humidity...

f I were you I would stop the misting; as far a I know, it's not necessary and if there's a moist hide you can be sure the corn will condition its skin by its self.

stormi

09-17-2005, 07:37 PM

I have noticed certain things i will name. But plz, stop with the "maybe u shoudnt get a snake" or "u should have done this or that..." advices... I already have the snake, n im not giving it up. OKK

I noticed:
- Whenever i take a pic with flash, his skin changes color (view imgs with flash discolor)
- One eye has a cap
- Skin is stretched or loose (view stretched skin imgs)
- He has a "default" in his pattern.

http://photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/

Please view the images n let me know if this snake is healthy or not.
I hope the link works
Thanks

the flash thing is from the camera...the streched skin is probaly sagging from the lack of mostier or water and i think there are very few snakes that have perfect patterns

daufoi

09-18-2005, 12:07 AM

I'm not a snake expert but he looks a little skinny. With some of the pics, I think I might be looking at the spine. This might be causing the skin stretching? Maybe they weren't feeding him enough at the pet store?

MastersHaven

09-18-2005, 01:27 PM

hopefully things are still progressing with this little one...

I have some ideas for you to try regarding the moist hide.

what I use as a perminant moist hide in my viv's are gladware containers... I am attaching a few *not-so-great* photo's for you to refer to, the one in the photos is the 8 cup size (larger than what you will need) ... all I do is drill a few holes in it for ventilation and then one larger one on one end so the snake can come and go freely... I fill it over half way with a moistened moss (also shown in the photos) then I put the lid on the container and place it *upside-down* in the viv (usually buried an inch or so in the substrate) with the drilled holes visable to allow free air flow... I just check it every day or so and fluff the moss and make sure it is still damp. I also usually position it in a neutral area of the viv ( like I said before - not too hot/ not too cool)... this is a cheap and easy way to make sure your little one is happy...

and for those of us who love to hide their *hides* with greenery this same thing can be done with dry moss -- paper towels -- even substrate as a normal hide, then just place greenery around it and there you have it cheap and easy to clean.

hope this helps,

Ever since he ate, he just stayed in the tupperware. So when i misted him last night he tried to drink it. SO i put some water in it and he drank it really fast... Then he moved around a bit....But hid the whole night..
I just came home from work, and i found him back in the tupperware thingy. So im worried if he doesnt know that he's supposed to drink! Besides i don't want him to get used ito sitting in that because that's what i feed him in and then he won't use his hides!

Cursed_Witch

09-19-2005, 07:52 PM

Thanks, ill definetly do that, I'll also search around in this site to see what is the most appropriate way to do it....

And for those who asked, what I was trying to say is that, even since the snake ate he did not move. I left him in the morning came back at night, he was still in his same place. So i figured he did not drink, other than his water bowl, I put some water in the container that he was in, coz thats where he stayed after eating (you can see in the image).
Last night he moved, because i found him in one of the hides this morning. And i think i found a dark round shiny thing, which i thought was feces, but how can it be under the water bowl? I don't think he can go under it, he tried before and i watched him not succeed going underneath it.

Tracee

09-20-2005, 03:27 PM

You think you found a dark round shiny thing? If you're concerned about the 'item', we'll need a better description.. Feces wasn't shiny last time I looked :shrug: :)

Roy Munson

09-20-2005, 08:32 PM

Feces wasn't shiny last time I looked :shrug: :)

Its lack of luster is what distinguishes it from Shinola.

Cursed_Witch

09-20-2005, 08:44 PM

Im really sorry about asking so many things but i do have another thing to ask..
Last time my snake ate was thursday, and i am supposed to feed him again in 5 days, which makes it tonight. But here's the issue, first, at the pet store they were feeding him a half a pinkie, but i fed him a full one and he ate it, didnt regurgitate or anything, but he did not move for the whole four days, except last night is when he started moving around, before that he was just sitting in there not moving at all, same place all day.....
So im wondering, was the meal big for him or something. Should i wait before i feed him again, and should i feed a full pinkie?
Hes about 2 1/2 months old. About 14 inches.
Thank u so much for ur answer.
And by the way i think the stretch of the skin got better at least in the middle part, the tail needs some more work!

PtDnsr

09-20-2005, 09:01 PM

Since you said the store was feeding him half a pinky and you fed him a whole one I would feed every 7 days for a bit until he gets used to it. That's just my opinion, but in essence you just doubled his meal. And don't worry about asking questions - better to ask and be sure.

~Katie

MastersHaven

09-20-2005, 09:24 PM

I agree with Katie... it is better to ask...

I would wait 7 days also...

one thing to think about... was the pinkie you fed him a SMALL mouse pinkie or was it a large mouse pinkie.... If it was a large one it may have been too large... next time you feed him pick out the smallest one you can find and try that.

mine usually lay around for a day or so after feeding but never 4 days... that may have been a bit much for him. have you noticed if he has passed feces yet? usually that happens around the 3rd or 4th day...

the next time you feed him can you take a photo... one that shows the size of the pinkie in comparison to him... maybe we can advise you better if we could see what you are working with. another thing you could do is cut the pinkie in half and feed him both halves (if he will eat them both) that way he's not taking it all in one big lump....

just my thoughts...
:wavey:

Cursed_Witch

09-20-2005, 09:49 PM

I did post a pic of his lump a page or 2 ago in this thread... U can check it, And yes i did feed him the smallest pinkie i had in there. About the feces, i noticed a black shiny thing that i posted asking and i was told that the feces don't look shiny nor all black!
So i will not feed him tonight. And yes he stayed 2 full days not moving at all, literally, but the rest of the 2 days he moves into another location stays like that all day, then 4th day another location, doesnt move all day....

Check the pics and please tell me what to do!
And thank u for being nice about answering me and not telling me to go search the forums

Cursed_Witch

09-21-2005, 12:40 PM

I just had to share this with you
Last night i took him out so i can hold him a bit, he's been sleeping even since he ate, so he starts walking around my hands and all that then he stops and i noticed he was taking rapid breaths (he wasn't panicking or anything, he was quite comfortable), i wondered if he needed the exercise...
Then he curled up in my hand and slept for about 3 hours or more...He was just in there, sometimes he'd wake up and turn around and sleep again...It was such a cute feeling having him sleep in my hand.

And yes i did find feces, i took pics, but i dont think i need to post them, coz it does match the description i have read in the forums, the yellow part and the black part... But somehow it wasnt a piece hehehe, it was more like a stain!

Cursed_Witch

09-22-2005, 11:25 PM

Nobody answered to my last 2 posts. I really hope this time somebody would answer.
Those of you who know, last week the snake did eat. But tonight I tried again, he did not eat, tried to make small cuts, and brain etc....he just seems not interested, in fact, he just wants to get out of there, u know the small deli-cup thing.
SO what went wrong? plus i think he's gotten thinner once he digested his lump

viktoria333

09-23-2005, 08:37 AM

I'm not sure because I am still a "noob" but maybe the "black shiny thing" was a regurge?Your snakes poo should look similar to bird poo..If as you said your snake is looking thinner since you fed it I wouldn't be surprised if it upchucked the remains of it's last meal..If this is at all possible,check your temps,and leave it be for about 10 days,then try again with a very small/halved pinkie,or even just a pinkie head..

Just a thought or two,hope it helps..V :shrugs:

MastersHaven

09-23-2005, 04:52 PM

You seem to be doing everything right so far, how about -- try putting him in the deli-cup with the pinkie and put the lid on it (make sure there are small air holes in it) and cover it with cloth (or something thin) to make it dark and just leave it in the cooler side of the viv over night.... that will usually work..

he is not going to plump up after only one feeding, thats why I suggested feeding a little more often for the first few weeks... BUT I would feed him no more often than every 4 days then after he starts to look and act more normal move him up to a normal time of 5 - 7 days...

Take Care and keep us updated!

Nobody answered to my last 2 posts. I really hope this time somebody would answer.
Those of you who know, last week the snake did eat. But tonight I tried again, he did not eat, tried to make small cuts, and brain etc....he just seems not interested, in fact, he just wants to get out of there, u know the small deli-cup thing.
SO what went wrong? plus i think he's gotten thinner once he digested his lump

Cursed_Witch

09-23-2005, 09:49 PM

The pet store had him for about 3 weeks and he ate fine, last week he ate fine, last night he didnt eat, was not interested, i did exactly like you said, put it in the small deli-cup put it in a big brown bag to keep it dark and he just didnt eat, i brained, nothing, i treased, nothing again.

I also need to say, i have been misting him twice a day, put a small cup with paper towels and its not working....
I do have to admit that i cant leave any light on (stict rules) but the room temp alone seems to be doing, i only have a thermometer on one side as i have no heat, i didnt i would need another for the other side. His skin got looser and to me he looks extreeeeeeeeeeeeeemely skinny, So PLEASE, what can i do, things are comlicated for me right now if i were to take him to a vet, coz i have 3 sick cats, with pneumonia or herpes or something the vets can;t tell, so im going back and forth and trying to get to work and all, so its all a mess, last thing i need my snake to be dying.

MastersHaven

09-23-2005, 10:08 PM

I am so sorry that you are having such misfortune... being a pet owner myself I certainly understand what you are going through... but honestly if he is getting that thin... you should call a vet... or call the petstore... it sounds like you are doing everything you can for him... I wish I knew what else to tell you...

If you are traveling to the vet anyways just ask him what might be wrong one day when you are there... he can't charge you for advice.... in the meantime, let him rest and wait a few days before you try to feed him again.

I hope everything starts looking up for you and yours...

Cursed_Witch

09-23-2005, 10:57 PM

Thanks LeeAnn, the vet that i am going is the cats vet, i dont know if he handles snakes, i was told those would be exotic vets....
Here's an image of something that looks like feet i guess that i found in his tank tonight! Can anyone tell what it is?
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/DSCF0031.jpg

Here's how he looks now... there's the white balance issue though
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/DSCF0016.jpg

This shows on the rock that there's moisture, which means humidity should be fine.. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/DSCF0013.jpg

as you look at the top right corner, you can see the feces and what i was saying as shiny black stuff. Which i suppose is not shiny anymore.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b113/Paolitta/Corn/DSCF0004.jpg
Im wondering if i post this in another thread or a new thread would i get more response?

MastersHaven

09-23-2005, 11:10 PM

the first and last photo's were really blurry for me but the one of the snake came through very clear... I'll be honest with you... I am VERY concerned about this little one... the only other time I have seen one in the condition this one is in is when my friend purchased one from a local petstore... it was very thin and look king od like yours... (NOT to scare you) but it died two days after she got it... she had a necropsy preformed and the results showed that the hatchling was over come with parasites....

Post another post asking for parasite info and ask what should be done .... post it with the photo of the hatchling you just posted here....

this is the only other thing I know to do!!!

Good luck!!!!!

I will follow you new post for updates...

MastersHaven

09-23-2005, 11:12 PM

*EDIT* it was very thin and look king od like yours... --- that was suppose to read *kind of like yours*

Sorry!

Roy Munson

09-23-2005, 11:18 PM

After seeing that picture, I share LeeAnn's concern. I think this guy's problems may be beyond your ability to remedy at home. If you want this guy to live, you need to take him to a herp vet. Even that might not pull him through, so you have to decide what you're going to do. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, and I'm sorry the little guy's in such bad shape.

If you end up replacing him, you may want to go with a yearling, or something that's better established on a healthy path. And get it from a reputable breeder.

Best of Luck.

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 10:24 AM

I called the pet store (urgh I am so pissed) and luckily im still under the 15 days warranty and he admitted that it would be internal parasites if that's the case... SO he suggested returning it today or tomorrow as tomorrow is the last day of warranty.
And I decided to get my full refund and not replace it this time... And as everybody adviced me to get it from a breeder, probably not right away i guess. I do have to get a break from this...
But I live in Massachusetts. How do i find a breeder and a pretty good one close to me?

cka

09-24-2005, 03:43 PM

MastersHaven

09-24-2005, 04:33 PM

I am so sorry that it came to this...
I feel for the poor little thing...

what you need to do is hang out here at the forum and post in the wanted area or in genereal chit-chat asking about breeders.... sometimes if you can't find one close shipping is an option. It's a bit more expensive but when you find a breeder you can trust it is well worth the extra money...

I hope things work out better for you next time around... and I agree with what someone said previously... It would probably be best if you got one that is a bit older (maybe a yearling).

feel free to pm or email me when you are ready for another one and I will give you a list of breeders I deal with (& trust)...

Take Care...

I called the pet store (urgh I am so pissed) and luckily im still under the 15 days warranty and he admitted that it would be internal parasites if that's the case... SO he suggested returning it today or tomorrow as tomorrow is the last day of warranty.
And I decided to get my full refund and not replace it this time... And as everybody adviced me to get it from a breeder, probably not right away i guess. I do have to get a break from this...
But I live in Massachusetts. How do i find a breeder and a pretty good one close to me?

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 05:47 PM

what i dont understand is that pet store are getting their snakes from breeders aren't they? so how can i tell which breeder is good and which isn't?
Besides, I need some time off from all of this. It seems i'm not meant to have a snake after all.

By the way, nobody told me what was that thing i found in the viv last night? i posted the pic a few msgs ago.

Tracee

09-24-2005, 06:06 PM

By the way, nobody told me what was that thing i found in the viv last night? i posted the pic a few msgs ago.
The picture is far too blurry to tell what it is I'm afraid.

Very sorry about your little snake :( I think you've made a wise choice in taking a break. I hope when you do buy another you have better luck.

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 06:59 PM

With your next one, a few words of advice. Misting twice a day is way too much. Unless you live in an extremely arid part of the country, and Mass. isnt, try using a bigger waterdish and maybe misting once a week. A waterdish/hide combination works great. To hold humidity in your aquarium, try taping a piece of plastic tarp over 1/2 to 2/3 of the lid.

I have used the "chipped substrate" you have in your aquarium several years ago, and I didnt like it at all. To me i seemed to dry out the enclosure :shrugs: Try shredded aspen or coconut, or Forest bedding, even newspaper.

Wish I could help you with a breeder in Massachusetts, but I cant think of one even close. Take your refund, add a few dollars to it and I'm sure that would cover getting a nice healthy corn shipped to you from one of several folks online here. Make sure you thoroughly clean out your aquarium with a bleach solution and replace that substrate before you place a new snake in it.

Good luck and don't let this one bad experience get you down :)

Well since he is dehydrated, he needs more humidity than the usual. So misting it will add that, but since the substrate makes the environment dry, therefore misting him twice along with moist hide should balance things back. I have seen so many people using the same bark substance. Don't think it's the reason he is like that.

Somebody suggested to get something and mix it in water and soak the snake in. I was never able to soak him for half a second before, but right now, i tried but without the mixture, just in water, and the guy sat there for 15 min, then slowly came out of there.... Does this mean he is getting more comfortable...because i never seen him drink, at least when im awake. And he spends all his day in hide, so i take him and try to put his head close the the water and he seems to drink as if he hasn't in days. It's like he depends on me to make him drink.... Is he lazy or something?

Tracee

09-24-2005, 07:01 PM

He could be very weak? The real answer is, we just don't know. I'm sorry..

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 07:07 PM

He could be very weak? The real answer is, we just don't know. I'm sorry..

He seems to move around fine though...just never interested in drinking.
Anyways, i just hope ill return him either tonight or tomorrow, Im really worried about him, i hope petco will REALLY take him to a vet. After all it was a bad experience (twice actually), and im on the verge of not wanting to have another snake again.

Billybobob

09-24-2005, 07:47 PM

Why did you start a new thread if you already have been discussing this here?

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 07:56 PM

Billybobob

09-24-2005, 08:00 PM

Then why keep this thread active?

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 08:37 PM

Then why keep this thread active?

Im already under alot of stress and yet you make me answer you each thing one by one as if you can't understand anything on your own.
The main thread is this one, which i was still talking to some of the nice people here helping me find out what is wrong. Which so far, i can't seem to do anything.
The other thread is just a seperate one discussing the possibility of parasites.

Anyways, i don't think ill be posting anymore in any thread whatsoever, because i will give my snake back and i have second doubts of getting another one ever.
Happy now!?

Billybobob

09-24-2005, 09:34 PM

Im already under alot of stress and yet you make me answer you each thing one by one as if you can't understand anything on your own.
The main thread is this one, which i was still talking to some of the nice people here helping me find out what is wrong. Which so far, i can't seem to do anything.
The other thread is just a seperate one discussing the possibility of parasites.

Anyways, i don't think ill be posting anymore in any thread whatsoever, because i will give my snake back and i have second doubts of getting another one ever.
Happy now!?

I have been around on this forum for a bit of time now and one thing I have learned is that people do not like multiple post of the same question which is what you have done. I asked a simple question which you answered which brought up another question, “Why keep this thread active?” and you gave the rude response that is quoted above. As for your snake get your refund to me it sounds like it was getting better care at the pet store any way. And as for you leaving this forum and never posting here again, “Who cares” that will just mean that there will be one less rude person on this forum asking for help. :wavey:

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 11:09 PM

I have been around on this forum for a bit of time now and one thing I have learned is that people do not like multiple post of the same question which is what you have done. I asked a simple question which you answered which brought up another question, “Why keep this thread active?” and you gave the rude response that is quoted above. As for your snake get your refund to me it sounds like it was getting better care at the pet store any way. And as for you leaving this forum and never posting here again, “Who cares” that will just mean that there will be one less rude person on this forum asking for help. :wavey:

IM being rude?

Billybobob

09-24-2005, 11:37 PM

IM being rude?

Yes you were and you have already apoligised for it in a pm wich i thought was your original response to my post that you have just now quoted.

The main thread is this one, which i was still talking to some of the nice people here helping me find out what is wrong. Which so far, i can't seem to do anything.

i italicized the potion that made that stament rude to me. an it was direected at me

Anyways, i don't think ill be posting anymore in any thread whatsoever, because i will give my snake back and i have second doubts of getting another one ever.
Happy now!?

and here you were trying to make it look like it's my fault that you are going to leave the forum. you were trying to make me look mean and i think that that is rude also.

What about my post was rude i just stated my opinion and responded to your question of "happy now!?"

Billybobob

09-24-2005, 11:39 PM

If you want to continu this argument you started do it in a PM i don't need to get in trouble because of you.

Cursed_Witch

09-24-2005, 11:44 PM

If you want to continu this argument you started do it in a PM i don't need to get in trouble because of you.

After your first msg that you named me a rude person and who cares if i am here or not, I did not post here again, as a respect i went into pm and i did apologize for something that i wasn't exactly sure what happened.. But your answer was really really rude and then you went into the other post and accused me of stuff....
What do you call that..... YOU don't want trouble or should you read my PM message again, the part i said i don't want any problems.!?
Please do not post in this thread, we are way off topic

MegF.

09-27-2005, 12:54 AM

Cursed Witch. Is it possible that you increased the humidity to the point your snake ended up with skin blistering from excessive moisture? It might make the skin look odd like that too, although I've never personally seen it. Kathy Love talks about it in her book. I would still return the snake for a refund, if you haven't already, and save the money for a reptile show where you can perhaps get an older snake for less money than is charged at a petstore. The older snakes are far easier to deal with and are usually well established with feeding and temperament.

Cursed_Witch

09-27-2005, 11:59 AM

Thanks Meg...
But where can i find one of those reptile shows, i live in Massachusetts where we have nothing for easy.

Besides, yes i did return the snake. But see, i am testing my temperatures as i was suspecting i may be the reason for the snake's condition, although i got him dehydrated i guess i made him worse.
Anyways, i got a humidity gauge, or whatever it's called. I never had one before, so i put it in the middle of the viv, i thought that's where it should be. and im suspecting either it's broken/malfunctioning or i was wrong all alone. It's giving me in the 60's and sometimes goes over 70. I thought it should be 40 to 60. And i was also told that humans require same humidity therefore nothing special should be done for corns. Does this mean my room humidity is hight already or its the thing thats broken or something?

MegF.

09-27-2005, 12:51 PM

It's quite possible that with twice daily mistings, you were pushing the humidity up over 65-70%. My green tree python is in an enclosed viv, but if I mist thoroughly in there, I get 90-100% humidity for a few hours and then it goes down to 80% or so. With an open viv you could expect more evaporation, but if the substrate is very moist, 70% would not be a surprise. I'm not sure where you could find a reptile show. Go on line to the NRBA site. They tend to have small shows everywhere, and maybe there will be something near you. You could also check into local breeders if any. Look on this site, and see if anyone on the breeding section of the forum, or on the snakes for sale section are near you. Try aspen for your next substrate instead of bark, make a moist hide for the snake, or only mist when they're about to shed and I think you'll do fine. In the meantime, you can research on stuff here, and be that better armed with info when you get the next one.

Cursed_Witch

10-01-2005, 04:01 PM