My snake died

My baby corn snake just died. He just shed last Friday, so I tried feeding him tonight. He hasn't eaten since I've had him (about 4 weeks) and tonight was the third time I tried. He didn't take the mouse, so I did as I've done before: I put him and the mouse in his little Petco box(which has airholes) and closed it up and left the whole box in his vivarium. I checked back 45 minutes later to see if he had eaten the mouse, which he hadn't, but he wasnt moving at all. I shook the box a little to see if he'd snap out of it but he didn't and I finally picked him up to discover that to the best of my knowledge, he is dead. Why on earth would this happen? Ive done this same thing before and it's been fine(well, he never took the mouse before, but he kept alive!). Could he have suffocated? That's almost what it looks like because his mouth was open. I feel horribly guilty. Maybe this snake thing isn't for me after all. Help!

I am so sorry for your loss

It is very hard to say why he died. You say the box you put him in to feed had airholes so he shouldn't have suffocated. Do you know if he ever ate? That could be a problem. But you will never know for sure why he died.

Don't let this deter you for keeping snakes in the future. They can be so rewarding to keep.

I'm sorry some snakes just aren't meant to live, there is most likely nothing you could have done. I would however contact the place you got him. susang

I am sorry for your loss. My little Sugar died today as well. It's hard eh?

Don't let this keep you from getting another when you are ready. Corns are hardy snakes and if yours passed, something was wrong before you got it probably. I have others and am so happy I discovered snakes.

It did not suffocate. A guy here in Ontario (who deals in wholesale reptiles) says that some snakes he receives are imported in air tight containers (so airport dogs don't sniff them out) and they survive for 3 days without air, on a plane or some stupid thing. You did not kill your snake. You tried really hard.

Yours and mine are now eating a big fat pinkie in the sky I hope!

Tracy

Originally Posted by Rich in KY

IDon't let this deter you for keeping snakes in the future. They can be so rewarding to keep.

Rich and Tracy are right. Don't let this put you down, it can make you a better snake keeper in the future. You care!

I would also do what Susang suggested, contact the person from whom you got the snake and let them know what happened.

I'm guessing that he had never had a meal in his life. Sad, but true. I once saw a hatchling at petco that had a HUGE kink in its neck area. The snake could not even align its head straight with its body.

It seemed pretty clear to me that whatever supplier that store must whole sale their completely hopeless non feeders instead of properly euthanizing them.

Let this be a lesson. If you do decide to buy another snake make sure it is from a reputable breeder. It may be a good idea for you to get a well established snake as a starter instead of a hatchling as well.

So sorry to hear of your loss, and to you tracy.

Jaimbabe, you said the tub was over your heatmat, what are the temps coming from it?
Its more than likely that it just wasnt meant to live, as said above, so dont let it put you off owning more snakes

I would defiantly recommend a well established snake as well. I am located in San Diego. I noticed your in Cali as well. If your down in this area I would be happy to help you find another snake but if not I am sure someone here is near your area and can help you out.

Originally Posted by Jessicat

I'm guessing that he had never had a meal in his life. Sad, but true. I once saw a hatchling at petco that had a HUGE kink in its neck area. The snake could not even align its head straight with its body.

It seemed pretty clear to me that whatever supplier that store must whole sale their completely hopeless non feeders instead of properly euthanizing them.

Let this be a lesson. If you do decide to buy another snake make sure it is from a reputable breeder. It may be a good idea for you to get a well established snake as a starter instead of a hatchling as well.

I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with Jessicat, I bet the snake had never eaten. The store workers are not going to tell you if a snake is either a problem eater, or not eating at all. Please don't be discouraged, it wasn't your fault. You did not kill your snake. I would recommend ordering one from a breeder on this forum. You would know for certain that the snake is healthy and eating. Also, they can help you personally if you are having problems. There is a for sale thread on this forum. Don't be shy, go look, and talk to different breeders to find what you want. Good luck, and I am so sorry again for your loss.

I am so very sorry about your snake.
it really wasn't your fault. Don't trust the pet-store guys!!!