Dead Snake

So, I got a few extra snakes in a shipment a few weeks ago, and 3/4 of the free babies regurged their first meals. I treated them with nutribac and held off food for 14 days, and 2 of them still regurged their second meals. Today, I went to check on them, and 3/4 kept their meals down, the fourth one had regurged, and I went to pick him up, only to find him already dead. Do I need to take him to a specialist for a necropsy, or can any vet do that? I just really worry that something might be wrong with all these kids. They are quarantined away from most of my collection and I always took care of them last, but if it is something airborne I am worried they all could have gotten it. The older male I got with them has not had any issues, it was just the free group of hatchlings.

I was not attached to this baby, but I am still sad! I never had any just die before.

Is there a reason why they were free - were they problem feeders or non-eaters? If so, chances are that they may have some fundamental issues. In this scenario I wouldn't be rushing for a necropsy.

Also depends where you bought them as to whether it might just be bad luck or something more fundamental. Have you contacted the seller?

I wouldn't think non-feeders would eat for you so easily (or maybe you have the touch?).

Perhaps poor shipping conditions/temps left them sick.

Perhaps the previous owner didn't feed them and they didn't have the energy to keep down their meals.

I'd definitely go easy with half pinks or something for a while.

I am not sure why they were free, I was notified upon shipping that I had four extras along with the snake I bought. I have not contacted the seller yet, but I have contacted another member who also received extras about the issue, they had the same problem but it did not continue like with mine. I don't think I have a touch with non feeders lol, these guys ate the very first time I offered pinks to them. The others did not regurgitate this time, it was just the one that is now deceased. I have him stored in my refrigerator for now.

For some its just not in the cards no matter what you do some will always pass. its just nature culling the weak sad to say but true. I know even tho no attachment its still hard to loose one under your care. Regurge is a crazy thing there are so many reasons it can happen and not the easiest thing to nail down to an exact cause, because many factors can be involved. We can only do our best with the little time there is to try and sort out the issues causing it. Unfortunately by the time we do get it sorted its to late. I would call the seller maybe it was happening under his care hopefully he can shed some light to help save the others you have. I wish you luck with them

I would be REALLY angry if someone sent me snakes I didn't adk for, especially non-feeders. REALLY angry.

It is hard, I knew after the second regurge dispite having had the nutribac that his chances were slim. I had hoped that he would pull through like my petco kid. Nanci, I doubt they were non feeders since they ate willingly each time. They were extras from a project and the non-morph outcomes

You didn't know you were getting "free" snakes? That's really not cool, pushing some burden on someone else and risking spreading disease to your animals, not to mention the cost of caring for additional snakes and making you feel like you should be spending money on veterinary services for them. Shame on you whoever you are.

I've lost a few this year and it isn't easy, at least it isn't easy on me. From one breeder I bought 6 hatchlings that were eating for him. Two really never ate well for me and I lost them quickly. One ate for me, skipping a meal now and again, but nothing I was worried about. Went to feed it and it was dead. So it can happen even with the bought ones. Some times living things fail in one place or for one person and thrive in another or for someone else.

It would be hard to guess who would be happy to get some extra free snakes in an order and who wouldn't be happy about it. I've read here where several people were thrilled to get extras. The breeders here, well I don't think any of them would send free snakes that were known problems to them.

Now that I think about it, I can see how some people wouldn't like the freebies. Space planning, food supplies, equipment, breeding plans, etc, all could be disrupted with some freebies. Not for everybody, but for some it would be. Hmmm, maybe a good new topic thread.

Originally Posted by Nanci

I would be REALLY angry if someone sent me snakes I didn't adk for, especially non-feeders. REALLY angry.

Absolutely! To be dumped with problem snakes without warning is very poor indeed. It's a nice seller who offloads anything that looks like it might be hard work or potentialy need vet attention. I can understand maybe the seller asking in advance - many people would have the time, space and money to give some babes a bit of TLC and might be pleased with freebies. But without asking? Bad practice. Very bad.

Not to mention the fact that I have very limited space - even one unexpected new snake would cause havoc in the main area where I keep them. I'd actually have to throw furniture away to fit them in (after quarantine *and* spending potentially months getting them to eat *and* if they don't die on me).

Ali - Have you checked the BOI to see if there are other potential issues with the seller?