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Is this just stress?

S

Snake_Snoot

New member
So I got my first corn snake, (who we named S'more but ended up just calling Snoot cx) about a week and a half ago. I'd found her off Kijiji, and she was sold to me by a guy in his twenties. The house reeked of booze and cigarette smoke. I don't think that caused any real issues for her, but it probably increased the stress in moving in with me, a teenage girl who's room smells like lavender and pencil shavings all the time.

So it was a big change in environment. Not to mention that she was about to shed when she moved houses (her eyes changed back from blue the day after we got her.)
So she's been pretty stressed out, in other words. Luckily the shed was successful, and she did eat when I fed her on Saturday.
But back to the point, she defecated for the first time in a week and a half today. The last time being the day she shed. I'm pretty sure that's abnormal, especially because her feces was huge, about three or four inches long in the corner of her cage.

So is her defecation getting weird because she's stressed? Or do I need to get her checked out for it?
If it's relevant, she eats two large adult mice every two weeks (or so I've been told, I've only fed her once)
 
Are you worried because it's too frequent or not frequent enough? Or because of the amount of poop? I'm not clear on what exactly you're concerned about. But I would say as long as she IS eating and pooping and shedding etc, she's probably just fine.

Just last night I had one snake out, and wasn't watching her too closely because it had been 10 days since she'd eaten so I figured there was no way she had any poop left. I was in for a suprise. Not only did she still have poop left, but she had a LOT of it and it was a little... uh... less solid than usual. Quite the disgusting mess to clean up. I noticed just in time to hold her over the floor instead of my lap, thank goodness.

Also, you may not need to feed two mice at each feed. If she's a non-breeding adult, one adult mouse every 10-14 days is what's recommended to keep her at a healthy weight.
 
I was worried because I wasn't sure if it was frequent enough, and because of the amount. And whether they contributed to eachother in any way.

And thank you for the advice. Since this is my first time having a snake, (or even a pet of my own for that matter), I'm getting pretty nervous that I might be doing something wrong. I'll also try feeding her a little less. I was just going with what her previous owners told me.
 
Corn snakes are pretty forgiving. They are a great snake to start out with. And this forum is great because people here aren't afraid to let you know if you could be doing something better, but without judgement or ridicule. We've all been there with our first and remember how nervous we were too. We just want to help! :) Hang in there, once you've got your setup and routine, it's really really easy. :)
 
It is normal for snakes to have one large or two smaller poops per feeding. Sometimes it may go a little longer, especially when they are in shed, but nothing you describe sounds abnormal.

By the way, smoking and smoke is not good for snakes. Corn snakes only have one functioning lung. Not sure about lavender-- no info one way or another-- probably safe at low levels. The pencil shavings are probably inconsequential because though they are often cedar, they don't really smell of that. Pine is bad. No Lysol or pine cleaner. No air freshener in the snake room. Never use pine or cedar shavings as bedding for your snake. I keep all essential oils and candles away from my snakes just to be on the safe side. If you are unsure if something is safe for your snake be sure to ask.

Added: sorry to sound like a cranky aunt who can't stand anyone's perfume. I love perfume and scented things. Still use scented shampoo and shower gel. I just try to minimize both chemicals, wet nail polish for example, and strong scents around my snakes.
 
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