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New to snakes, learning to spot health issues.

K

Kerberos

New member
I just got a young corn snake about a week and a half ago, I've never owned a snake before and don't know exactly what to look for with health issues (I do have a few resources that I've been going to with questions and concerns before and after getting the snake). So far he's been active and curious, no sluggishness or listlessness that I've noticed. I fed him four days ago and he's been hiding near the heat mat since, I've found several feces near the water bowl on the opposite side side of the tank so it means he is coming out every once in a while when I'm not around/sleeping. I have two questions primarily right now: 1) How long is the normal period of digestion for month-old corns? I keep hearing don't handle for two days but he's been reclusing for 4. Should I be concerned? Should I try handling him or should I wait till I see him moving around?
2) Would anyone be willing to show me some example pictures of healthy vs. unhealthy feces? I cleaned the tank before I thought to take pictures, but I can post an image next time he goes if that helps.
 
I decided to check on him just in case.
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He's still alert but much more sluggish than usual. Still shows interest in things so he hasn't gone listless, and looks just a tiny bit bloated so I'm assuming he hasn't finished digesting yet. He's hiding in my sleeve right now and he was still for a bit but now I can feel him flicking his toungue and exploring. I'll put him back in the tank in a minute.
 
What are the temperatures of the viv? If its too cold it can make him sluggish and also not digest his food fast enough/slower than normal. Temperatures should be around 75 on the cool side and 85 on the warm side. If hes a new addition to the family it is also normal for him to hide and not be active. Since he is young he could also be going into shed, which the dont like to move much in and also may not eat during that period of time. Corns when digesting should not be handled until after 48 hours no exceptions. I always wait until Ive seen mine poop before I handle him just to be safe.
 
If hes been reclused for 4 days wait a couple more days if his eyes appear cloudy and skin is less vibrant then he is going into blue and is normal for him to be less active. Young corns shed alot and should not be handled until the shedding process is over
 
Thanks, he ended up going into blue two days after I posted that. He's done shedding now and doing well, still a bit reclusive though. The tempuratures are ranging from 87° to 70° roughly.
 
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