Woes of a first time snake-mom

[Kt Kat]

I got my okeetee girl on 8/27 and its been a somewhat bumpy ride. She was about 2 months old at the time of acquisition- I really did not want to end up with one so young but I did! Nobody seemed to be selling older snakes when I was at my local show. Anyway, she seemed a good size and was certainly healthy so I happily took her home. She's been real feisty the whole time. Striking, tail-rattling, but all expected from a baby.

Anyway, I followed the proper protocol for acclimation. Waited a week before feeding. Waited another 5 days before second feeding. Both times went off without a hitch, she gobbled the pinkies like a champ. Then, on Sunday she escaped! She wasn't patrolling the tank as usual so I checked on her- only to find that I did not slide her screen top closed all the way and she had squeezed through a gap. Tore my whole room up looking for her and luckily found her in my closet behind a stack of boxes a few hours later.

Now here's where I am worried. I fed her on Tuesday (last) night and came home to a regurge today. She was pretty agitated when I fed her(but she hasn't really shown a lot of calmness yet anyways) She took the food as usual though. Did I make a mistake by feeding her too recently after her escape?

I don't know if her going into blue would have anything to do with it because I have no idea what to look for. She seemed fine, her eyes seemed clear and I only noted a bit of iridescence on her headscales which I thought was normal.. So then there's the issue of temperatures. During the day her entire enclosure gets to 81-84 and I have no idea what to do about it. (the temps are below 80 on the cool side all night) The AC already runs nearly nonstop. There are not many places in the house that I can move her to, and they may not be any better.

I've just been having a rough few days with the escape and now the regurge. Its easy to beat myself up and feel I'm not cut out for being a snakemom. Especially since I haven't even been able to see a sweet side in her yet. The wait for seeing if she's gonna shed or accept a small meal over the next week is gonna be rough! Usually by this time of day she's started up her nighttime exploring or at least poking her head out of her hide but I don't see her yet so here's hoping its just a case of her going into blue and me being too ignorant of how to detect it.

Anyway, if you made it this far thanks for reading! I appreciate any advice at this point. ;-;

 

[MACS76]

I understand I am too a new snake mom. I have one who is a darling sweet snake (my avatar pic). The other is Juan he has become a real problem just trying to get him to survive. I understand your fear and confusion but the people on this site are GREAT help and insight.

 

[ZiggysMom]

Hi kt Kat,

Sorry you are having such a rough start to snake keeping.
I have found that with snakes with black checks on the stomach that is the first place that they will show signs of going blue. The black checks will look slightly gray, (almost blueish). As you get to know your snake, you may notice that it gets darker or browner on top when it is starting to go blue instead of the lighter or grayer that many corns get.

I know you are trying to not bother your little one right wow so it can settle in better, but keep that in mind for the future.

 

[insomniac101]

Don't stress yourself out so much!

I wouldn't be overly concerned with the regurge, considering her recent adventure. I would, however, wait at least another week before attempting to feed again. Her digestive tract may be irritated, and gut flora could be out of whack. Snakes can go quite a while without eating, as long as they stay hydrated. Make sure she has fresh water, and leave her alone.

She's probably just stressed out from being out and about, then getting caught. I'd try a smaller than normal prey item in a week. If she refuses, she may be going into a shed. If she regurges again, I would suggest at least a fecal exam by a vet to see if she's got internal parasites.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Kathy

 

[Kt Kat]

Hi kt Kat,

Sorry you are having such a rough start to snake keeping.
I have found that with snakes with black checks on the stomach that is the first place that they will show signs of going blue. The black checks will look slightly gray, (almost blueish). As you get to know your snake, you may notice that it gets darker or browner on top when it is starting to go blue instead of the lighter or grayer that many corns get.

I know you are trying to not bother your little one right wow so it can settle in better, but keep that in mind for the future.

You were completely right! She's actually out and about now and as she slithers up the glass I definitely see some greying on her belly checkers. No wonder she seemed more agitated than usual last night. o.o I will definitely leave her be until I see a shed.

Thanks everyone for your responses! I know everything will probably be ok, I just gotta give it time.

 

[neworleansvamp]

I am a new snake mama too. I have 3 corns and I am still learning. I did alot of research before getting my snakes. I joined here to increase my knowledge and connect with like minded people. I am so happy your little one is alright. I was reading and my thought had gone to the shedding. I got my two babies from a great breeder and are thriving, growing like weeds. My blood red pied Draco I aquired from a local breeder here is also a dream. I was worried because he hadnt shed so I called the breeder. He also had a regurge which sent me into a tailspin of worry. The breeder was great and talked me through it. After answering the questions about husbandry etc. he informed me that he was more then likely going into shed. He informed me the shed cycle takes 2 weeks to complete. Lo and behold he was in blue and viola a complete shed! After he was to eating his hopper and no regurge Best of luck to you and so far I have found the people here are friendly and def willing to answer questions...

 

[MysticExotics]

I'm glad the baby was found! I know how stressful that can be!
Follow the regurge protocol, as regurges can be hard on their systems. If you don't already have it, get some NutriBAC. I recommend having it on hand at all times.

Kathy Love's Recommendations:

"The next month or two is crucial. DO NOT feed it for AT LEAST 8 days since the last regurge. NOT ANYTHING AT ALL! Then get a newborn frozen pinky and cut it in half (or cut off just the head) If she eats it, leave her alone for a whole week. (no handling). Repeat the partial pinkie feeding the following week. Then feed a whole newborn pinkie a week after that, if there has been no regurge. Leave alone for a whole week. If she regurges, wait a week and repeat 1/2 pinkie. If she keeps it down, wait a week and repeat whole pinkie. If she holds down a couple of meals, DO NOT rush back into larger meals and more handling. Treat this seriously. Go very slowly. After 3 successful meals, go to a newborn pink every 5 days. Go back to normal feedings only after 6 successful meals. Always wait to handle until after 3 or 4 days, but only AFTER 6 successful meals. No handling until then (causes stress, need to keep stress down). And NEVER feed again right after a regurge - ALWAYS wait AT LEAST 7 or 8 days, maybe even up to 10 days, and then only feed something that was about 1/2 the size (or less) of what she regurged..

Also, be sure that temps are not too warm or cool. Try to give an area of low to mid 80s on one side and 70s on the other. Too hot or cold will cause regurges."
I usually wait 10 days before offering food, after a regurge.

 

[Kt Kat]

Update:
My baby hid for almost an entire week after my last post. Not a sign of her at all. Then last Tuesday she was roaming her tank again and sure enough, found a complete shed. Fed her a tiny chopped pinky on Friday and she seems to be doing well, no sign of any further regurges, she definitely seems to be back to her normal self.

I'll definitely pay more attention when its feeding time again and she's due for a shed- if she's as irritable as she was that time and her belly is cloudy, she won't get fed.

Thanks again everyone for the advice. :wavey: