Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So this isn't really about gray banded kings but I figured you guys would be the ones to ask about small desert snakes that don't want to eat.

I was wondering if anyone has isssues where snakes that are being assist fed or are only eating sporadically get badly constipated? What do you do to prevent it and what do you do once it happens?

I have some hatchling anthill pythons that have all just stated feeding on their own after a few weeks of assist feeding. Now several are very constipated. I have been soaking them twice a week, even the ones that don't look constipated. I have also been spaying down their tubs every few days. They dont use a humid hide if given one. None of this seems to be making much of a difference.

I lost one of these last year to fatal constipation and I really don't want to loose any of these, so any advice is appreciated.

cheers

Ok, I am by no means an "expert" and I don't know JACK about pythons or scrub pythons. I do know that "stress" causes many symptoms such as dehydration which in turn causes constipation. Force Feeding can cause stress.

If you are soaking the animals this is probably a good idea. keep a close watch on the scales to make sure you don't see any sores. (caused by too much moisture)

Another option would be to try some mineral oil or something like that in VERY SMALL Doses. I have heard of others doing this...I would not do this without contacting a vet first.

I wish you and your snake good luck.

Cage type, lighting, heating, water, substrate, etc?