Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an approximately 3-4' long IJ carpet python that I got from the shelter where I work; came in having been neglected by its previous owner..I've only had him about 3 weeks now; he's set up in a 20L tank with an UTH and a 40 watt bulb on during the day...newspaper substrate, hide, and climbing branch...Since I've had him he's been ravenously hungry, has eaten probably a dozen adult mice (over the 3 weeks)and begs for more...he's also shed...however, he has yet to defecate...should I be worried? He seems alert and healthy, but I have no idea how he was kept before I got him...any suggestions appreciated...thanks..

SR

Try putting an inch of look warm water in the bathtub and putting him in to soak for 20 minutes. I don’t know what it is about the water, but my snakes always defecate in it.

Oh, wash tub thoroughly afterwards!

Mine don't poop after each feeding, so I wouldn't worry yet. I think a 3' python would eat bigger than mice though, may not yet have eaten enough to poop. I feed a 4 1/2 ft. female 3 small rats per week and she still wants more. They can eat quite a bit more than colubrids.
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