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Sick python help!

jodie2982 Jan 26, 2007 09:18 AM

I just rescued a python that was being staved. It's skin is very lose and rinkally. the python is very weak and i was wondering if it is ok to try to feed it live mice or if i should feed it baby food first. i'm not sure if it is strong enough to kill a live mouse. it is on the verg of death. What should i do?

Replies (4)

lichanura Jan 26, 2007 11:03 AM

What is the species and the size of your python?
Force feeding is too stressful to the snake, especially if it is sick. Try feeding it a dead mouse that is small enough for the snake to easily swallow.

j3nnay Jan 26, 2007 03:26 PM

A lot depends on the species, but you should probably soak it in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes to try and rehydrate it.
Pythons of any species are carnivores and do not need baby food.
The previous suggestion of a prekilled mouse is also good.

Find out what species of python you have, and then give it as close to perfect conditions for that species as you can. From there it's just leaving it alone to minimize stress, providing fresh water, and feeding it regularly.

What does it look like?

~jenny
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1.2 normal ball pythons (Cindy, Darwin, and Periscope)
0.2 rescue chinese water dragons (Yoni and Linga)
0.0.1 Mountain Horned Lizard
1.0 rex rat (Scurvy)
1.0 gerbil (Yerbul)
0.1 mice (Cute Girl Mousy)
0.1 bunny (Spazz)
1.1 betta fishes (Vicious and Killer)
2.2 great danes (Shasta, Odysseus, Merlot, and Watson)
1.0 fat fuzzy mutt (Smokey)
1.1 cats (Thidwick and Turtle)
3.0 horses (Buddy, Sam, and Scout)
1.0 goat (Billy Jack)
1.25 chickens (Ugly the rooster and his harem)

jenny.thegreenes.org

jodie2982 Jan 27, 2007 08:39 AM

It was a Bermese. I took it to the vet and they put it to sleep. Thanks for your help.

Jaykis Jan 28, 2007 11:09 AM

I have the sad feeling that that was not necessary. A snake that's not been fed and that's too dry will have the same condition. Rehydrating would have been the thing to do. If the vet was not familiar with reptiles, they may have just killed it by mistake.
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.0 Woma
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

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