Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it typical for young boas to have runny stools? The urates are white to cream colored and solid but the rest is very runny and loose. I am feeding them rat pinks from rodent pro. None of my other older boas are having this problem. I have 4 06 babies from 2 different breeders. The only thing that I could think of is that they may not be getting the hair and bones that they would get with older rats or mice. The stool is brown as is normal. I do not notice any more of an odor then from the other boas. Any opinions out there? Are we talking about possible parasites? Or just something that a change of diet might fix?
John

Since you havn't mentioned to the contrary, I'll assume the affected snakes are all eating and otherwise doing well?

If there are no pressing issues I would try to switch them to mice to supply the hair and more solid bones (older animals). If that doesn't work, or even in the mean time, I'd get a fecal checked. I've only fed mice to my boas until older, but I've never had diarrhea in my boas before. As you've guessed, parasites are also a possibility, as are viral and bacterial infections. As always, re-evaluate your husbandry and see if any improvement can be made.

Ian

Ian,

They are all eating fine, never missed a meal. I will change their diet and and see if that makes a difference and get a stool sample into the vet as soon as I can.
Thanks,
John