Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello-I read your message on poo impaction and I soaked my blood for 10 hrs in warm water that remained warm the full 10 hours. She didn't defecate...yet. I put her back in her tank. I'm remaining optimistic. She hasn't defecated in 4.5 months. Her eating habits have been normal, except for two weeks recently that she wouldn't eat. She ate this past Sunday, though. The temps in the cage are 75-90 degrees. I keep fresh water in the tank. Her behavior is "normal." Should I try it again? I'm worried!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some have said stop feeding her altogether...others say continue to feed her and that will help force the poo out. The poo is VERY hard.

I'm obviously not Kelly But if you can feel a very hard mass near the vent and soaking hasn't helped, it's probably going to have to be manually removed. If you have a competent vet I would take the snake in.

Here is a thead on bloodpythons where a similar problem to yours was discussed. You may find it helpful..

http://www.bloodpythons.com/forums/showthread.php?t=947&highlight=constipation

Thanks.

From my own experience, brongersmai only, I have never had a well fed blood go more than 3 months without defecating. I have been keeping them for about 20-25 years and have definitely never had one go anywhere near 6 months. I think a big key is 70 to 75% humidity, and always have fresh drinking water to maintain hydration. Like I said in a previous post, it appears that bloods that are fed lightly tend to have longer periods between defecations. I have never seen a constipated blood, but that sure does not mean it cannot happen.

Extended soaking is not a guarantee, but it will usually work. What is the length and age of your blood, and what are the cage dimensions and feeding schedule?

Kelly

I agree with that. I feed my blood large meals and he will deficate about every 2 weeks. I always provide fresh water and keep up the humidity. My blood is a little under 3' and it gets fed a med rat every other week right now. it is about 8 months old.
Nick