Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks for replying! She's in a rubbermaid. I don't know the exact dimensions. I do know that the floor area of the rubbermaid allows for adequate stretching in all directions. The humidity is always between 60%-80% and the temps between 75F-90F. I keep fresh water available at all times. She eats one large or jumbo thawed rat a week. She behaves normally-not sluggish or labored from what I observe. She's still quite curious when I take her out, flicking her tongue and all. She's about 10 or 11 months old and around 4 ft. long. She looks thick & healthy. However, as you know, she hasn't defecated in almost 5 months. I called the vet and he said he'd need to see her in order to determine what needed to be done. Unfortunately, I only have enough money to cover the costs of her exam and x-rays. I'm feeling TERRIBLE. I may have to give her to the Chicago Herpetological Society. They told me they'd get her treated and she'd end up in a zoo. I want to keep my snake. However, if that will threaten her life, maybe I should give her up. I feel so helpless and frustrated.

I have noticed that first year bloods that are fed heavily and grow rapidly like your female, tend to have greater periods of time between defecations than are typically seen with bloods. Not sure why, but it could be that with the increased metabolism, more of the food mass is going into growth and not as much is going into waste. Just speculation on my part. However, I would suggest that you house her in a larger cage, as my concern would be that the rubbermaid is probably a little small for a 4 foot blood. I think the cage should be at a minimum of 3 feet long for a blood of this size. The more activity generated by a larger, unfamiliar cage, may help with the issue. Also, what has been her history as far as deposition of urates and accompanying fluids?

Kelly

Thanks for replying!!-the last time she deposed any urates or fluids, to my knowledge, was December 2006. Of course she may have released some fluids and I just didn't notice it. Nevertheless, whatever she may have deposed, it couldn't have been much. I would like to believe that this is all part of the growth process, as you stated it could be. I'm trying to remain optimistic.

You should wait it out for a while. Growing bloods tend to defecate in long periods. Also handle it more. My snakes tend to defecate on me when they are handled for long periods of time. It's a sign that they're tired of being handled. Also give it a bigger enclosure.
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1.0 Graziani Pastel Ball Python (Baldwin)
1.1 Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Snow Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Blue Garter Snake (Blue)
0.1 Sumatran Blood Python

Please pardon me if it's already been said,but swimming a snake
is a great way to entice or encourage defication..A kiddie pool can be bought at wal-mart for lees than 20 bucks and its a treat for all those taking a dip too..
Tim.