Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Going on 3 months now. He has also lost interest in eating probably due to being constipated. You can feel huge hard pices of whatever in there, along with squishy stuff. I have had her in a warm bath for 20 minutes several different times, but no outcome. I've been massaging that area also to help her along. Now what do I try? Cam someone tell me how to give her an enema?

Bloods don't poop that often. Sometimes six months or more. And sometimes they don't eat that often either, but more times than not people will over feed them and they look like sausages. They are nothing like a boa constrictor, burmese python or even a ball python in these regards.

you can check other good sources for info:

http://www.vpi.com - check the question section especially

http://www.newenglandreptile.com

http://www.bloodpythons.com

http://www.proexotics.com
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The New Redpython.net

Don't go to extremes just yet. My blood went five months before defecating for the first time when I got her (last November). Now, she hasn't gone since March. Make sure you have a clean source of water always so your snake can stay hydrated. Then, just keep waiting for another month or two. More than likely, it will "go" just fine when the time is right.

No worries.

Does the animal have suffient cage space to cruise around ?
Is the humidity level above 50%, Is the animal a stressed
w/c or farm bred ?? Swimming in a kiddy pool may be of help..
Activity of the animal is what should promote a regular animal..
Tim.

Just to give the other side of the story - I have a boa that was constipated, I'm guessing due to meals that were too large. Long story short - after nearly $300 dollars in vet bills, this is what I've learned. The first steps are to keep the humidity high and let them soak like you've been doing. The next step according to the vet (who specializes in herps) is, depending on the case, to give forced hydration. The last option is an enema. I tried massaging the matter out and it wound up damaging the tissue. So, be careful but, like the other posters said, bloods are known to go for very long periods witout passing.

I would think that the second step (after correcting/adjusting any husbandry issues) would be to soak the snake and let it swim for a while. This often stimulates defication. Forcing liquids into a snake isn't as stressful as force feeding, but it still seems more stressful than having your snake swim for an hour or two.