Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a new BRB arrive on Tuesday from NJ (to CA). The breeder said she was due to eat, so last night I tried to feed her. She didn't take the rat pink right away, so I left it in her cage overnight. In the morning I found the rat in pieces in her water bowl. I don't know how it got into pieces, but I'm guess she regurgitated? Anyone opinions on this?

Also, I'd like to do everything I can to ensure this doesn't happen again, so what are the causes of regurgitation?
I know handling, but I didn't handle her at all after eating, or at all since she arrived on Tuesday and I put her in her cage. I know stress, but there's not much I can do about that other than leave her alone. Any other reasons? Is temp a factor?

It doesn't sound like she regurgitated. When snakes "regurg", it usually comes out as one, slimey, stinky mass. Overnight digestion wouldn't be enough time for the snake's stomach to break the rat down into pieces.

The causes for regurg are usually 1) too big a prey item, 2) handling too soon after feeding or 3) incorrect temperatures (too high or too cold can cause it). Do any of these conditions fit?

If it were me, I'd give the snake a week to rest and build up an appetite again. Then, try a smallish meal and see what she does. I am betting she'll keep it down.

Treating regurg is much more involved so report back to us. If you need regurg advice, I'd be happy to tell you how to resolve it.
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com

I see Mike's got ya covered in the regurge part, one question, was a F/T rat pink? that could explain the in pieces part??
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
26.49 BRB
20.21 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

Yes it was F/T. I talked to the breeder and I'm willing to bet she just made a mess. I'm going to wait till next week and try to feed her again. If she doesn't eat there will be another message up here! Thanks for all your help!!

How did you thaw the pink - thawing too quick will cause the feeder to become 'fragile' and can be easily ripped apart when the snake constricts it.

I believe both Mice Direct and Rodent Pros both have thawing tips on their website's - I know for certain one of them has the information.
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Mike

7.13 BRB
1.2 Spotted Python
1.0 Cal. King

I hope that's the case. It's much better than the alternative. The water I thawed them in was a bit warmer than I usually use, and she just might have gotten the one on the bottom in the warm water the longest. Hopefully that's it. Thanks!