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I had to put my male down

FunkyRes Jul 17, 2008 03:19 AM

Male '07 Western Hognose.
He was an excellent feeder. Several months ago, I noticed he was always keeping his head to one side. Not much, but noticeable.

As he grew, it got worse, and it was soon quite obvious that there was a abnormal growth in his neck, but he continued to eat and grow.

About a week after his last shed, his head was really pushed off to the side, and he went into blue again - stayed in blue for an incredibly long time - eyes finally cleared up, but he never actually shed.

He refused a fuzzy but did take a peach fuzzy, then a few days ago another.

On the 16th I thought he was dead. I picked him up - and his body did not change shape. He was still alive, though - he could flick his tongue. Then while I was holding him, he had a seizure. I also noticed his mouth was properly closed.

I figured that he was probably dying, and dying slowly, so I thought putting him down was probably the most humane thing to do.

I'll miss the little guy. My '07 girl who he was intended to eventually stud (they are housed separately) is still doing fine - but this little guy had a much better personality than she does - even before his growth appeared, he was always fun to hold and rather docile.

I guess that's just the way it goes sometimes though.
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I decided my old sig was too big.

Replies (2)

DISCERN Jul 18, 2008 08:50 PM

I am so sorry to hear that!

I swear, it happens to everyone I know. For reasons unknown as to why some snakes don't thrive and make it, when you have done EVERYTHING right, and they still die or are in poor health, it can be very frustrating!

Take care!
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Genesis 1:1

aliceinwl Jul 19, 2008 11:15 PM

Sorry to hear about that Funky ( It sounds like you didn't have much of a choice. Hopefully this will not deter you from breeding. I'll be looking for a male this year to pair with my '06 girls in a couple of years.

-Alice

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