Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I accidentally left my Transpecos Ratsnake in the cold for 5 days. I left on a trip and left the substrate heater unplugged. The temperature in my place probably ranged from around 60 at night to 75 during the day.

I returned today to find her in her hide. She is very cold to the touch, and her eyes are looking a little milky. She is moving but not as responsive as usual. I also noticed she hasn't made any excrement although she had her normal weekly mouse on the day I left.

I feel really terrible about leaving her without a warming area. I have switched on the heater and put a lamp near her enclosure for extra heat. Is there anything else I should do to make her more comfortable and get her back to normal.

Thanks for reading and extra thanks if you can help.

About the Snake:
1-2 years old
2 1/2 feet.
Female transpecos ratsnake

It gets down to around 60 almost every summer night in large areas of TPR range. I've seen them out crawling on roads when temperatures were in the 60s. Don't worry about it.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

return heat to normal
make sure the snake has water

don't feed the snake for a while to prevent digestive problems that can arise if there isn't adequate heat

watch the snake closely
it should be fine.
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1.0.0 Great Plains Ratsnake
1.0.0 Corn, Lavender Aztec het for Amel
1.0.0 Ghost Sonoran Gohper
1.0.0 Black Bassador Retriever
2.1.0 Godchildren, 1 Evil, 2 possible hets
0.1.0 Girlfriend, WC, Adventure Chick Phase

yeah, especially since it was getting into the 70's during the day, she should be fine.

Thanks for you replies. Heat is back to normal and she is enjoying her warm hide. Will give it some time before her next feeding.