Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last night i had something strange occur with my Graybanded King. I went to gently move him away from the area in his cage i needed to spot clean, and when i lifted him up, a clear liquid, which looked like water, came out of his mouth. He has not shown signs of any open mouth breathing or wheezing, which would indicate a possible respiratory infection, but i have never had any of my snakes do anything like this before. Any input would be greatly appreciated, if anyone has seen this before. The temps in his cage are low to mid seventies on the cool end and upper 80's on the warm end.

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1.0 Ball Python-Siegfried
1.0 BRB-Pedro
1.0 Blair's Phase GrayBanded Kingsnake-Elvis
0.1 Paradox Albino Sand Boa-Cleo
3.1 Dodoma's
0.1 pug mix

I've seen this happen from time to time. If the snake had just drank a large amount of water then it was just water. Did you just change his bowl which would cause him to drink a lot?
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

I did change his water right before this happened. I put fresh water in his bowl, then left the room to get the phone, then came back in and noticed he had made a little mess. I hope water is all that it was, but i will be paying close attention to him for the next few days and if anything changes, i will make a vet appointment. Thanks so much for your quick response, i greatly appreciate it

Chrissy
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1.0 Ball Python-Siegfried
1.0 BRB-Pedro
1.0 Blair's Phase GrayBanded Kingsnake-Elvis
0.1 Paradox Albino Sand Boa-Cleo
3.1 Dodoma's
0.1 pug mix

Yeah I'm pretty sure it was just water. It can be a little alarming but he's fine. Just keep a close eye on him to be sure but I bet that's all it is. Take care, Jorge
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

a153fish is right. You snake just drank water and you picked him up before he could swallow. hope he got another chance to drink because dehydration is a common factor in most captive collections.

That is why JLassiter uses moist hide spots. Snakes like your greyband need humidity. The best way to provide this is a humid area. You can['t keep them wet all the time, nor dry all the time, so you should give them choices.
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www.Bluerosy.com

Many people don't realize that when a snake drinks, it fills it's throat up with the water, and that it needs gravity to get it down into the stomach.

That is also why whenever I administer any medication mixed with a tad of water to a snake, I always hold the snake straight up and down for a little bit so it all goes down into the stomach.

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

I always hold the snake straight up and down for a little bit so it all goes down into the stomach.

You hold the snake upside down after they drink? Doug you need to get out and date someone.

LOL!

Gotcha!

later~
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www.Bluerosy.com

I did see him drink again, as i had my eyes glued to his enclosure just to make sure nothing else was going on with him.I greatly appreciate your quick response

Chrissy
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1.0 Ball Python-Siegfried
1.0 BRB-Pedro
1.0 Blair's Phase GrayBanded Kingsnake-Elvis
0.1 Paradox Albino Sand Boa-Cleo
3.1 Dodoma's
0.1 pug mix

Do you have a moist hide in his enclosure?
Most snakes (colubrids) get their water intake mainly from the food they eat.
They also seek moisture as to keep from dehydrating.....
If you don't have a moist hide I would suggest giving your alterna one......It will spend most of its time within the moist hide and thermal regulate itself there......A shoebox with moss works great.....Place one end on the hot side and the other on the cool........

Amazingly your snake will very seldom drink water......At least this is my experience......
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...
www.coastalbendcaptivebreeding.com

He doesn't, but i will add one to his enclosure as soon as i can get a shoebox, which won't be difficult, since i work in a retail store. The moss should be damp, but not soaked, correct? Thanks for all your input, i greatly appreciate it!

Chrissy
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1.0 Ball Python-Siegfried
1.0 BRB-Pedro
1.0 Blair's Phase GrayBanded Kingsnake-Elvis
0.1 Paradox Albino Sand Boa-Cleo
3.1 Dodoma's
0.1 pug mix

>>He doesn't, but i will add one to his enclosure as soon as i can get a shoebox, which won't be difficult, since i work in a retail store. The moss should be damp, but not soaked, correct? Thanks for all your input, i greatly appreciate it!

Sounds like you got it covered Chrissy....
When I said shoe box I meant a plastic shoebox sized tub.....Cut hole in the lid and fill the box with damp spaghnum moss....
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...
www.coastalbendcaptivebreeding.com