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This is a june '09 spider male I got shipped to me via SYR from an old friend who needed to find homes for her two snakes. She said the male wasn't eating and hadn't been for 2 months. He weighs 218g (again, 2 years, 6 months old... and barely 200g.)

Should I wait at least a week to feed? Try to get something in him asap? I'm debating whether or not to take him to the vet right away or if this is just something that just needs some fat rats to fix. If he needs to go to the vet I have no problem with that, so if that's what you guys think needs to happen, just say the word.
In fact, a gecko I rescued from the same friend is spending the day there now for eye issues she could have prevented while in her care.

Looks more like a colubrid head, don't you think?

Woops, sorry, *November '09. The pastel female I got with him is a June '09. She only weighs 448g but she looks much better off than this guy.

Let him settle in for a few days and offer him a rat pup or a weaned rat ..
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Hector

I'd let it acclimate for about a week! In the mean time, find out what it will eat and get ready to feed it twice a week til it reaches it's correct weight!

Thanks for the replies, guys. But nevermind, he's going to the vet. Showing symptoms of RI.

No waiting to get food in that snake. You need to assist, force, or pump some form of nutrients in that snake before it's too late.

Now to compound a respiratory infection is scary considering its so weak to begin with. All you can do is try your best, but my advice is get some food in that snake as soon as possible.

Not looking very good at this point. Good luck.

Thanks. I would never have risked shipping him if I knew he was in this kind of shape. I assist fed him 2 day old rat pups (big for their age though) and he got them down on his own, though a big unorthodox (limp movements.)

If he's got an RI it would explain why he isn't eating. Sounds like it could have been lingering for some time judging by the size of the poor guy.

You may want to make sure you clean up that pastel a bit in case he's transferred bacteria to it - you don't want two sick snakes on your hands.

Good luck at the vet.
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Tosha

nihil facimus sed id bene facimus

This is him after assist feeding 2 pinky rats... and drinking a whopping 150g in water. In one night.

Wow that snake was in very bad shape and on the brink. He looks revived in that picture. I really can't believe the quick transformation. Keep it up!