Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I've got a pine snake hatchling that doesn't eat properly. I'm not sure which end the mouse comes out of, but every time I feed her, the mouse comes out partially digested. I've tried supplementing her water in case she was dehydrated, but it doesn't seem to help. Any help?

Pituophis are notorious for regurgitating and vomiting. If the mouse is partially digested, then it was vomited, meaning it was brought up after it passed through the stomach. If this is a hatchling, then it is doubtful that it has such a parasite load as to cause this (but it is possible). Some possibilities are:

1. Cage temperature too high or too low.

2. If it has never kept a meal down in it's life, then there is a possibility that there is some defect in it's digestive tract. I had a hatchling Black Pine Snake with such a defect that was never able to keep a meal down and finally had to be euthanized.

3. Some intestinal infection, such as Giardia, Entamoeba, etc.

I would suggest consulting a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

It sounds like you are most likely dealing with regurgitation. There are a few simple changes that you can make that *may* solve the problem. First, make sure that you have an adequate hot spot temperature for digestion, around 88-90 F. Determine whether the prey size may be too large for your hatchling. A general rule of thumb is to feed a prey item that is about the same thickness as your snake's body is at its thickest point. For an animal that has been regurgitating you may even want to feed a few slightly small meals until you are sure it is keeping them down. Also, avoid handling the snake for 48 -72 hours after feeding. Feeding fairly quickly after a regurg tends to lead to another regurgitation, give the baby 5 - 7 days to recover and restore the stomach fluids first. If all of these practices are in place and the problem continues you may have a problem that requires veterinary attention. Best of luck.

T.B

>>I've got a pine snake hatchling that doesn't eat properly. I'm not sure which end the mouse comes out of, but every time I feed her, the mouse comes out partially digested. I've tried supplementing her water in case she was dehydrated, but it doesn't seem to help. Any help?