Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First off my snake has mites. I put spray on him and cleaned everything off and put new bedding down and i spotted three more mites on him. What do i do? Also My snake will not eat right now. I had it for about a month and it ate regulary for 3 weeks, this week however it will not eat and he hasnt moved aound alot since. It just sits in one spot and is nowhere as active as it was the previous three weeks. What might be the reason for that? Also My snakes skin is kinda wrinkling up. It was always smooth but now it is lifting like there is vains popping out. I'm a lil concerned and vet are too expensive, please help me out with any of these questions. Thanx

Sounds like your snake tried to shed but couldn't because of the mites, or else is plain dehydrated because of them. Make sure he has a nice big water dish first. Second, what I always do for this sort of thing is put the snake in a plastic container with some holes (various rubbermaids they sell in stores work) in it and a very wet paper or cloth towel. Then leave the snake in it for no less than two hours. If he's shedding the skin will come off, if not he should still look a lot better.

What exactly did you use to take care of the mites? Some stuff works differently than other stuff.
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i Used Natural Chemistry DE FLEA REPTILE RELIEF its a spray. I have it in the rubbermaid with luke warm water and a wet papertowel and he is just sitting there doing nothing. I'm a little worried. Anything else

I have a couple of thoughts that may help. You need to take out all bedding and use newspaper in your terrerium for about a week. Change the newspaper every three days or so. Be sure to keep a hiding spot or two for the snake (it may actually choose to hide under the paper). I wouldn't have anything but what is needed in the tank...no climbing branches, etc. Also know that everything taken out of the cage to be put back in later must be treated for mites, else you run the risk of reinfestation. I wouldn't offer food again for a week or so. As Meretseger said, water is important for shedding. Be sure to keep fresh water for the snake. Also, I have used the tupperware method suggested by Meretseger with success...it works nicely. There are a variety of ways to kill mites, and I'd check with my local pet shop for suggestions/products (keep products out of snake's water). Remove shed skin promptly after it comes off the snake. Snakes commonly become less active during the sheding process, to include several days if not a week before the actual shed. Finally, keep us posted on progress and thanks for trying to take good care of your Cal king.

Thanks for the help. I dont think he is shedding because i did that rubbermaid thing and it just sat there. There is plenty of water in the tank. I am going to try to take the bedding out. Why do u think his skin is getting wrinkly. It looks like it hasnt eaten enough and its getting skinny or somthing. This is my first snake and i dont want it dying or anything. I'm just curious to know what made it all of a sudden stop being active. We put an AC on at night do u think the temp drop to 74 from 82 has anything to do with it? Thanks for all the help i'll keep ya posted.

Sounds like your temps are probably okay, but remember a heat gradient is needed (a heating pad or element on one side of the tank is good, giving heat on one end and cooler temps on the other). I'm thinking your snake's main problem is the mites, and once they're gone the snake should gradually return to normal. Snakes with a bad might infestation often stop eating, and if I'm not mistaken can become dehydrated as well. Again, check with your local pet shop for products. I don't think you need to stress about your snake missing a feeding, as you previously indicated it had eaten x 3 weeks prior to missing a week. While my advice meets common practice standards, it may be that your snake requires vet care. Maybe it would be a good idea to let someone familiar with snakes (and trustworthy...John Q. Public sometimes overreacts regarding snakes) in your community see it and see what they think.