Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I put a silkie on a bend-a-vine, like I have many times before, but this time the silkie was REALLY hanging onto the branch...his tongue sat there stuck to the silkie for a second until it released...then he shot again, and didn't have the distance...twice. Did he permanently damage his tongue? Now, when she shoots it seems very slow...when before he could shoot clear across the cage. This just happened a few mintues ago.

Thanks
Kristen
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1.1 r. brevicaudatus
1.0 f. lateralis
1.2 c. quadricornis
1.0 c.j. merumontanus
0.0.3 red eared sliders

Kris,

I see, what you described, happen all the time. The silkie has a good grip on the branch, the cham sticks it, but it's a tug-of-war. In my opinion, it's just a mild hyperextension which effects only last a few hours. Whenever you have the tongue hanging outside the mouth longer than it has to, there's always the chance of damage or injury. But, in my experience, the cham is able to either walk to the prey, or release and retract the tongue.

Over time, I have noticed my chams tongues have become stronger and resistant to injury because silkworms have made it a little tougher to be eaten.
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Joe
- www.silkwormfarm.com-

Thanks Joe! I appreciate your input...I tend to be a worry wart, so I'm glad to hear that it is probably something that will be just fine.

I really worried when he missed the next two times he shot. After that, he got closer to it so his tongue reach was long enough to grab the silkie.

Take care
Kristen
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1.1 r. brevicaudatus
1.0 f. lateralis
1.2 c. quadricornis
1.1 c.j. merumontanus
0.0.2 red eared sliders

One more thing;

I have never had a permanent tongue injury because of a silkworm. I'm not saying that it isn't possible.. I'm just saying there is a better chance of positive effects than adverse.

I had an adult Jacksons shoot through two branches, and get wrapped up. The tongue was torn and permanently damaged.

I have seen two baby veileds wrap tongues which caused a permanent damage to onw of them.
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Joe
- www.silkwormfarm.com-