I was wondering if anyone could share some helpful advice for taking care of an injured snake. My husband and I have a black rat that was shaken by our dog Sunday. My husband grabbed him up in a pillowcase before our elderly neighbor could get to him with the hoe he was carrying. We have him in a 50 gallon tank in our living room. He moves around enough to let us know that he is alive but isn't what you would call active.He stayed on his basking rock for a couple of days and he spent all of today in his hidebox. When should I try to feed him? How long does it take for a rat snake to become malnourished? I would like to put some Neosporin on his hurt spots but I am afraid I will hurt him further by handling him right now. I would be very grateful for any advice.
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Wild caught Black Rat Snake...Help!
Replies (2)
>>I was wondering if anyone could share some helpful advice for taking care of an injured snake. My husband and I have a black rat that was shaken by our dog Sunday. My husband grabbed him up in a pillowcase before our elderly neighbor could get to him with the hoe he was carrying. We have him in a 50 gallon tank in our living room. He moves around enough to let us know that he is alive but isn't what you would call active.He stayed on his basking rock for a couple of days and he spent all of today in his hidebox. When should I try to feed him? How long does it take for a rat snake to become malnourished? I would like to put some Neosporin on his hurt spots but I am afraid I will hurt him further by handling him right now. I would be very grateful for any advice.
If you are worried about putting neosporin on him I would do so by tossing a pillowcase or small towel over him and working around to uncovering the spots you want to medicate. Depending on the size and strength of the snake this is easier said than done. Don't use a ton of pressure to hold him down and he won't feel trapped and struggle as much.
Unless he is already thin and unhealthy he could go weeks without too many problems. Do be sure that he has a water bowl though.
I would give him a week and then offer him a prekilled mouse.
I would worry more about how he is moving than if he is moving a lot. Is he coordinated and moving 'like a snake'? Do you intend to keep him? If not and he is apparently uninjured you might be best medicating his injuries and releasing him (when the neighbor isn't looking).
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Sonya
Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron
Thank you for your help
I really appreciate it!
