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STAR GAZING

BRYAN139 Jun 09, 2004 11:27 AM

I HAVE TWO 6 MONTH OLD RED TAILS. ONE OF WHICH IS CONSTANTLY STRETCHED OUT ACROSS THE TANK WITH HER HEAD AND 3 TO 4 INCHES OF BODY STRIAT UP THE GLASS. SHE DOESN'T SEEM TO CURIOUS, SHE DOESN'T REALLY MOVE. I SEE HER LIKE THIS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME OFTEN. DOES IT SOUND LIKE BOID INCLUSION BODY DISEASE? SHE DOESN'T SHOW ANY OTHER SYMPTOMS (YET). ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADVISE BESIDES THE OBVIOUS TAKE HER TO A VET?

Replies (5)

oldherper Jun 09, 2004 04:34 PM

1. How long has she been exhibiting this behavior?

2. How many snakes do you have (boids or pythons) in close proximity to her?

3. Is she still feeding?

4. Is she regurgitating or showing any signs of respiratory problems?

5. Does she ever go into convulsions?

6. Is the other boa housed in the same cage with her? Does it show any of the same type of behavior?

To tell you the truth, stretching up the glass doesn't really sound like classic stargazing to me. It could be, but stargazing usually looks like the snake is doing a Stevie Wonder impersonation.

bryan139 Jun 09, 2004 06:08 PM

I guess I could have gave more info. She's in the same tank with the other female we bought her with. They're seperate but in the same room as 1 older male red tail, 2 ball pythons, a king snake, and various lizards. She eats with out a single problem, she's very active and curious when i take her out, she hasn't lost any weight. She shows no other signs of health problems at all. I've had her about 4 months and she's about 6-7 months old.

oldherper Jun 09, 2004 08:30 PM

OK. How long has she been doing this? If she's pretty much done it since you got her, maybe she just likes to do that.

If there's really a concern though, you should move her to a different room.

bryan139 Jun 09, 2004 09:00 PM

I just added some some branches and plants to her cage. She jumped right on them. Maybe she's bored. It was pretty plain in there. I think I'm just paranoid because she's my favorite. Thanks for the responce though.

riiotgrrl Jun 11, 2004 03:57 PM

it seems as though you may just be worrying. I would think that she would have been exhibiting symptoms a while ago.The other as well. In my opinion, younger boas tend to do this, possibly because they are more tree dwelling than not. Maybe she is just looking for a good perch. I would think also that there would be other symptoms too, wspecially if she has been doing this for a while. I agree with old herper too, if there is a major concern you should move her (and the other with her) into another room for a quarantine. Luckily, IBD is mostly spread through fluids, and is not overly airborne. Keep your hands washed always when handeling various animals. No worries yet...keep an eye on them and keep us posted.
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