1st post: My yearling male burm has had an R.I. for about 2 months now. I've gone to the vet, given him antibiotics, raised temps and humidity, but nothing seems to really do the job. I only have 2 more shots from the vet to give him out of 10 and he has shown no strong signs of recovery, is there anything else I can do? He still eats, craps, sheds, and hisses but constantly sneezes and leaves slimy matter all over his cage and in his fesis.
2nd post: When raising snakes such as burms, retics, condas, rocks, and other big ones from a very young age do you feel it necessary to include hiding spots in their enclosures? In the future they will recieve no hides so why not start young and get them used to it and used to seeing people. Same thing as prey items, why not start on rat pups rather than mice since they will be eating rats in the future, just curious to see what other herpers think.
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2 posts in one....R.I. problems/Hiding spots for young snakes
Replies (2)
Answers to your questions:
1) What type of antibiotics are you using? You may have to with something stronger like Amikacin. One thing to remember, RI problems take time to eradicate and in some cases, can be a lifelong or recurring problem with a particular burm. Since you didn't make any mention of what the actual temps and humidity levels are, I am a bit suspect as to whether or not you are actually providing the proper environment; provide more information (cool end temps, warm end, basking spot, ambient temps, humidity levels, ventilation, etc.). Most burms with RI that are given increased temps accompanied with optimal humidity levels, w/out sacrificing good air flow, will respond. You may have to go with another round of antibiotics but only your vet should make that call. Perhaps your burm has something else? More diagnostic testing could be in order.
2) In terms of hide spots, hacthling and young burms should have a hide area. At this age, the MUST feel secure in order to stay healthy. Plus, it will keep your burm much more content (HANDLEABLE). Even with my very large burms over 14' I cover a third of the cage front to give them the feeling of seclusion which I feel is VITALLY important for their mental health.
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL
My guy is about 8.5ft now and I still give him a hide as a pile of crumpled newspaper at his favorite end of the cage. I think he needs it cause his cage is also the TV stand in my bedroom so he has to deal with me in and out alot. Some of you may think he is under alot of stress but he seems to enjoy me coming in and out and usually comes up to the opening of the cage to greet me.
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