Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Purchased captive born BCI couple of months ago. Fed aggressively from beginning but after several weeks began to regurgitate meals after 48-72 hours. Lighting, heating is ideal. Never handled within 72 hours of a meal. Took to good herp vet that examined fecal matter and a regurged pinkie and could find nothing. I'm worried that I overfed in terms of size (ie, very small mice) early on and this may have caused injury. He's at the vet now going through a barium series to look for blockage, etc. at my recommendation.

Any similar experiences and diagnostic thoughts would be helpful.

and there is your problem.
jb
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Jonathan Brady
My Kingsnake Photo Gallery

and i withdraw it, i'm assuming you meant that the baby fed aggressively... not that you fed the baby on an aggressive schedule... sorry. i took it the other way around initially.

what was your feeding schedule and how large were the prey items compared to the boa?
jb
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Jonathan Brady
My Kingsnake Photo Gallery

Started with 1 fuzzy then later two. Moved up to smallest mouse possible- presented after killing mouse with rap on head from hammer. Never had this problem with other BCI's and suspect that there is some type of blockage-- though can't palpate and find location. Fundementally I'm using my own tried and true methods in terms of food presentation but getting this upsetting result.

Some boas regurge on occasion for a variety of reasons. Could have been temps, prey size, handling or something else unknown. The important thing is to not feed your animal for at least two weeks after it regurged and when you feed again use a very small prey item. Also, how frequently are you feeding? A good schedule for a baby boa is every 5 to 7 days.

Good Luck,
Oz
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When I bought him I was told he was on a schedule of feeding every Wednesday. Because of availability of fuzzies I changed him to feed every weekend which went quite well. Does anyone have concerns about the effect of giving the mice a rap on the head with a hammer prior to presenting to the snake?

whatever rocks your boat. A flick of the fingers would do, or a
quick smack against the wall if they're in a paper bag.

Do you change the water often? Maybe the water was dirty.

My juvenile male Hog regurged once because I fed him right
before he shed. I guess in the process of shedding he regurged.
If the temps are fine, and you didn't handle for 72 hours
and the prey size was the same size you normally feed, whatever
caused it it isn't obvious. If you use a heat pad have you
checked that it is still working?

Thanks,
tc

n/p