Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We handled the snake again today after leaving it alone for the last 2-3 days. After handling and showing no signs of aggression we put it in another container and offered it a f/t fuzzy mouse. It accepted the meal without complaint. However, the mother decided to purchase her son a yearling cb amel cornsnake from the lfs. They wanted to release the snake in the immediate area and I protested that it would only be killed by someone ignorant and freightened. So the snake is now in my possession. I figured that a wc that didn't bite and readily accepts f/t can't be bad. I've never worked with a wc before and decided I would keep it for a while and learn from it. I still need identification and hope the pic provided will be what is needed. I would also like to know about parasites in and on wc snakes. Do wc carry mites and ticks? I will definitely keep it isolated from my prized cornsnakes. Should I also plan to take to the vet for deworming? Thanks for looking at the pic and any and all help you offer.

That is a Texas Rat Snake. It is also going through a shed cycle. If it's not snappy during that time, it's not likely to ever be.

As far as parasites, yes, they can carry several different internal and external parasites. The externals ones (mites and ticks) should be visible if present. As far as internal parasites, I'd wait until it defecates, then take a fecal sample to the vet for analysis. Whatever it has (if anything) can be treated.

Thanks a heap! I find it hard to believe that even in blue it didn't snap, musk, bite or be frantic. And it even ate a little fuzzy. I'm going to keep it for now. I will take fecal for floating as soon as I have one. Thanks again.

>>Thanks a heap! I find it hard to believe that even in blue it didn't snap, musk, bite or be frantic. And it even ate a little fuzzy. I'm going to keep it for now. I will take fecal for floating as soon as I have one. Thanks again.