Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Holy crap I just found my bullsnake after it was missing for almost a year... well I didn't find it it scared the poop out of me when I was moving boxes in the basement.... I heard a hiss and then the shaking of the tail ... anyway I thought he got outside and left OH well I am glad he is back... I put some water in his tank but what else should I look for and do... I am gonna go get him a rat to see if he is hungry or should I wait????

Congrats! It's nice to find a snake after such a long time. I would let him settle in his cage for a day or so with a nice big water dish. He could be a little dehydrated. I would then offer him a small rodent. I wouldn't give him to big of one since it's probably been a while since his last meal. Good luck!

It would be wise to soak the snake and make certain it is hydrated prior to feeding.
Dehydration can cause chronic renal distress and feeding a dehydrated snake can lead to acute end stage renal disease.
While I am certain your snake found a source of hydration and food during its hiatus, I would allow it ample time and opportunity to hydrate first prior to feeding attempts.
Also, for your peace of mind, a fecal exam should be conducted by a qualified vet, as the snake quite possibly was feeding on parasite or pathogen carrying prey..

Best regards,

Jeff Snodgres
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I agree with above comments. Give small meals the first couple of times. It's amazing ho long they can go like that. One of our het Sonorans escaped while at a friend's place while we were moving the collection four months ago, and was just found a couple of weeks ago. It appeared fine, slightly thinner than usual, but not much. I guess in a house(especially basement in you case), the temp is low enough 70-72 on average, that they don't burn as many calories as normal, so they can go quite a while with no food. I don't know about the water, I guess they just get a little bit from, well, I don't know where. Of course, they're native to dry habitats, so they're suited to go a while without water. Our adult 6' Pits drink way less than my 3-4' adult corns.
P&S Pituophis

Thank you very much for all your info
I soaked it in a bin for awhile and I fed him a small rat and he gobbled him down with no problems....as for the fecal sample there is a local reptile vet I will take it to...again thatnk you guys for all your help............