Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 6 year old female JCP has chronic constipation. She always develops VERY hard stools, and takes forever to excrete them. On two occasions I have used enemas, massage, and helped her to get them out (if you really want details of how, I'll provide them). I don't believe there is a problem with her habitat, because I rotate my other (3) pythons in her cage and they have no problems (it is my display cage, although now they are all separated in preparation for mating I hope). I have given her mineral oil (injected into stomach of frozen thawed mouse) on a few occasions before and I'm now thinking of doing this with every feeding. Does anyone think there is a problem with doing this on a full-time basis? (seems to work for some humans who take laxatives chronically for constipation). Here is a recent photo...she is a little overweight I admit, and this may contribute to her problem.

sorry not much help from me but i find when i take my 7 foot male out and let him really get exercise that will stimulate him to go. is yours drinking water? i keep water in 24/7 with all my snakes. you never know when they want a drink. thats all i can tell you. i hope she is better.

Thanks, I always provide water in the habitat of my pythons, but I must admit, I usually only take the snakes out once a week...my three munchkins (human children) seem to take most of my time otherwise!

Sorry, I can't help you more. Although, I have noticed my female JCP's sometimes pass stools less often than my males. I am sure your habitat is fine, but I did have one idea.

Sometimes it is difficult to keep overall temps up in larger cages. This can cause the snake to spend extra time near heat source, which has in some cases led to fecal stones and hardening of stools (for lack of a better descrition the hot spot cooks the fecal material to some extent). This is probably not what's going on in this case, but it might be worth double checking your overall temps and hot spots. I have a book that explains it and can give your more detail if you would like.

"What's Wrong With My Snake" Rossi and Rossi page 36

Again, I don't want to insult your husbandry practices as I am sure they are good. But you mentioned your snake was overweight. You might want to feed it a little less. The book mentions overfeeding as the primary cause of constipation. If you want, I can just type the whole section on constipation. It is only a couple pages, let me know.......

thanks,
Erin