Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a seven month old female burm who has not had a bowel movement in about two weeks and the last one was only the urates. She normally does not poo when she is getting ready to shed. However, she also continues eating(which she hasnt in about three weeks) when shes about to shed and her skin is loose so I dont think its that. My concern is that she may be constipated. Is this something I should be worried about or is it normal for burms to stop eating at certain times like ball pythons? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. (the terrarium is kept at proper heat, upper 80's, and humidity levels,50-60%)

Soak in warm bath. Hydrate well. Exercise -- handle with some resistance allowing snake to exert itself through your hands.
Maintain humid warm habitat. If in shed, do not handle.
Always provide fresh water. Keep snake warm. Do NOT use heat lamps for heat.
Constipation may be a sign of dehydration, among other things. Mites can seriously dehydrate a snake. Make sure no mites. Snake will spend lots of time in water bowl soaking if it has mites. Drowned mites will be obvious in the water bowl if this is the case.
These are rather generic suggestions. Many python people here would know more.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

I wouldn't be too concerned about the irregular defecation at the moment, but, I do suspect some level of sub-optimal cage conditions. However, you should try to rule out a few things before you do set your mind at ease. Problem Solving 101 - Rule out what you can first.

Check for any signs of a respiratory infection.

Check the humidity level at various times of the day, and most importantly, use a decent hygrometer. Also make sure temps on both the hot/cool ends are where they should be.

Since you said cage conditions were good, do as John said and check for mites.

"...is it normal for burms to stop eating at certain times...?"

Generally:
* Some won't eat during shedding phase.
* Some sexually mature males stop eating during breeding season.
* Some sexually mature females stop eating from the time they ovulate until they lay eggs.

It's not uncommon for a Burmese Python to go a week, maybe two, without eating. Especially with adults. Body changes (maturing phase, etc...), environmental changes (including behavioral changes [stress, etc...]), and health are the leading causes. I'd say that environmental changes are the most common as they are generally the key (trigger) to everything else.

Keep us posted, please.

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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