Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I obtained my first GTP about six months ago, a Biak (by appearance, seller couldn't confirm), now just under a year old.

As a first-time GTP caretaker, I'd been pleased that, despite stories of them being tempermental, stress-sensitive and aggressive, I'd had exactly zero problems. Until now.

One cautionary I'd come across frequently was the risk of over-feeding, given their largely sedentary habits (although I was surprised, given all those warnings, how active it was at night). Anyway, seems I took those warnings too much to heart, and may have been UNDERfeeding it, because the other morning, I woke to find that the snake had eaten a kitchen sponge I kept in a saucer to keep the humidity up (and yes, there's also a large water bowl, living plants, etc.). It's also possible one or more orchid bark chips were consumed.

Fortunately, everything possibly consumed is organic. My concerns are 1) the size of the sponge - it's a standard kitchen sponge, not that big, but again, the snake is barely larger than a neonate, the width not much bigger than a Sharpie, 2) the absorbent nature of cellulose - the sponge would have been saturated with water at the time, but I'm still concerned it could absorb enough of the snake's fluids to cause problems, 3) bacteria that could be present on a constantly saturated sponge, and 4) if orchid bark was consumed, obviously the rough edges are a concern.

My thoughts are that the powerful stomach acids should at least reduce the object'(s)' size(s) and smooth out any rough edges, and that even if I could induce defecation, the more time spent digesting before defecation, the better. But I'm no veterinarian, and would love to hear others' thoughts, or just get some reassurance that there's not much to be done at this point but wait and hope for the best.

Sorry for the novella, and any and all replies are most appreciated.

Btw, I've followed Kingsnake for my many years of herp collecting, but this situation prompted me to sign up so I could post.

Thanks!
BurpsAndHerps

Eating a sponge, I must say that's a new one on me. I've heard of large constrictors eating "heating pads" and other objects. Mainly because they smell like a "prey item", rat, rabbit and so on.

You are correct, the bacteria from the sponge may cause slimy loose bowels that stink to beat the band. But remember, these guys drink out of mud puddles in the "wild".
Passing the sponge might also be a "trick" since it's hard to tell how much will be digested by the acidic environment of the gut. However, with that being said, remember these "juices" can dissolve bone. So, if the sponge is organic, it just might fully dissolve the sponge and pass the problem without a hitch.
Or the GTP might regurgitate it.

Keeping that in mind, you can always take your GTP to a knowledgeable herp vet in your area, if you can find one. Most of the time this is easier said than done.

As for me, I never use things like sponges to maintain higher humidity levels. A large water bowl will suffix. Also GTP's will soak on occasions. I use PURE cypress mulch as a substrate. This allows me to monitor the environment simply by looking at the color change of the cypress as it begins to dry out. I spray (mist) my GTP and Blood enclosures everyday first thing in the morning. Thus allowing humidity changes as the day progresses toward evening and dark.

I wish you luck with your GTP. Hope all works out.