Re: Tx rat won't eat

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Posted by markg on August 30, 2001 at 10:57:29:

In Reply to: Tx rat won't eat posted by Kristen on August 29, 2001 at 22:01:10:

Kristen
I'm not a pro on Texas rats, but I do have a rescued black ratsnake and so am not totally without experience.

Wild-caught ratsnakes do harbor parasites that are kept in check naturally. When put in captivity, the snakes may stress out and enable the parasite load to get out of control. My rescued ratsnake did regurge a few times when I first had it. One trip to a vet fixed that problem, and I have had no problems since.

On another note, wild snakes do follow natural rythmns. One of these is fasting during certain times of the year. My black rat routinely slows down eating during late summer, picks up again for a few weeks in fall, and then shuts down for the winter. It doesn't mean anything is wrong. It is just what they (can) do.

Although I don't know what if anything is wrong with your snake, just be aware that nothing may be wrong, especially since it didn't regurgitate while in your care. I think a vet checkup is a great idea no matter what though. Also make sure the tank is not too warm. Shoot for 82-ish warm side with a cooler end of the tank.

LOL is "laugh on-line" or "laugh out loud"; denotes intended or perceived humor.

Good luck.

Follow Ups:

Re: Tx rat won't eat Kristen 08/30/01 (1)
- Re: Force feeding markg 08/31/01 (0)
Re: Tx rat won't eat Kristen 08/30/01 (0)

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: Kristen : I'm not a pro on Texas rats, but I do have a rescued black ratsnake and so am not totally without experience. : Wild-caught ratsnakes do harbor parasites that are kept in check naturally. When put in captivity, the snakes may stress out and enable the parasite load to get out of control. My rescued ratsnake did regurge a few times when I first had it. One trip to a vet fixed that problem, and I have had no problems since. : On another note, wild snakes do follow natural rythmns. One of these is fasting during certain times of the year. My black rat routinely slows down eating during late summer, picks up again for a few weeks in fall, and then shuts down for the winter. It doesn't mean anything is wrong. It is just what they (can) do. : Although I don't know what if anything is wrong with your snake, just be aware that nothing may be wrong, especially since it didn't regurgitate while in your care. I think a vet checkup is a great idea no matter what though. Also make sure the tank is not too warm. Shoot for 82-ish warm side with a cooler end of the tank. : LOL is "laugh on-line" or "laugh out loud"; denotes intended or perceived humor. : Good luck.

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