Yafe - Albino Carpet - FINAL - Progression Thread

[dakski]

I'm so sorry, that is discouraging. But you only fed him 4 days ago, after HOW LONG with no food? So his stomach might need a slower start, now that I think
about it. Still, I didn't want to hear about his symptoms coming back, no matter how minor... that truly stinks.
(starting this thread may have jinxed it?)

Thanks Bogertophis.

Yeah, not pleased about the symptoms. DEEP BREATHES. I'll offer food Sunday, and in the meantime, keep the temps dialed in (what else is new) and humidity closer to 65-70% (which I've been doing) as opposed to 55-65%, which is normal for him. I am hoping the higher humidity helps clear out what's left. Again, holding on to the positives; tongue flicks, good activity levels, head flat and not elevated, no noticeable mucus, no wheezing, he did eat 4 days ago and for the first time in 8 weeks, etc. Overall, things are looking up.

[Dianne]

Thanks Bogertophis.

Yeah, not pleased about the symptoms. DEEP BREATHES. I'll offer food Sunday, and in the meantime, keep the temps dialed in (what else is new) and humidity closer to 65-70% (which I've been doing) as opposed to 55-65%, which is normal for him. I am hoping the higher humidity helps clear out what's left. Again, holding on to the positives; tongue flicks, good activity levels, head flat and not elevated, no noticeable mucus, no wheezing, he did eat 4 days ago and for the first time in 8 weeks, etc. Overall, things are looking up.

When I’ve had snakes go an extended period without food, I will often offer smaller prey and sometimes allow a little extra time in between...say every 10 days instead of every 7 for hatchlings/neonates. I did this with Merlin (Solomon Island) when I first got him. I had a very difficult time getting him to feed because he was wild caught. He’s the only snake I’ve had to resort to assist feeding in 27 years of keeping snakes. Granted this was more stressful for both of us, but I felt he needed the time in between to digest and recuperate. I’ve also done this with Eli (normal bp) when he has gone on extended fasts, offering mice before moving back up to rats. It’s the same practice with neglected fur babies, small meals to prevent regurgitation and to allow their shrunken stomach to adjust to food again.

I think the RI and treatments have probably taken quite the toll on little Yafe...not to mention you and Katie. Since he just ate after an extended fast for his age/size, he may need a bit more down time. Keep up the great care you are providing, keep the faith, and try again in a few days. I’m rooting for all of you to make it through this healthy, happy, and soon to be stress free.

[zina10]

While it is true that Carpet Pythons are not Ball Pythons, they do still stress.

Just look at what Yafe has been through since leaving his former home.

He had just gotten "used to" the routine (yet stressful) daily treatments. So perhaps he felt just comfortable enough to finally take some food and eat it. But a day later there was yet another stressful event, the transport to the Vet, Vet examination, Trip back home. All while still digesting his meal. While the biggest part of the meal gets broken down within a day or two, digestion isn't done in that short amount of time.

Its a lot on him. A lot of stress.

I would treat him like a "newly arrived snake". Meaning, leaving him mostly alone to de-stress. Peek in on him, but keep even that to absolutely necessary minimum. Give him time to finish the digestion. Digestion is a big process for a snake. True, they gain energy from the nutrition, but they also use up quite some energy in the process. Everything in their body starts working hard.

It is no big deal at all to wait a few days at this point. Offer on Sunday and if no go, wait another week. Perhaps you will have better luck once he trusts his new routine and starts feeling safer. Perhaps he needs to have a bowel movement, however small that may end up.

His system has went through so much. Illness, stress, meds, treatments, more stress.

He isn't emaciated, he isn't going to waste away. Us humans want to heal and nurture. For us that means rest and good food. A snake needs nutrition too, but their metabolism is quite different from ours. I firmly believe that during these few days he gains more from "low key/low stress" then another meal 4 days after he ate and with another vet visit since then.

Just breathe and relax. Yafe looks good still. He knows what he can handle and who knows, maybe it is better this way. Would he take food before his body is ready for it, he may have started on a dangerous cycle of regurgitation, which is NOT what any of you need right now.

He has already proven he is willing and able to eat. So he will, once he is willing and able, again.

I know you just want this to be over and done with already and finally begin the journey with a healthy and eating snake. And you are almost there.

[dakski]

Thank you Zina10.

Very wise words. Very wise indeed.

[Bogertophis]

I think he's only just beginning to feel hungry & like hunting again...remember, he hardly knows what food is. Bet he eats next time, in a few days.

(he's probably wondering where you are...it's "time" for you to be poking & prodding him again -lol)

[zina10]

If you feel like it, try this next time..

Take the already defrosted rodent and put in hot water for 10 mins. Just hot, not boiling hot. Then drain water and add hot water again. A bit hotter this time, but not burning hand hot. (the smaller the rodent,the shorter the time). 7 minutes or so. Grab the rodent, roll up in some papertowels, take to the cage and only unroll it right before offering.

Something about the minutes in hot water truly warms the rodent through and through and I find that some snakes after a long break want a really good heat signature that goes deeper then just what was blasted by the hair dryer.

If you already do this, disregard

The rodent will be all but dry from the papertowels, plus a little wetness doesn't hurt, makes it go down easier

[dakski]

Good point Zina10, but I do that already. .

I warm in hot water and dry with paper towels. The corns and boas could care less, but I tend to get a better response from Shayna (BP) - better heat signature that way. The mouse was over 100F when I offered; temp gun verified on multiple spots.

I find my snakes prefer to the hair dryer method as it warms the entire rodent quicker and uniformly.

He was very active again last night and was all over the tank. He will eat when ready. I will offer again in soon, but not too soon.

I'll keep everyone in the loop.

[dakski]

I've got great news, I've got great news, I've got great news! I REPEAT, I have great news!

First, I did offer a mouse a couple of days ago, because he was tracking again, but he did not eat.

I called the breeder and asked if they can do this in the winter, etc. as I know very little about Carpet's. He said that some of them can get picky and just randomly refuse, but that they generally do not lose much weight, keep offering, and they will get back back to eating normally again. He said they generally don't fast as long or as religiously as BP's, but they can have their moments.

I also read on one of EL-Ziggy's threads (shout out brother) that his carpet was picky when young and then grew out of it.

Either way, I am not sweating it too much, but I had an idea, and the breeder thought it was worth trying.

This weekend I am going to offer a rat fuzzy, about the same weight as the small/weaned mice/large hoppers I have been offering Yafe. Maybe that peaks his interest?

Secondly, the really good news.

He was due for a water bowl cleaning today, and frankly, I couldn't take the anticipation anymore; I had to pick him, it's been 2 weeks! I have no idea if he's doing better, the same, or worse. I know he has not regressed to the point of mucus out of the nose, etc. and he has been very active, and when he rests/sleeps, he's been doing so with his head down.

Well, I took him out for 2 minutes to check on him.

He looks, sounds, and acts totally normal. He's calm, his tongue flicks normally and often, he held on to me with a good grip, but without any sudden squeezes or spasm like movements. There were not pops, wheeze, etc. and there was no sign of mucus or nasal discharge at all, new or old.

I think the RI is behind us for good!

Now, we just have to get the stubborn little dude to eat regularly. Why can't he be a good piggie like Figment, Solana, Behira, and Feliz? I guess he would rather be like his sister Shayna, the BP. Great!

Here are a few (iPhone) pictures from today:

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[EL-Ziggy]

That is GREAT news D!

Sounds like the RI is in your rear view now. Don't even worry about him not eating. He will. My female albino did the same thing for the first few months when I got her. It can't hurt to try a different prey item. All of my carpets eat whatever I offer them.

Congrats on the progress and keep up the good work brother.

[Bogertophis]

Sometimes you just gotta try stuff. Hoping for your success!