| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| lupi lou |
Posted - 05/08/2013 : 15:08:12
Have you every come across one who ate their own poo? Its sounds very bizarre and random I know, the reason I ask is because our king snake at work has done this today and apparently he did it last week too. so any ideas? I've suggested sending off a fecal sample just wondering if anyone had any ideas. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| lupi lou |
Posted - 07/08/2013 : 20:29:41
I really don't know what to think, he's been at the college for nearly 4 years now and nothing in his environment has really changed to indicate that as being a trigger, the past three years he has gone through a seasonal change and has been more prone to feeding frenzy's during breeding season but then he settles back down again. We do try and remove the poo as soon as he's gone where possible as if he goes over night there is no one there to do a spot clean. We'll double check set up to rule out stress and try feeding a larger prey item and see how that goes. I just hope there isn't any thing sinister going on internally. |
| Razee |
Posted - 07/08/2013 : 17:51:50
Just a thought - complete shot in the dark, of course - could he be doing it simply because his poop smells of snake? They'd feed on other snakes/ reptiles in nature, and we feed them mice. Maybe he feels a snake would be the food to eat - and the poop smells of snake? |
| Welshlamb |
Posted - 07/08/2013 : 17:01:43
quote:
Originally posted by lupi lou
I'll suggest trying a larger size, I am wondering if it could be a digestive issue as of late he has been going much more frequently and has now started eating it?! The unit is at its quietest now as students have finished so he ins't getting handled much at the minuet only really to box feed him. We try and avoid viv feeding him as he tends to go into a feeding frenzy and bites himself (I know it's a common king trait) but he was making a mess of himself. Would a fecal sample only indicate a parasite problem or could it give hints that there could potentially be a digestive issue?
I'd try the next size. If that fails the a fecal sample won't do any harm and you may learn more.
I'm convinced its territorial behaviour though. Another thing you could do is try and remove fecal matter ASAP. They usually deficate 1-2 days after eating. I've found that they digest alot quicker than my corn, but this may be due to age.
Hopefully you find out more about the snake and why it's doing this. Sounds like a stressed snake |
| lupi lou |
Posted - 07/08/2013 : 10:56:52
I'll suggest trying a larger size, I am wondering if it could be a digestive issue as of late he has been going much more frequently and has now started eating it?! The unit is at its quietest now as students have finished so he ins't getting handled much at the minuet only really to box feed him. We try and avoid viv feeding him as he tends to go into a feeding frenzy and bites himself (I know it's a common king trait) but he was making a mess of himself. Would a fecal sample only indicate a parasite problem or could it give hints that there could potentially be a digestive issue? |
| Mort13 |
Posted - 06/08/2013 : 19:32:50
I honestly have no idea. Never witnessed mine do it, but I myself remember reading something a bit ago on the darkside on the same subject. I can't remember what was advised though  |
| Welshlamb |
Posted - 06/08/2013 : 11:14:43
I have a King. She has not yet displayed this type of behaviour. They are very much different in my opinion to corns. It sounds to me as if she is hungry.
Many animals will eat their own faeces to hide their scent from predators. It is also known for young animals to eat the faeces of their parents to produce bacteria for breaking down foods.
My guess would be she is either hungry or she is doing this to hide her scent. I'd firstly try increasing her prey size, if she repeats the behaviour. Then I'd suggest minimizing contact with her, whilst feeding and see if this helps. She may be getting freaked by people entering her vivarium and eating it thinking your predators. |
| smart bunny |
Posted - 05/08/2013 : 19:54:30
Ewwwwww! Hope he stops lol! |
| lupi lou |
Posted - 05/08/2013 : 18:34:17
I saw that when I did a quick search, he's eating two medium mice every 6 days. This is the first year he has done this, he's fully mature although exact age is not known as he was a re-home. Might be worth trying him on a bigger sized mouse, it's just a bit strange as his activity levels haven't really increased and there hasn't really been any other behavioral or habitat changes. |
| serena_08 |
Posted - 05/08/2013 : 18:07:02
I have read a topic on the Darkside with the same q and by reading it the snake was still hungry and not being fed appropriately. Don't know if this is the case with yours? |
| mjpeters |
Posted - 05/08/2013 : 18:05:33
 erm,maybe to replace gut flora? just a guess-mostly small mammals do this,sorry can't be more help |
