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5 Posts |
 Posted - 13/01/2011 : 17:42:04
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I should have started in the introduction section, but I've only had the snake for 2 weeks and I'm just worried I didn't get off to a great start. I found this site and thought it would be best to ask for advice right away.
My concerns are the following:
The previous owner explained that he would give the snake an adult mouse every week. He showed me an example of how big it would be.
When I went to the store and asked for an adult mouse, the mouse seemed much bigger than I remembered, so I asked for a second smaller one.
I decided to let the snake CHOOSE which one she wanted and she ended up eating BOTH!!!
There was a 3 day lapse between excretions and now she's hiding a lot and seems a little different (but I've only had her 2 weeks - am I paranoid?!?).
I'm actually wondering if it's the shedding thing. I read everything on the site before writing I learned quite a bit (thank you CSF!).. Her head seems grayish on top, and her skin is a little less shiny. Could that have been me with the feeding because I made her stretch her skin, or is that her preparing to shed?
Also, the previous owner used a lamp for heat and has only one hiding hole (I got the whole kit including plants, rock, wood, etc.. from the previous owner so she would feel at home).. When I went to buy another light bulb, they explained that she should have a heating pad instead, so I bought one. She's 3 and has always had a lamp. Have I freaked her out?
Any suggestions? |
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SexyBear77
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
3796 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2011 : 17:47:51
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Firstly, never let a corn choose what size food to eat- they are gutbuckets and in my experience will eat pretty much whatever you offer them.  It certainly won't do her any harm though, just leave a little longer until you next feed.
Some snakes do require a little more time to settle in than others- though my 8 year old is barely ever out of his hide unless he is hungry.
If the skin has gone dull and she seems quite shy then it could be that she is going into shed, yes. Look out for her eyes going cloudy too. Once they have gone cloudy they will clear up a few days later (almost looking like they have shed) and then will actually shed a few days after that.
A heatmat is fine, though if she has been ok with the lamp for the past three years then that is fine too. All heat sources must be regulated by a thermostat, and the bulb hopefully has a guard you can use.
Finally, relax- you haven't done badly at all!
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9.11 Cornsnakes
1.1 Hogg island boas
1.0 Dwarf Burmese python
Location: Watford
Website- http://rassnakes.yolasite.com/ |
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herriotfan
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5853 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2011 : 18:07:48
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Hi
Welcome to the forum. I'll second everything that SexyBear77 said. Good for you for asking for help, it shows you really care about your snake.  |
Husband....Very Understanding!!! (Phil)
Son & Daughter (Kevin & Carol)
Granddaughter (Eva)
3.4.0 Cornsnakes Amel (Sidney) Caramel Stripe (Sultan) Amber (Cleo) Carolina (Phoebe) Anery Motley Stripe (Penny) Snow (Lily) Caramel (Holmes)
1.2.0 Royal Pythons(Peeps, Pandora & Pepsi)
1.0.0 Hognose (Hudson)
2.1.0 Dogs (Dillon, Alfie, Ellie)
0.1.0 Senegal Parrot (Peanut)
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Bonnie & Clyde)
1.0.0 Crested Geckos (Echo)
0.2.1 Hermanns Tortoises (Ebbie, Rosie & Twiglet)
0.1.0 Guinea Pig (Dolly-Pipsqueak)
0.1.9 Tarantulas (Poppy, Gypsy, Bumble, Insey Winsey, Sonic, Cookie, Raven, Fudge, Titch & Sox)
??? Foster animals
Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex
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Doogle
Yearling
United Kingdom
617 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2011 : 18:09:46
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HI Bonnie,
As for the mice! You Should of put the small mouse in only because if you put two mice in the snake will probably eat them both and not choose how hungry it is! As you now know! LOL
You will be surprised how much a snake can eat! I had one snake escape one evening and had a tray of about 50 mice on the floor at all different sizes to defrost! When i came back in the room a few hours later i found the snake sitting inbetween mice and it must of ate 3 medium mice! This snake was a yearling and looked like it would burst! Couldnt even run from me it was that full! LOL
But she was fine! I just let her digest them quietly and didnt feed her for 2 weeks!
Your snake will be fine! It is quiet and hiding as it need to digest such a big meal! Snakes only come out usually when they are looking for food! So give it a few more days if its had a bigger meal than normal! Also the fact that it is in new surroundings it will take its time and be very curious before venturing out! Sorry all you can do is give it time!
Also if you think she is going through a shed then she will hide intill she has shed as a snake is very vulnerable when in shed as their movement and eyesight are restricted!
Just give her another week or so to settle and dont feed her for at least 10 days after her last feed as she had a such a big meal!
Also a heat matt will be fine as long as the temps are right! I never use bulbs!
Sorry for the essay! Hope it make some sense? 
Cheers Jamie
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Edited by - Doogle on 13/01/2011 18:13:44 |
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Doogle
Yearling
United Kingdom
617 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2011 : 18:11:47
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quote:
Originally posted by SexyBear77
Firstly, never let a corn choose what size food to eat- they are gutbuckets and in my experience will eat pretty much whatever you offer them. It certainly won't do her any harm though, just leave a little longer until you next feed.
Some snakes do require a little more time to settle in than others- though my 8 year old is barely ever out of his hide unless he is hungry.
If the skin has gone dull and she seems quite shy then it could be that she is going into shed, yes. Look out for her eyes going cloudy too. Once they have gone cloudy they will clear up a few days later (almost looking like they have shed) and then will actually shed a few days after that.
A heatmat is fine, though if she has been ok with the lamp for the past three years then that is fine too. All heat sources must be regulated by a thermostat, and the bulb hopefully has a guard you can use.
Finally, relax- you haven't done badly at all!
LOL! You type faster! I Second what sexybear said too! |
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n/a
deleted
5 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2011 : 18:58:05
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Wow, you guys are all so quick. And thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me. I only had time to poke my nose into some of the other topics before already seeing replies.
It's really nice to know that if I ever feel like something's reaaly wrong, I won't be waiting too long for a solution.
Maybe I'll keep you all 'post'ed on our situation.
I've already gotten some great ideas from this site that I'll be implementing and that I'm already looking forward to.
But at least I know just to keep an eye on her and maybe add a little mist for humidity in case it is shedding. (But not too much to avoir respiratory problems!!! - this site is great!!)..
Thanks again.
Bonnie |
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Mistakes for a first timer???...
