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Kellog
the nice one
United Kingdom
7308 Posts |
 Posted - 20/03/2013 : 09:08:16
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I'm glad Blackcat found this thread as well Fi, because now you've heard from someone who has been where you are, maybe not in the same circumstances but with such a small snake, and can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's all very well me, smart bunny, etc giving you advice but we haven't actually been through it. Now you know, from Morse's example, what Cathy can achieve  .
LukeW - The issue with Cathy wasn't so much her age as her weight. I don't think it's important to know the age of your snake, as long as it is eating well and a good weight....and it sounds like yours ticks both those boxes  .
It is very easy to get over-paranoid about things like weight, especially if you start comparing your snake with others of the same age....but, as Blackcat has shown, all snakes grow at different rates, even those who are from the same clutch and fed exactly the same food. The thing is to focus more on how your snake is doing, with regard to it eating, it's behaviour, etc, rather than its exact weight....except in exceptional circumstances like little Cathy's of course.
It's great to hear that your husband is showing interest in Cathy, Fi. She'll win him over and before long he'll want a corn of his own  !
Xxx
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 09:47:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Kellog
.....It's great to hear that your husband is showing interest in Cathy, Fi. She'll win him over and before long he'll want a corn of his own !
Xxx
He better hadn't, I have just spent a small fortune on things for a new fish tank for him! It was part of the "bargain" on me getting Cathy, and when she is up and running, her Heathcliff. He loves his tropical fish but I have put my foot down over guppies again  , it got really out of hand last time he had them. He has got two 450 litre tanks now, so one is going to be for a pair of rainbow (or parrot, I forget as fish isn't my thing) oscars and he is thinking of putting a small group of placid sharks in the other. He buys his fish from a shop that is owned by a marine biologist, so his advice is second to none.
In fairness, he hasn't even held Cathy yet, he wants to wait until she is a little bigger as he is afraid of hurting her. That is his excuse
It would like to say it was lovely hearing Blackcat's experience, but I think a better word would be comforting. Nobody likes to hear of our corns suffering at all.
I am going to get her out for a photo shoot later, and will post up one of when I first got her, and one of how she looks now. Fingers crossed that the difference of 3 weeks with me will be visible.
Oh, without going back through the drivel I have written, I had her poo check back from the vet and it came back clean as a whistle, so her insides are fine, which is fantastic news after her regurge.
I have found a fantastic new supplier for her food too, and it just looks better than the P@H stuff that I had been told was the only place available to buy her food by the breeder. Am thrilled as even though she is still drop feeding, once she gets a good weight I can work on that for sure.
I think what you said to LukeW is spot on Kellog. I am not too worried about Cathy's exact weight, I just want to see a gain over the month, and a nice steady feed schedule. That is what will make me happy. 1 pinkie every 5 days, and I will be the happiest Mum on the planet. The vet has asked for the weight as it "may" have to be upped to 1 pinkie every 4 and a half days if she isn't gaining as he wants her to, but I am leaving that in his hands. Like Blackcat has said, she has two the same age, but completely different.
Cathy is incredibly active, and when I woke up this morning, she had turned her coco hide on its side, and must have dragged her plastic plants in there! She is currently wrapped around the plants (best buy I have bought for her, she adores them).
Your "Handling Tips" thread has been invaluable for us. Even when she has been digesting, I have changed her water (and spot cleaning) and gently fluffed the substrate which in her case, means that when I put my hand in her viv, she comes out straight away. She doesn't equate my hands (or the tongs yet unfortunately) to food time, but her coco hide, so I make sure that I pick that up with tongs instead.
With what you said in regards to her behaviour and eating, I couldn't be happier. She is just as nosey as ever, still doing periscope impersonations and (fingers crossed) now on a 5 day food regime.
Good grief, I can waffle, my apologies. Just one question if you wouldn't mind giving me the benefit of your experience. I feed Cathy at night - her last feed was Sunday night, and given the 48 hour rule I could have got her out on Tuesday night, but given the radical changes I have made, I have been leaving her an extra 12 hours and waiting for her to make her presence known, rather than dig through the viv for her. It feels like the right thing to do, given her radical diet change, should I keep with that or get her used to being handled a little sooner after her food. It is just with a known regurge, I am inclined to leave her be a little longer, especially after reading the sticky about regurges on here, and the digestion vs decay section. |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Blackcat
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1235 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 09:49:41
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I am now a firm believer that as long as my snakes are eating, pooing, shedding and doing every thing else they should be and are healthy, that there isn't a problem. This forum has been a godsend for me, I may not post and ask many questions, but just reading other peoples questions and answers have helped me
Don't get me wrong, I haven't stopped worrying about my snakes, I just keep telling myself that they are 'normal' and growing as individuals.
You are seeking advice and doing the best for Cathy, she sounds an active little one which can also mean she uses alot of her pinkie for energy as well as for growth - you will see a difference once you are able to move her to double pinks and even more when on fuzzies
Looking forward to seeing the photos from her photo shoot.
Edited to add:
I would be reluctant to feed every 41/2 days, I have checked my feeding records for both Morse and Zeus, I did not 'follow' the recommended feeding guide for moving up food size. Zeus was on double pinks when he weighed 11g and Morse (my problem hatchie) was on double pinks at 8g, but with a 6 day interval between feeds.
I will add that my pinks were tiny and I selected carefully, slowly feeding bigger pinks from a different supplier.
I'm not saying the advice from the vet is wrong, I just felt that a larger meal with longer between allowed for the stomach to have a longer period when not digesting.
As said before every snake is different and what suits one may not suit another - we just have to make sure we find a regime that both snake and owner are 'happy' with. |
0.0.2 Corn snakes - Morse & Zeus
1.1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa's - Indigo & Ruby
0.0.2 Columbian Rainbow Boa's - Orinoco & Tobago
1.0.0 House snake - Hoggle
0.1.0 Crested Gecko - Ludo
2.0.0 cats (RIP Zebee), 0.1.0 Dog, 2.0.0 Horses |
Edited by - Blackcat on 20/03/2013 10:02:24 |
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 10:02:49
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackcat
I am now a firm believer that as long as my snakes are eating, pooing, shedding and doing every thing else they should be and are healthy, that there isn't a problem. This forum has been a godsend for me, I may not post and ask many questions, but just reading other peoples questions and answers have helped me
Don't get me wrong, I haven't stopped worrying about my snakes, I just keep telling myself that they are 'normal' and growing as individuals.
You are seeking advice and doing the best for Cathy, she sounds an active little one which can also mean she uses alot of her pinkie for energy as well as for growth - you will see a difference once you are able to move her to double pinks and even more when on fuzzies
Looking forward to seeing the photos from her photo shoot.
I am of the exact same thinking Blackcat, as long as like you said, she is eating, pooing and shedding as I expect, I am going to be more than happy. She is incredibly active, so I know that the calories from the pinkie is being used for that, but she is as bright as a button.
I am actually writing up in her notebook a little "how to" given what I have been through, and including the people who have given me help so that (god forbid) this happens to anyone else, I can hopefully give them some compiled advice that may work for them. Given I have had regurges, untruths from the breeder and the suchlike, I hope I don't ever have to use it, but if I do, I can post it up.
Just going to clean her viv out so hopefully pictures won't be too long |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Blackcat
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1235 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 10:11:27
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HaHa cross posting.
It sounds like you make far more comprehensive notes than me - and they will stand you in good stead
Since geting my corns I have acquired 4 rainbow boas (more worry), so my notes get briefer due to having 6 lots of notes to record.
Good news on finding a good food supplier - they can be really useful when you need 'inbetween' sizes that the regular stores don't stock.
I had to get my supplier to grow some rat pups up for my one rainbow, he needed a larger size, but not as large as the next I could get from the rep store.
I look forward to your progression threads for Cathy |
0.0.2 Corn snakes - Morse & Zeus
1.1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa's - Indigo & Ruby
0.0.2 Columbian Rainbow Boa's - Orinoco & Tobago
1.0.0 House snake - Hoggle
0.1.0 Crested Gecko - Ludo
2.0.0 cats (RIP Zebee), 0.1.0 Dog, 2.0.0 Horses |
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 10:23:03
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The 4 and a half day feeding would be and absolute last resort Blackcat, she wouldn't have much "down time" between feeds, but, fingers crossed, that will be a last resort.
She is on 3g pinkies at the moment, but I have some 2g ones for when she goes onto doubles, just to ease her into it, once we have a couple of successful double feeds, then back up to 3g it is.
The supplier I have found will literally do food size to order, and I buy in bags of 5, each one guaranteed at 3g (I checked and he was right  ).
She is making a racket in her viv at the moment, so I think I am being summoned to sort her out - will be back with photos. I am going to put them in this thread, as they are only pertinent to her size, and not really for showing her at her finest. I can't wait to pop pics up when she is looking great
They are going to to be a "thank you" to everyone who has given advice and help, so that you all can see what your help has done for my little girl. |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Blackcat
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1235 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 11:31:52
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If Cathy copes with double 2g pinkies (I'm sure she will with no probs)I would not be dropping her back to 3g (less weight than double 2g) I would be trying to get 4 or 5g pinkies to feed as singles
I can't remember what weight my fuzzies were (poor record keeping) but if you can source some that are not too much heavier than pinkies, then once happily taking double pinkies I would be moving on to a single fuzzie that is the same weight or just slightly more than the combined weight of double pinks.
Fuzzies have more nutritional value and once on these she will definately start to put weight on.
It is scary moving up a feed size (I thought Morse would have problems taking fuzzies, but he/she managed with ease) |
0.0.2 Corn snakes - Morse & Zeus
1.1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa's - Indigo & Ruby
0.0.2 Columbian Rainbow Boa's - Orinoco & Tobago
1.0.0 House snake - Hoggle
0.1.0 Crested Gecko - Ludo
2.0.0 cats (RIP Zebee), 0.1.0 Dog, 2.0.0 Horses |
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LukeW
Hatchling
United Kingdom
276 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 13:13:03
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With fuzzies im sure they are around the 5g mark, and Cyrus loves his doubble pinkies, he took one off the tongs monday, scared the life out of me because usually i have to put him in the rub with a pinkie then coverit but as soon as i put him in the rub and was about to put the pinkie by his little hide in the rub he flew out and grabbed it, but with the 2nd one i put it in with him demolished both pinkies in no time at all.
I actually thought i would have needed to change my underwear, atlest i didnt pull away, wouldnt want to hurt the little blighter :)
And fi dont worry cathy will soon gain weight, you tried any of the snake vitamins for there water? Heard a few good things about them maybe worth a try |
Female normal - Cyrus (can't think of a girl name :p)
Male charcoal - Midnight
Female amel - Lilly
Female CB13 anery 100% het sunkissed - Ariel.
Male CB13 fire 100% het stripe, 50% het hypo, anery and lavender
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Edited by - LukeW on 20/03/2013 13:14:15 |
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 13:26:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Blackcat
If Cathy copes with double 2g pinkies (I'm sure she will with no probs)I would not be dropping her back to 3g (less weight than double 2g) I would be trying to get 4 or 5g pinkies to feed as singles
I can't remember what weight my fuzzies were (poor record keeping) but if you can source some that are not too much heavier than pinkies, then once happily taking double pinkies I would be moving on to a single fuzzie that is the same weight or just slightly more than the combined weight of double pinks.
Fuzzies have more nutritional value and once on these she will definately start to put weight on.
It is scary moving up a feed size (I thought Morse would have problems taking fuzzies, but he/she managed with ease)
I have probably not said what I meant properly (quite a common occurrence for me!). What I was thinking of doing was popping her on double 2g pinkies, then if that goes OK, popping her on double 3g pinkies, though that might not be needed - all will become clear!
So, I thought given the help, advice and general support I have been given I would pop these pictures up for you to see. This Friday I will have had Cathy for 4 weeks. This is what she looked like when I got her on the 8th of this month, at 23 weeks old
The "tent shape" is very obvious and she was very skinny, weighing in at 9g.
Today, I took her out for her photo shoot and was absolutely blown away with how fantastic she looks (ready for a poo or not!)
I am thrilled with her progress in such a short space of time. She has had 2 meals with me, and is due her next one on Friday.
As I can't help myself, here is a bonus head shot as I know everyone thinks their snake is gorgeous, but I love the marking on her head
I also did a bit of a naughty. I popped her in her RUB whilst I cleaned her viv out (and put it back together, she is a tinker for trashing it) and the scales were there so it really would have been rude not to - even though I had the RUB ready with substrate, some plants and a loo roll for her to hide in. She weighed 9g the day I got her home, she weighs 13g today. Now I know she is going to have a poo very soon, so I can probably discount 2g of that, but a 2g gain? I will take that for sure
I can't believe that in (well, we can say 4 weeks on Friday) that she might have gained 2g. Beyond thrilled is how I feel. I am going to hold myself back from weighing her for another month after today, but wowza - even my husband was impressed - he had to come up and witness the scales going up and down with her in and out of them!
She had a lovely play and a good old stretch on the bed before I popped her back in her viv. She seems very bright, no noise from her breathing and I am one happy Mum.
Thank you to each and every one of you that has helped - considering how much this thread has deviated from my original question! Thank god this forum doesn't have heart smilies as I would have filled a line with them to you all!
xxx |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Blackcat
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1235 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 13:48:41
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Wow what a little stunner Cathy is
I was unsure about your comment regards going from double 2g back to 3g - could be interpreted either way, so thought it best to clarify
I think in your shoes I would have weighed too - great news regards the weight increase, even if some of it is imminent poo
You can clearly see the improvement in Cathy and I'm sure she will just go from strength to strength now and wont be long before she moves to fuzzies. |
0.0.2 Corn snakes - Morse & Zeus
1.1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa's - Indigo & Ruby
0.0.2 Columbian Rainbow Boa's - Orinoco & Tobago
1.0.0 House snake - Hoggle
0.1.0 Crested Gecko - Ludo
2.0.0 cats (RIP Zebee), 0.1.0 Dog, 2.0.0 Horses |
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Mort13
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5599 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 13:54:54
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You sound like one very smitten new snakey mum.
She's lovely and you'll see a difference in her being fed every 5 days. Corns are remarkably resilient creatures and she looks great. Hopefully you're not feeling as stressed now, so you can go ahead and enjoy her. Make the most while she's small, she won't be that size for long!
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3.1.0 Corn snakes, 1.0.0 T-Albino Cape House Snake, 0.1.0 Western Hognose,
1.0.0 MBK, 0.1.0 Childrens Python, 1.0.0 Nicaraguan Dwarf Boas
0.0.1 Occelated Skink, 1.0.0 Leopard Gecko, 1.0.3 Tarantulas, 0.0.2 Damon diadema
1.0.0 C0ckatiel,
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 14:14:25
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Aw, thank you so much for your lovely comments everyone
Lukew I do have some Reptoboost, but the vet had asked me to not to use it as she is feeding. He wants me to hold back on it in case she has a regurge, so that I have it in reserve to get her natural gut flora up and running in the 10 day wait she will have to have. He thought it best to just try her on a proper feed regime first, and have that as a backup.
Blackcat Thank you . As I see her every day, it is hard for me to judge, but I can actually see a difference now, and she seems much more content too. My daughter brought her snake phobic friend round at dinner time from school (not springing Cathy on her, it was at her friend's request) and she was brilliant with her. Cathy is very settled and said snake phobic friend left the house wondering how she could twist her Mum's arm into getting a corn after having a snake cuddle.
Mort13 You have NO idea how much stress has now gone, especially as I got a sneaky weigh in done. As I said, I know half of the gain is probably poo, but even 2g is a gain I am more than happy with, considering the regurge, and then the radical diet change. One very happy snake Mum who is going to enjoy her being tiny - even with the challenge it has been as like you said, she will be getting big in no time at all |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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mrsbunt
Hatchling
United Kingdom
280 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 14:47:18
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| Aww Fi I am so glad Cathy is gaining weight, she is looking fantastic and her head marking is adorable, lovely wee heart. This forum is a fantastic place for advice and support in all things scaly. looking forward to future photo shoots of Cathy xx |
hubby bunt (Graeme),3 daughters Amy, Lisa and Erin.
1 amel corn Sheldon and 1 normal corn Toby Larone.
1 staffy cross Kaiser |
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 15:18:17
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quote:
Originally posted by mrsbunt
Aww Fi I am so glad Cathy is gaining weight, she is looking fantastic and her head marking is adorable, lovely wee heart. This forum is a fantastic place for advice and support in all things scaly. looking forward to future photo shoots of Cathy xx
Thank you so much mrsbunt - I am beyond pleased. I know snows are quite often overlooked as they are so abundant, but it was her temperament that drew me to her, not her morph. I thought that was better for a first time owner. She was with a group of gorgeous normals for sale too, but I adore her.
She is plumping out really well, and I can't ask for anymore at all. Still got the lovely temperament, and although it is probably my imagination, seems even more inquisitive and settled than before.
I am going to keep monthly shoots for my reference, but will be very proud to show her off once she is no longer quite as translucent as she is! Half the fun with getting a baby is finding out their adult colours I think. I have looked at tons of pictures of snow corns who look like her now, and how they look when fully grown - it is quite a lottery! I don't care how she looks, I am not going to breed, she is just a pet for me to have of my very own, and although off to a shaky start, I think I am getting there |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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smart bunny
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5091 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 15:58:36
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Yay Fi, so glad to hear things are going so well and obviously that you are feeling more confident in yourself too!!!
Cathy definitely looks better in the later pics, well done! |
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mrsbunt
Hatchling
United Kingdom
280 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 17:55:59
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hubby bunt (Graeme),3 daughters Amy, Lisa and Erin.
1 amel corn Sheldon and 1 normal corn Toby Larone.
1 staffy cross Kaiser |
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 17:56:43
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quote:
Originally posted by smart bunny
Yay Fi, so glad to hear things are going so well and obviously that you are feeling more confident in yourself too!!!
Cathy definitely looks better in the later pics, well done!
The confidence is most definitely growing, that is for sure. Looking back at the first picture makes me realize how blind I was getting her - the past 3 weeks have been a steep but incredibly helpful learning curve Smart Bunny.
I know she isn't quite where she should be yet, but I think after a few more meals and a shed she will be looking and feeling 100% better than she was when she came to me.
My husband has been the biggest surprise in all of this - he was very much "your pet, you take care of it" but asks daily how she is, has she regurged, has she pooed etc, it is lovely. He has admitted that she is a little too dinky for him to be happy holding, but we are getting there (admittedly, he has hands like shovel!).
Thanks for your support and advice, like I said, I have been writing lots down in case (and I would hate it to happen to anyone else) they need it from the perspective of a first time owner.
The good thing is, that it still hasn't put me off getting Heathcliff in a few months! One thing for sure, I will have my eyes open a HECK of a lot more, and will hopefully look back on this thread in time to come and cringe at my ineptitude |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Kellog
the nice one
United Kingdom
7308 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2013 : 20:50:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Foxtrotsierra
quote:
Originally posted by Kellog
.....It's great to hear that your husband is showing interest in Cathy, Fi. She'll win him over and before long he'll want a corn of his own !
Xxx
He better hadn't, I have just spent a small fortune on things for a new fish tank for him! It was part of the "bargain" on me getting Cathy, and when she is up and running, her Heathcliff. He loves his tropical fish but I have put my foot down over guppies again , it got really out of hand last time he had them. He has got two 450 litre tanks now........
It would like to say it was lovely hearing Blackcat's experience, but I think a better word would be comforting. Nobody likes to hear of our corns suffering at all........
Oh, without going back through the drivel I have written, I had her poo check back from the vet and it came back clean as a whistle, so her insides are fine, which is fantastic news after her regurge.......
Just one question if you wouldn't mind giving me the benefit of your experience. I feed Cathy at night - her last feed was Sunday night, and given the 48 hour rule I could have got her out on Tuesday night, but given the radical changes I have made, I have been leaving her an extra 12 hours and waiting for her to make her presence known, rather than dig through the viv for her. It feels like the right thing to do, given her radical diet change, should I keep with that or get her used to being handled a little sooner after her food. It is just with a known regurge, I am inclined to leave her be a little longer, especially after reading the sticky about regurges on here, and the digestion vs decay section.
That is a serious fish addiction your husband has got  !! I'm not surprised you managed to talk him/manipulate him into  letting you get Cathy....and later her Heathcliff! With the amount of money and time that goes into those sorts of set ups, he owes you !!!
I totally understand what you say about it being comforting hearing of Blackcat's experience....but not lovely  . The last thing you want to hear about is suffering but when you are then in the situation where you have a corn that has suffered, you need to hear advice and encouragement from others who've been there. I'm so pleased you are keeping notes about everything you've been through with her. The best advice anyone can give a person comes from experience....and you now have almost unique experience to help someone else, should they find themselves in a similar situation.
I'm so glad to hear that her poo sample came back clear. I had one done when one of my snakes was regurging, and was so relieved when I got the results back showing there was nothing wrong.
I'm not surprised you are a bit wary about handling her too soon after she's eaten, especially with the regurge. To be honest I actually give my snakes longer than necessary before I handle them.....feeding them on, say, the Tuesday morning and then not handling them til the Friday. I know it's not really necessary but my attitude is that I've got years of handling them ahead of me, so I'm not losing anything by giving them that extra bit of time. BUT that is just me and, after a few feeds, you could probably handle Cathy easily after the 48hr waiting period. I've never seen a baby snow before, so never realised how transparent they are  ! But it must make it easier for you to tell whether she has digested her food....it certainly is easy to see when she needs a poo ! With her being so active, her being out and about is probably a good indicator that she's ok to handle. If I waited for mine to be out and about before I handled them, I'd never get the chance !
quote:
Originally posted by Foxtrotsierra
........Looking back at the first picture makes me realize how blind I was getting her - the past 3 weeks have been a steep but incredibly helpful learning curve........
........My husband has been the biggest surprise in all of this - he was very much "your pet, you take care of it" but asks daily how she is, has she regurged, has she pooed etc, it is lovely. He has admitted that she is a little too dinky for him to be happy holding, but we are getting there (admittedly, he has hands like shovel!).......
The good thing is, that it still hasn't put me off getting Heathcliff in a few months! One thing for sure, I will have my eyes open a HECK of a lot more, and will hopefully look back on this thread in time to come and cringe at my ineptitude
Those pictures really are quite startling and even more so with the fact that you've weighed her and she's 'only' put on 2g....I know it's not 'only' to you and her, it's a great achievement, but looking at the pics you'd think she'd put on a lot more! I'm glad you put the final headshot in because that actually gives a better view to compare with the first pic....and it really is fantastic how much better she's looking after only 2 feeds.
Don't beat yourself up about being 'blind' when you got her and you certainly have NEVER been inept !!! You are simply learning, as we've all had to....but you've had a far steeper learning curve than most of us and you've risen to the challenge amazingly  . Be pleased with how you've reacted since you got her, rather than looking back and criticising yourself .
I'm not surprised your husband has been caught up in the 'Cathy saga', who wouldn't be ?!! Baby corns are hard enough to resist, but a hard luck story like hers has obviously melted his heart . I'm not surprised he's wary of handling her when she's so small, especially with everything she's been through. But I think he'll surprise himself and want to, once he sees how much you, and she, enjoy it .
I'm so glad it hasn't put you off getting her Heathcliff, because any corn will be blessed to have you as it's owner....as Cathy is.
Xxx
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Foxtrotsierra
Hatchling
United Kingdom
485 Posts |
Posted - 21/03/2013 : 06:49:32
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You think my husband has a serious fish addiction? That is only 2 of the 4 tanks was have! We already have two smaller ones (ones that most people would be satisfied with as their main tank). One is empty but mature enough to take the "rescues" that get thrown our way with alarming regularity. Our nephew has the habit of buying fish that are totally unsuitable and incompatible with his current set up so it is mature and clean that we can get injured fish or fish that have outgrown their current setup. We get them back to full health, or, in extreme cases end their suffering. Most times we end up taking them to a marine biologist who has a tropical and marine fish shop and he re homes the larger species. The last one was a 10" red finned black shark who was getting aggressive as he had outgrown his last tank.
The other one holds our golden oldies who have been together for years (about 5) and we don't want to upset the hierarchy in there as they are all happy.
I do need to say one thing, no manipulation of husbands was had with the acquisition of Cathy, just a ton of bargaining! Ohh, as I agreed to the second tank, I am allowed to have a fish of my own in it! I am going to have to wait to see what he populates it with so I can make sure it is compatible.
Just to go back to our scaly friend, I literally have written a day by day account of how I have dealt with her, and things that I have tried with her.
She has been drop fed on her coco hide since birth, so she has 3 hides now, as I only want her to associate the coco hide with dinnertime. I want her eating out of the viv, but in her own time. She hasn't gone in it since I provided her with the new warm hide, which is a good sign.
I have decided on a full month of 5 day feeds off the hide to get her weight up, then the coco hide is going into the rub for a month, then am going to try without the hide. I hope that when she is more energized and has got a good weight on her that her desire to feed will overtake the bad practice that she has had since birth. I have the coco setup with kitchen paper under it so she can't ingest substrate whilst eating.
Thank you for sharing what you do with your corns after eating - I wasn't sure if Cathy was ready yesterday as she (obviously - my delightful see through friend) hadn't passed her doings, but was more than ready for freedom and getting her tart on (as my husband calls it!) for photos.
I have genuinely written a day by day account of her settling in, and then finding out she was older than she was, the surprise of her weight etc and what I have done about it, including finding a more ethical source for her food. As I have done it for my own amusement (to keep me sane), I think it reads something akin to
Day 12 of Cathy ownership - drove the forum to distraction over finding out that she was 6 months, not 4. Everyone very supportive, felt very daft...... you get my drift.
In fairness, I have written it properly, who has helped, who will know better than me to help etc, but fingers crossed I will never have to post it up.
A couple of friends have been round to see her and have gone "Ohh, I would love a couple to keep together" and I have literally snarled at them "NO" . Then proceeded to show them the link you posted about them eating either themselves or each other as they were talking about getting a pair of hatchies. It worked, thank you. I have been able to explain properly that the only time corns should be in the same viv is if you are breeding.
As I know nothing of Cathy's parentage, I would not breed her for all the money under the sun. I am just getting another corn for me (she won't see him! - but I bet when they get older I will have to put up with some temperamental issues with them). I just want a couple of pets I can care for myself.
My husband admitted he would have given up and taken Cathy back to the breeder. Like I was taking her back there
I am guessing she is happy now - she has given up on the loo roll game and now it is "upturn the coco hide and drag my flowers in" instead. Strange little girl! I have loads left over but am not going to pop any in there as I want her feeding out the viv when she is ready and of a more healthy weight.
Once I have Cathy feeding out of the viv on decent sized prey with hopefully no regurges and good shed, then Heathcliff can make his entrance! I have started buying bits and bobs in preparation for his arrival, so that when the time comes, I can go and get the right snake for me. With a LOT more information due to you all, and all your help.
I taking pictures of her monthly and popping them in this thread will stop me spamming the forum up as they will only be appertaining to her weight, so if you see this thread pop up, pop by and have a look if you would like to - fingers crossed we will see a good progression |
0.1.0 Snow - Cathy (digesting, waiting for her photo op)
0.1.0 Carolina - Delilah
0.1.0 King Charles Cavalier - Emily
0.1.0 St Bernard - Pooch
0.1.0 Manx Cat - Maggie
0.0.1 HUGE tropical fish tank + residents
1.0.0 Husband (thinks I am insane)
3.2.0 Children (think I am cool!)
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Kellog
the nice one
United Kingdom
7308 Posts |
Posted - 21/03/2013 : 20:51:44
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I'm not sure what stage is above a serious addiction....but your husband is above even that !! Sounds like amazing set-ups though. It's so important to get it right, to know enough about fish, before you get them....just as it is with corns. And unfortunately, as with corns, all too often that doesn't happen and fish suffer  . I'm so glad to hear about the way he (and you) help these fish in need .
Forgive the accusation of manipulation , it sounds as though you and your hubby have a good thing going with your bargaining. I get the impression you'd be pretty good at it .
The plan you have for Cathy over the next few months seems great, well thought out and getting you where you want her to be....with weight, feeding and where you want her to feed. And then you can get her Heathcliff .
It is so good to hear what you have to say about not even contemplating breeding. Personally I think all too often people go into breeding just 'for the experience', when there are so many risks, it's time consuming and expensive, and unless you are breeding morphs that you can sell easily, you are just producing more hatchlings on top of the many flooding the market. I haven't even had 2 of mine probed as I see it as an unnecessary stress to them, so have gone by what I've been told as to what sex they are....although with Kellog it's rather obvious at this time of year! Sorry, you got me onto my soap box ....I'll stop ranting now !
I'm glad you went with your instincts about handling Cathy when you did, it was obvious from her behaviour that she was ready and, even though she hadn't pooed, handlable. I do like your husband's expression of her 'getting her tart on' . So much will begin to come from instinct and knowing what Cathy is like, it will just be a case of trusting yourself.
I can just imagine what might have happened in your household had your husband suggested taking Cathy back to the breeder  !! But it shows how committed you are and how much you care....so many others would have given in, or would just have continued as though there was no issue and the snake would be suffering .As I've said before, and will keep saying , Cathy is blessed to have you as her owner.
I did smile at the part about your friends getting a 'couple' of these sweet little snakes . I don't exactly snarl, but I have had some very strong 'discussions' about the subject....unfortunately with my husband, who doesn't see the issue with older snakes of the same sex. He thinks we are all over-sensitive and have to make a big deal about everything . But he lets me keep my snakes, so he's not all bad .
I'm looking forward to this thread popping up on a regular basis, so we can see how Cathy is doing . It's a good idea to keep it all in one place so we, and you, can look back at those 'before' photos and see how far she's come .
Xxx
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My husband has caved in..
