| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jenjen23 |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 21:04:48
Hi, have been away for a while as Basil escaped at Christmas. Well I have just found him! His tail was poking out from under the bath 
Any advice on getting him back to health? He is about 2 years and 1m, not a baby. He looks a bit skinny but ok other than that. Unfortunately I have to go away tomorrow morning until sun, so I was thinking i'll feed him when I get back? I've put him back in a viv with fresh water, thermostat is on low but floor temp is about 27C as it is on top of my boa tank.
Apologies if anyone has seen this over on the darkside also, just gathering opinions  |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kellog |
Posted - 16/04/2014 : 09:43:40
That's brilliant Julia  . Bet you can still hardly believe he's back. You probably keep checking his viv to make sure he's still there .
Xxx
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| Razee |
Posted - 15/04/2014 : 07:47:35
Excellent  , would love to see some pics when he's all new and shiny and settled 
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| jenjen23 |
Posted - 14/04/2014 : 21:40:21
hi all, quick update time
I'm pleased to report Basil seems to be doing fine
I brought the temps back up to normal gradually, and he has now eaten a couple of times, and is currently looking very blue so a shed is imminent. Still feeling very pleased that he is back |
| Vince_the_snake |
Posted - 06/04/2014 : 12:12:24
I'm so happy for you! |
| jenjen23 |
Posted - 05/04/2014 : 11:41:50
Thanks everyone, makes me feel better
Now planning an Alcatraz viv for him! I've put him in a medium viv exotic for now and my boa is in the big one we built for Basil, as she doesn't seem at all interested in breaking out, plus she is a fatty. I don't want him to escape again so the new version will have some added security |
| Razee |
Posted - 05/04/2014 : 08:45:56
Sounds good :-)
Don't worry about going away - he will have some peace and quiet to settle down and digest, and you won't have time to worry about him so much, :-) so it's got positive side, too :-) It's a good sign he's eaten. Like Kellogs said, there's no rush, the main thing is not to overwhelm him with too much food too soon, and you've done the right thing for him.
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| Kellog |
Posted - 04/04/2014 : 22:03:32
I'm so glad Basil is back where he belongs Julia . I know you're going to find it tough going away but he needs time to recover and get over this adventure. I, glad he's eaten, he was obviously hungry. When you get back slowly build up the size of what he's eating. There's no rush, all that's important is that he eats.
Xxx
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| jenjen23 |
Posted - 04/04/2014 : 12:19:32
I left him at about 25C overnight, then up the temps a bit this morning and gave him a hopper, which was pretty small compared to what I had been feeding him. He struck and constricted as he always does then ate it in about 30 secs. I hope he looks fine when I get back on Sun, wish I hadn't had to go away  |
| Razee |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 23:42:45
The advice I've read on several occasions ( mind you, I have no experience of this myself ) - is to gradually bring them back to normal temps over a couple of days - so , for example, for a corn snake, to have the warm end at only 23 - 24 C for the first day, then gradually turning the thermostat up, until you get to normal temps.
I've heard snakes can die, if they go up to normal temperature too quickly after being AWOL in cool house for a while ( though I'd guess this would mean putting a snake from a cold temperature, in a cold house, to fully heated viv ).
I think the best thing is to take things slowly, and make sure the snake isn't dehydrated first - and you've said he has had a drink, which is brilliant. Corns are really resilient, anyway. Like SBB said, I'd let him settle first - you could try offering a tiny meal, once he's back to normal temperature - nothing big, his digestive system will probably be almost on "shut down" after so long. I know the first instinct is to feed them up, but I'd take it slowly. |
| jenjen23 |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 22:18:32
quote:
Originally posted by scottishbluebird
as long as his temps are ok, you could try a feed if you wanted since he is not hiding, if its not taken it wont really matter, just try again when you come back
Do you think it is ok to put him back into normal temps immediately? I'm finding conflicting advice about warming up slowly, but not really sure what slowly means-hours or days?
Thanks |
| scottishbluebird |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 22:13:06
as long as his temps are ok, you could try a feed if you wanted since he is not hiding, if its not taken it wont really matter, just try again when you come back |
| jenjen23 |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 21:58:15
quote:
Originally posted by scottishbluebird
That is brilliant!!!if he is not hurt, think the best thing is to treat him as you would a new snake, no handling a week to let him settle etc
Thanks, what do you think about temps/feeding? Was considering giving him a small meal in the morning, but I'll be away until Sun. Or I could feed him when I get back. He is moving around lots atm. |
| scottishbluebird |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 21:48:45
That is brilliant!!!if he is not hurt, think the best thing is to treat him as you would a new snake, no handling a week to let him settle etc
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| jenjen23 |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 21:45:42
I am so happy he is back! He has had a good drink and is now climbing around his viv as if he has never been away. Can't stop watching him |
| Razee |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 21:13:30
From what I've heard, they say it's important not to warm the snakes up too quickly, increase the temps very gradually. I'd give him some time to adjust, then feed a much smaller food item, them usual, just to make sure everything is working ok :-)
Congrats on finding him, just goes to show how well they can survive :-) |
