Question for a friend.

[Derekcm87]

I have a friend who just bought an 8 year old mexican kingsnake at a local reptile show. Snake seemed to be doing fine the first 2 days. He called me just a little bit ago and said that the snake seems to be shivering? I didnt know what to tell him it could be from? He says he can feel it when he holds him. The snake doesnt seem to have any other issues. Anyone know what this could be?

[leahskii]

Snakes are incapable of homeostasis, so I doubt it's really shivering. I don't doubt he's filling shivering-like behavior, but if it is that's severely wrong. I have no idea what it could be...I've never heard of a snake having those kinds of symptoms. I hope some one has answers for that. The closest thing I can get to answering that is it could be seizures? Don't take my word but that's the only thing that I can think of.

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[Derekcm87]

Thanks, I knew it wasnt shivering lol just how i described it. Ive never heard of a symptom like this either. hopefully someone here has an answer!

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[tucuxi88]

I know they can rattle their tails when annoyed/hungry rather quickly so it can feel like part of it's body is vibrating???

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[Derekcm87]

no its not from that I know he would mention that cuz he knows all about the rattling of the tails like a rattle snake. this snake is really docile and dont see him rattling his tail while being handled. but even if he was he would of mentioned that to me or never would of asked because hed figure its because of that. Ive tried googling this. its a stumper!

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[Derekcm87]

I guess ill probably tell him to give the vet a call

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[HavocovaH]

Originally Posted by tucuxi88

I know they can rattle their tails when annoyed/hungry rather quickly so it can feel like part of it's body is vibrating???

Good point. This is a natural adaptation where the species mimics the sound of a rattler in their natural habitat of leaf litter. Usually done to scare off predators so the snake could be stressed out. Ask your friend if the snake darts for his hide as soon as he's put in his cage.

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