under-weight boa with saggy skin

Vin · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 03:01 PM

I have been thinking about getting a boa constrictor for a while now.
I had told my friend about it.
Then by chance he had a friend of a friend who wanted rid of a 2’ constrictor.

The poor snake has had a rough time, as the story goes, about 6months ago
They bought him, then it escaped .
They assumed it had gone and was never to be seen.
One morning they went out to empty the trash and the constrictor was found curled up in a ball beside the bin almost frozen.

They gave it to me, and I was a bit reluctant to take it, but I decided to take it anyway and try nurse it back to health. (I’m a sucker for sick animals)

Iv had him for a week and half now, there is no sign of RI.
Has no interest in food, but he looks very tin, and his skin is loose and saggy.
After the 4th day I forced fed him two fuzzy mice, as I didn’t want to try anything bigger.
There was no regurgitation .

SHOULD I TRY FEED HIM SOMETHING BIGGER?
AND HOW OFTEN?

I have about 2years worth of experience with corns, but I am new to boas and pythons .

Any advice as to how I can help the snake would be greatly appreciated.

I will take a photo of it and post it up in about 20mins.

Vin · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 03:23 PM

I'll post up pics tonight, have to get hold of a camera.

Milky2005 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 03:30 PM

His skin could be 'saggy' because s/he could be in shed.

I think he might need to go to the vet just to get a check over.

And if i was you i wouldnt feed him for alteast another week or so.

Jem_Scout · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 03:43 PM

It needs water! Give it a warm soak, but not warm like WE have it, just sort of warm and make sure it has fresh cold water in his cage to drink too. Don't force feed it anymore.
How are you heating his cage?

muzixman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milky2005

if I was you i wouldnt feed him for alteast another week or so.

Yes you should wait at least 10 days before offering him more and don’t force feed him at this point, he has been through some hard times and needs some time to settle in (don’t handle him for while), four days wasn't enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jem_Scout

How are you heating his cage?

warm side? cool side? does he have hides and fresh water to soak in and drink? we need more info please.

Vin · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 04:33 PM

There are two hides one in the cool end and one in the warm end,
80 on cool side, and 90 on warm side,
I use an under tank heat mat, and an exo-terra infrared heat lamp.
I put a water bowl in both ends of the enclosure.

Vin · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 04:38 PM

I cant find a vet in the county who can threat reptiles.

Will the boas growth be stunted due to the lack of food and heat over the 5months s/he was out?

muzixman · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 04:43 PM

sounds like you got it covered, as far as growth I would think he will catch up in size in time. good luck and nice save.

Heidi · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vin

I cant find a vet in the county who can threat reptiles.

Will the boas growth be stunted due to the lack of food and heat over the 5months s/he was out?

Look here for a vet http://www.herpvetconnection.com/
You may have to call around if you don't see one listed there. There is actually a vet here who doesn't take regular check-ups because it is not part of his practice but he works with a herp vet and is interested in it so he'll take acute visits.

As far as the concern for him being stunted, I wouldn't worry about it. Don't try to make up for it because that will cause much more harm then good. Best to give him time to get settled and from now on out feed him normally. He'll catch up in his own time and be much more healthy then if you were to help him along in that regard.

Vin · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 05:53 PM

sorry about the poor photo quality pics, its the best I could do.

Vin · #11 (**permalink**) 12-09-2005, 05:57 PM

Could anyone tell me how much I should feed the boa?
I hope the pics are ok for you guys to judge?

I am a bit worried about this Buldge above the vent? any ideas?

and thanks to all for the help

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