Another Runny Poop Concern

Twoboyz · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 01:56 AM

Okay, I have my first big worry with my new boa. Yesterday she passed a urate which seemed to look normal by the description I've read on the boards.
Today I noticed a light brownish/grayish puddle about the size of a half dollar. It was runny looking like really wet concrete. I did a search and read alot of differing opinions. Many of them say, take them to the vet right away with a sample of the stool for a test. I don't even know a herp vet in my area yet since I've had no problems yet.

I also read on thread called "Poop 101" that if they have had a switch in their diet then it could trigger this kind of stool. We've only had one feeding and we fed her a f/t hopper. The breeder that we got her from was feeding prekilled. The hopper we fed her had very little hair on it, almost pinky like. I also read that hair keeps poop together. HOwever, my ball python has been feeding on these same hoppers for a few weeks and has had solid stools.

So, should I run to the vet right away, or feed once more and wait for another stool? I can't tell if she's sick due to her behavior because this is my first boa and I'm still learning her behavior. She is never in her hides. She's usually perched up on top of a plant near the top of the tank or wedged between the glass and a hide. Always out in the open it seems. She doesn't move around alot, just seems to sit there.

Thanks for your help.

Ivana

Sakara · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 02:13 AM

do you know what she was eating? if she's eating pink rats or slightly fuzzy rats that could be the cause... Hair holds the poo together... if there is no hair, it will be runny... Happened to me when my boas ate pinkie bunnies... As soon as they got something with fur again, it was back to normal, lol

nitram · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 02:38 AM

i feed my kingsnake pinks and his poo looks like birdpoo sometimes, not too runny though.
never had boas poo goo before, usually its a log, even my '10 lil baby who feeds on hoppers.
although the hoppers have a full set of hair, so the hair business could have something to do with it.
hoppers should have hair anyway, get some bigger hoppers next time.
wouldnt hurt to bag it up and take it to a vet either, lab tests never hurt anyone.

Twoboyz · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 04:06 AM

I think I fed her a really small hopper mouse last week. If I remember right it barely had any hair. I'm going to feed her a weaned mouse tomorrow with lots of hair and see what happens. Looks like tomorrow I'll be looking for a vet tomorrow. I dug some of the poo out of the garbage and put it in a ziploc bag in the fridge. Problem is it got mixed with a little of tonights BBQ.

Thanks for your help.

Derekcm87 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 06:29 PM

Check out Dr. Steve Barten at the vernon hills animal hospital. Hes a great reptile vet, he keeps snakes himself and is an active member in the chicago herp society. Great guy to go to IMO. FYI

Twoboyz · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 07:05 PM

Thanks Derek. I'll keep that in mind. This morning I did a search for herp vets in the chicago area and that one wasn't on the list. Glad you mentioned it. I think I'm going to wait for the next stool because I think it might be due to the lack of hair. last night I fed her a nice fuzzy weaned mouse.

Derekcm87 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-15-2010, 07:10 PM

Your welcome. Yeah I remember when I was looking for one he didnt show up either online that I remember or atleast didnt stand out for whatever reason. But an ex vet that I met at the scott smith expo that showed me how to probe and pop recommended him. I was very pleased.

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