Moist Snout... RI?

east_stingray · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 03:13 AM

Hey all... just noticed today that one of the new dums has somewhat of a moist snout... when he saw me and got agitated it almost looked like he was going to start blowing bubbles, but it never got that bad... could just see moisture. Does this indicate a RI? If so, what do I do? Drop humidity and raise temps? Thanks a lot guys. This guy is nippy and hard to handle anyway... last thing I need is a RI.
-East

Vegetatoboaotaku · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 04:37 AM

Are you sure it originated from the Dum? Just a generally moist nose could be caused by him messing in his poo or drinking...
In any case if he's not already on newspaper.... I would put him on it... If the dum does hack up gunk (it happens sometimes) you'll see it better on newspaper... Dropping humidity slightly and raise temps is prudent but not too much... Mild RI is best treated in my opion with a litle extra heat and normal humidity... No baytril needed...
Is the Dumeril's new? In a new cage? New setup? New location for cage? RI doesn't magically appear; it's usually acts up do to stress or bad conditions.... Try to figure out whatever caused the problem in the first place and then remedy it as best you can. If the dum is in a high traffic zone move him away, etc.
As of now, it might be a false alarm. Watch him closely and then work from there...
Good luck....

east_stingray · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 04:49 AM

No, he's on aspen, not newspaper. The humidity is a little higher than I would like (upper 70's because the aspen hasn't been there very long) and I'm slowly getting it down. I can put him on newspaper later on tonight I guess. Yeah, he's only been here for about 5 days. He is in a new cage, new setup and new location because he is a new snake here. There's not really any way to remedy that except leave him alone... which is hard when you're trying to keep a close eye on him. Any other suggestions? Thanks veg...
-East

Vegetatoboaotaku · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 05:13 AM

Well.... I think that's it then.... Dum's don't always seem to take moves as well as bci... silly things...
Anyway... I might also cover the cage with a blanket or something to keep the stress as low as possible until things clear up...And give him ooodles of hides and many layers of newspaper to "burrow" in... Check every other day or so for goo... leaving the dummy alone as much as is possible...
The dum might eat, might not.... Feed him in a week or two and mark his responsiveness.... And often times snakes shed right after they get over an RI so look for that as well...
That's it for now I think....
Oh and beware the feeding response of dummy's.... it's radically powerful and haphazard!

east_stingray · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 02:28 PM

He looks like he could shed here in the next week or so. I didn't catch him in blue, but if my BCI is to be any idication that probably doesn't matter. On the other hand, he may just be a little dehydrated. They both make sense. His responsiveness is pretty darn high. I haven't even been able to handle him yet. The other one ate fine, but this one tries to bite you even once you've got him picked up. I've never experienced that before. The male was pretty calm (when I said "he" and "him" earlier talking about the fiesty one I think that one is actually the female), is okay once you get him picked up, and has eaten a pink for me already. He also doesn't get all jumpy like her anytime someone in the room moves. Plenty of hides, I believe but I'll add some more tonight for good measure. Changed to paper last night.. humidity immediately went to about 50, which is pretty good. All wooden and plexi cage I just built so it should hold it there. Thanks again.
-East

east_stingray · #6 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 02:32 PM

Strangely enough, the very snappy one (the female) bit me about 8 times while getting her out last night but was unphased by the rat dance immediately following. Hurt my feelings

. Oh well... the good one took the rat off my hands and made me feel good about not wasting food

. She'll just have to wait unti my next trip to pet store for another bag of thaw 'em and eat 'ems. Any ideas on how to deal with a snake that bites even after being picked up? I'm always afraid she'll startle me and make me drop her. Thanks.
-East

Ace · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2004, 12:25 AM

she may settle down after you have had her awhile. Maybe try giving her her space fora while. only bother her to clean and feed. Some snakes takes longer to get use to there new suroundings.

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