my python swallowed a paper pellet that i use as a substrate will he be ok? I was recomended to use the product opposed to sand or bark. I am now worried he may end up with a intestinal upset, does any one know what could happan if anything, it was only one and they are not very big. HELP
2006-10-17 00:40:59 · 11 answers · asked by spotty 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Hi
I would defintely call your VEt about it..
It would only cause a problem if it absorbs fluids and becomes stuck causing a blockage... For that reason I would give the VET a call
Substrtate issues are common among reptile owners.. and snakes often drag thier food through it and end up eating some..
Do not use a Calcium Carbonate type Substrate, ever.
But Paper based.. not sure on..
I think a call tot he vet would be good..
Good Luck
Wismom
2006-10-17 05:41:18 · answer #1 · answered by Wismom 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He'll be fine. A snakes digestive system is pretty remarkable and they can digest or pass a lot more than you might think. Think what it does to a rodent including teeth, bones, hair, etc. A little piece of substrate is no problem, and I imagine they pick up a lot of stuff in nature when they're eating. I once saw a picture of a snake passing an entire paper towel.
Anyway, you don't have to feed it in a separate container unless you notice that your snake is eating a lot of substrate. In that case, he might develop an intestinal blockage, but that is pretty rare. The towel idea that the previous person mentioned might sound okay, but I wouldn't recommend it. Towels can harbor a lot of bacteria unless it is washed frequently, and personally I don't like the idea of washing a soiled towel with feces and urates in my laundry.
2006-10-17 03:43:38 · answer #2 · answered by xyz_gd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a good thing you were using paper and not something else. Yes the paper will pass. I think he will be just fine. The problem with swallowing foreign objects with any animal, including snakes, is that the object can cut them internally, causing internal bleeding. Since it was paper, as opposed to bark, it should be digested easily by the snake and will pass.
Good Luck and Take Care
2006-10-17 05:46:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i could not answer for sure..I do not think it will do any damage but it may take him a little longer to pass. I would keep him warm(to speed digestion) and make sure he does not become lethargic. Make sure he has a bowel movement like normal>otherwise he may get blocked up from it...advise, I always feed my snakes in a empty rubbermade container with nothing but him/her and food in it so it cannot accidentally swallow it.. I also use towel as substrate,easier to clean the cage and wash the towel. With the number of snakes I have dealing with substrate is a hastle and they don't seem to mind the towels either. They like to hide in them..
2006-10-17 01:48:39 · answer #4 · answered by cyborg_2099 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, saying that because snakes can digest fur and bone, they therefore can digest paper, is invalid. Snakes cannot digest plant or wood matter. Oh, and fur is not digested either - it is passed out when the snake relieves itself.
Snakes can not digest or pass paper, and snakes have been known to die after swallowing their bedding because it forms an impaction. This is why it is recommended that you always feed your snake in a bare tub, not in its normal tank.
2006-10-19 09:04:36 · answer #5 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aspen is the best,paper towels are used by many people as well. I use Aspen n never have issues with impactation or resp infections n it's easy spot cleaning. My babies r kept on paper towels till they are 500 grams (about 4 months) don't use t Rex, idk y people think it's a real bedding. It was made for show displays only. U can use cypress mulch but most bp's do not like it n it keeps it way to humid for them and it's not easy to spot clean
2016-05-22 08:16:22 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
snakes regulary crush and digest bones...they will digest paper ...sand and most barks easily when swallowed only a little if the snake was eating it and alot take to vet if worried
2006-10-19 06:30:17 · answer #7 · answered by Jake S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry. Your snake's digestive acids can dissolve bone so a small piece of paper will be dealt with with no harmful effects to your snake whatsoever.
2006-10-17 03:40:26 · answer #8 · answered by preacher55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
personaly ive always been a huge fan of coconut husk.. in my opinion it is by far the best beding on the market as far as holding hummidity, not molding, absorbing smell, and just over all looks. I use it in all my cages and probably always will.
heres a feed pic because im board...
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b250/brandon_reise/DSC012292.jpg
2006-10-17 05:18:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ring a vet and ask
2006-10-17 00:48:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋