snake constipation

Anyone know what causes a snake to be constipated? humidity levels? temp? ???

A pretty good question at that. I will venture some guesses, but mind you only guesses:

1) Lack of exercise is probably the number one reason in captive snakes. If you take a constipated snake and place it into warm water it usually passes within an hour or two. Now the warm water may help relax muscles and that may help the snake let loose, but I think the movement may have more to do with the snakes moving around in the water. I say this because I have seen snakes in cool water poop after swimming for a while, just as if in warmer water. I also have noted that consitpated snakes sometimes poop once they have been allowed, or prompted, to crawl about an area outside of their enclosure.

2) Hairball or other impactions. Many times hair does not digest. If it impacts this would likely cause constipation.

3) Temperature may play a part in that at too low a temp, the s food will not be digested properly and will possibly remain in the gastro-intestinal system causing constipation.

4) Lack of sufficient water in the diet.

As I said, just my guesses.

Best regards,
Glenn B

I went through this problem with my Blood Python. A trip to the vets was needed as it was pretty severe. I had been having problems keeping the humidity up, which in turn caused her constipation. I think Glen is right on the money, what he mentioned in 1,2&3 are all things the vet and i discussed. I now bath my big girl at least 3 times a week and it seems to give her the added exercise she needs to pass her food. Constipation can cause Bacterial infections which is what happend to my girl but with some meds, baths and extra exercise outside her enclosure she has not had a recurrence of this problem. But it is something i now keep a close eye on. I also now go out of my way to give them added supervised exercise outside their enclosures. Which we all seem to enjoy.

Laura-Lee Laberge