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Average Digestion Time?

J

j334

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I'm just wondering what is the average digestion time for a ball python. My snake ate 2 weeks ago and nothing has come out yet. I fed him another mouse a couple days ago. I don't think I will feed him again until something comes out.
 
it varies from snake to snake and also from feeding to feeding . sometimes they will seem to be storing it up for a special occasion . 3 or 4 weeks is not unusual , but i'd say maybe 2 weeks on average . you could try soaking your critter in luke warm water ( approx 86 to 90 degrees ) for 15 to 30 minutes . sometimes a good soak will "loosen up" things .
 
Thanx markface... I was just starting to worry that he had become impacted. I think I will wait 5 more days; if nothing happens then I'll take him to the vet.
 
How old is the snake? I have a number of 05 BPs, and most of them only defecate every 3-4 weeks (usually after 2-3 feedings). The same is true of many boids, particularly the more heavy bodied ones. If your snake doesn't defecate within a week or so of the 3rd feeding, soak it (as previously recommended). I actually soak most of my snakes on a semi regular basis - the only ones I don't soak are the ones that clearly get freaked out by being in water. Depending on the size of the snake, and the container, you only need 0.5 - 2 inches of water. The water should feel slightly cool (not cold) to the touch...I say it that not to disagree with Mark, but because most people's idea of lukewarm is actually warmer than necessary (if you aren't sure, check the temperature!! :D)
 
your right harrald , i should have mentioned that if it feels warm to a human it will feel scalding to a snake . i usually just quote temps and recommend using a thermometer to check water temp before soaking . generalrule of thumb i use is to have the water deep enough to cover about half the body of the snake (ie if the snakes back is 2 inches above the floor then 1 inch of water ) .
 
He is an 05 BP. Ive had him for about a month,he defecated the second day I had him. He currently has two mice in his system and I am kind of reluctant to give him a third until he has "fully digested" the previous one. I feed him every Saturday so if nothing happens I will do as you suggested and soak him. Thanx alot for your inputs.
 
Their not trying to be pushy. Their trying to save you money! Its not that big a deal just yet, and you should try soaking him first. It works most of the time.
 
I wouldn't be too concerned, honestly. They poop when they're ready to poop - sometimes on you :)

I've got four '06 girls I've had about a month, and now four meals in them. Only one has pooped, the others have had urates, and no one is really bulging in the nether regions yet. I still plan to offer food every Tuesday.

If nothing else, ball pythons are great at teaching you patience!
 
Leighanne you -Their not trying to be pushy. Their trying to save you money! Its not that big a deal just yet, and you should try soaking him first. It works most of the time.

I never implied that they were being pushy. I appreciated the inputs. The reason I asked the question was to get inputs. Mark and hhmoore I apologize if I came off wrong. I wasn't tryin to imply that you were being pushy. I really do thank you for your inputs.
 
i never got the impression you thought we were being pushy . no apology needed .
 
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