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Help! Changed behavior after escape

K

kristentag

New member
We have a young corn snake and he escaped from his cage. He was loose for a few days. On Sunday night, my youngest son saw him in our bathroom. We ran in there and found him right next to our cat (thankfully the cat had no interest in the snake). When I went to pick him up, he bit me but I didn't think anything of it since he was laying next to a cat at the time. I can see how that would be stressful! However, the agressive behavior has continued. My son tried to take him out the next day and he went to strike. On Tuesday, his usual feeding day, he tried to strike us but my husband was finally able to get him out and in his feeding bin. He ate immediately and we put him right back in the cage. Unfortunately, the next day or so after, he regurgitated the mouse. What is going on?? I've read information on here, but I'm not really sure what to do next. Oh, I did look him over and I don't see any noticible injuries. Thanks for any help!
 
Snakes tend to be "wild" for a bit after being recaptured. Don't worry, he'll tame back down after routine gentle handling.

The regurge is likely due to stress. Wait ten days from the day he regarded. make sure he isn't blue when you feed. Feed a pink half the size of the one that was regarded- even if that's half a pink or just a head. Put Nutribac on it. Gradually increase the prey size back up to normal.
 
He's essentially frightened out of his wits and needs time to settle back down. Treat him exactly as you would a new arrival. Leave him completely alone for a week - no handling, no feeding. Follow the regurge protocol to make sure that his stomach is able to deal with the next feed, which should be left for ten days now.

There's also a risk that he's in pain from internal injuries that you can't see. Although the cat didn't appear interested in him, I doubt that a Corn would willingly lie next to a predator like that. There's a good possibility that the cat "investigated" before you found the snake. Even holding him down with one paw to take a sniff, would be enough to crack ribs or vertebrae. Only time will tell on that one.

ETA: Posted at the same time as Nanci!
 
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