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Is my Snake in In Danger from Bite?

S

StevenSavage

New member
I fed my snake a medium sized rat today because all the rat pups my local shop had looked like pinky mice. Long story short I was feeding my corn and he didnt get a proper bite on the face and the rat bit him. He didnt break the skin and the bite lasted a fraction of a second, should I be worried? I dont know if theres any bacteria from the bite or anything
 
Yes, there's a risk of infection - hopefully someone can advise on a reptile-safe antiseptic to treat the bite with (I'm in the UK, so not sure if we have the same stuff). Good reason to convert him to frozen if possible.
 
I am pretty new to snakes myself, but I wanted to chime in real quick before everyone gets upset with you.

You should use some neosporine or similar cream maybe someone will post with what they personally recommended because a rodent bite can be yucky. So you will want to try clean up the bite area just in case to prevent any possibility of infection.

In the future it would probably be better to feed you snake frozen thaw or at least freshly killed that way your snake doesn't risk any future harm. It is safer for the snake this way and more humane for the prey.

Please prepare yourself as feeding live is a very controversial subject and you might get many upset reactions, please know that most of the people who will respond have the best interest of your snake at heart. I am sure this was probably a mistake and I doubt you would have feed live if you had known that one of the reasons for feeding pre killed was for the actual safety of the snake. So try to take this as a learning experience. I am sure that many of the people here would be happy to give you some advice on how to humanely kill a fresh rodent and/or advice on how to get your snake to eat Frozen/thawed.
 
From what I understand polysporin without painkillers is okay to use on snakes. I'd strongly recommend feeding F/T just for the reason in your OP. Plus, I am sure I have read here that mice are slightly better for corns as rats can be a bit rich for them (in terms of weight gain). I could be wrong and someone with more experience than I can correct me if I am.
 
Yes, a bite can get infected and cause damage. Live prey can also remove a snake's eye faster than you can react. For the safety of your snake, and in the name of being humane, please switch to frozen thawed. It is very easy to convert most cornsnakes to thawed food, can be much cheaper to purchase them, and you can buy in bulk which saves a trip to the pet shop. Also thawed food is more easily digested, and has no parasites.

Most of us here use thawed food, and you are talking about literally thousands of snakes that are doing very well on such a diet!

Most pet shops SHOULD carry frozen food. Pet and reptile expos usually have them, and they are very easy to order online.
 
Got it, thanks for the help... I mean I didn't mean to put the snake in any danger I fed him countless times and always seen him bite the head and then wrap up immediately. I cant find any marks from the bite and I cant tell where it was because he was wrapped up when he was bit. I will do all that is necessary to ensure his good health
 
StevenSavage said:
Got it, thanks for the help... I mean I didn't mean to put the snake in any danger I fed him countless times and always seen him bite the head and then wrap up immediately. I cant find any marks from the bite and I cant tell where it was because he was wrapped up when he was bit. I will do all that is necessary to ensure his good health
Click to expand...

I am so glad!
Also, I have heard that rats are a bit high in fat content. All my kids (5 rosy boas, 1 blotched king and 30 something cornsnakes - yes I lose count alot lol) are doing really well on mice only.

Rats are not only MUCH more dangerous to the snake when fed live, but it also hurts my heart when they die a more painful death than they should. I keep a few as pets only and they are some of the best pets I have ever had.....
 
StevenSavage said:
I will do all that is necessary to ensure his good health
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That of course is an excellent attitude to have, and I would say that you are already doing your best by seeking out help! There is no need to feel bad about what is past, just move on with your new knowledge. I am sure some of the long term experienced people here will be happy to help you make the switch to pre killed or frozen thaw. I am to new to snakes to have any useful advice about making the switch.
 
Steven, good for you! We are pretty serious about not feeding live unless it's the only way, and you found out why when your snake got bitten, but it's GREAT to see someone be willing to change to keep his snake healthy. Also, frozen is so much cheaper & more convenient, it's easy to have it available when you are ready to feed & your snake is ready to eat.

Welcome to the forum!
 
*Move along, move along, nothing to see here..* :)

This guy is a GOOD keeper. He listened to what we had to say and wants to do what is best for his snake. Can't get any better than that!
 
Well because you made the mistake of feeding live! Yes your snake could have scarring, infection, borken face bones, and mouth rot. Stop feeding live, it is not worth it, it is not smart and those who feed live are not caring for the animals they took the responsibility for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Someone here VERY recently had the skin chewed off their snake- a good portion of the body. Whether the snake will survive or not is unknown. Feeding live is dangerous and sometimes deadly.
 
snakemaster24 said:
Well because you made the mistake of feeding live! Yes your snake could have scarring, infection, borken face bones, and mouth rot. Stop feeding live, it is not worth it, it is not smart and those who feed live are not caring for the animals they took the responsibility for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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David, you darling brat, stop it!! He already said he is willing to switch. Do I need to smack you?
Steve, we are a bit passonate about animals around here. Sometimes to the detriment of people. But you have a good attitude, and I hope your baby makes the switch without a hitch :)
 
snakemaster24 said:
Well because you made the mistake of feeding live! Yes your snake could have scarring, infection, borken face bones, and mouth rot. Stop feeding live, it is not worth it, it is not smart and those who feed live are not caring for the animals they took the responsibility for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

David, chill. He came for information, not a lecture. Remember that we give people chances around here...sometimes ten, twelve or more....
 
David, you have several snakes...maybe you have some advice on how to switch a snake from eating live to eating F/T or even freshly killed. I bet the OP would really appreciate that sort of helpful advice. I am still too much of a newb to have useful advice about that process.
 
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