burm feeding

[Rain]

I was feeding my burm and noticed that in the process he had gotten a couple of shavings in his mouth and he might have swallowed a few as well. I have been advised to keep my snakes on these shavings but am concerned about possible health risks of them eating the damn things along with the mouse. suggestions or comments?

[Artemis]

The risk is impaction.... bad if they take in a lot of it.... can clog them up. Only other possiblye risk is a toxicty factor if you happen to be using a type of shavings you shouldnt. If non toxic, a few shavings isnt a panic situation, but if they regularly ingest a bit it can get stuck in there. Best to take them out to feed or use a different substrate if you are worried about it. Newspapers, papertowels, things that dont stick to food.

Hope This helps-

Artemis

[gonesnakee]

People actually feed Burms MICE! LOL I hope its a hatchling & the mice are jumbos, why even bother, get some rats or preferably rabbits as mice just ain't going to cut it. Might as well get them on something "bigger" right away, before they develop a taste for something that just ain't goig to cut it for prey. Also to add to an actual answer to your Q, as already stated above plus the risk of a sliver (sp?) in its mouth or throat & the possiblity of a secondary infection from it. Mark

[Rain]

thanks for the info. The snakes just a little guy but will be on rats soon, i'll post some pics when I can get to it.

[gonesnakee]

Just realized you are in SK you do realize that all Boids (including Burms) are illegal in SK right? Mark

[Rain]

yes i realize that. he came in on rescue and has since been relocated to a legal home.