I think my snake may be impacted.

[edwards66]

Hey guys, I have a red tail boa named Charlie. He is about three years old and about three feet long. I have only had him since this summer I got him from a friend who was going to college so she gave him to me. I love Charlie very much so I worry like crazy because I am still getting used to taking care of him. My main concern is the last couple of times I fed him I havent found any poop in his habitat and I am starting to get worried, he has had about six small rats since the last time he pooped and it has been about 4 weeks. I worry about everything, especially when it comes to Charlie but I am beginning to get more and more worried because I dont know what to do. I read from someone's post about a BP that you can try soaking them in a warm bath. Someone else said that when they took their snake to the vet and had her x-rayed that the vet gave her 5mils of pedialyte and 5mils of prune juice, but Im not completely sure what to do. I cant really afford to take him to the vet right now but I would if I absolutely had to.

Any Ideas?

[alessia55]

I'd try a warm bath... works with my BP. I think he'll poop when he needs to. It could also be that he has in fact pooped but it's hidden somewhere in his substrate.

[blindfireak40]

And speaking of substrate, impaction typically doesn't come out of the blue. Have you seen any substrate get swallowed along with the rats? Substrate ingestion is a huge cause of impaction.

Is he about to shed? I've heard of snakes not going before shed. Also, large constrictors tend to "save up" meals for one gigantic, smelly poo all at once. This could be the case with Charlie. Until his behavior changes (really defensive, not eating, exhibiting pain), I'd not worry too much. I'm sure one of our boa people will be by soon to give you better information. Good luck! :)

[snake man12]

Boa constrictors only poop every three to four weeks. Mine just pooped a lot and its been about three weeks

[SpOoKy]

Can you post you temps, substrate, humidity... and also do you have any pics. 3ft for a 3 year old red tail sound really small. Can you bump up the prey size?

[snake man12]

Yeah I thought three foot far a three year old is tiny it should be about five