Old Age Death

[guidofatherof5]

I have a rather large group of male T.radixes. Many are captive bred and born but a few are wild caught. One of my wild caught males is dieing. I believe it an old age situation. I knew he was old(by wild standards) when I found him. He's been a lot of fun to have around as he was a sort of leader in the enclosure. The last 2 days he's been laying outside the hide and also has refused food. He's starting to get that triangle body shape with a sunken belly. He's also losing weight. I've seen this before in my elderly snakes. I feel so helpless at this point as there is nothing I can do. In most cases they pass quickly and quietly.
I know when I take these older snakes in I'm going to have to deal with this but I never think about it at the time.
I hope the old boy doesn't suffer.

[Snakers]

You gave him the best live any radix could dream of.

[kibakiba]

I agree with Nolan, I think any snake would love living with you. He's probably very happy that he was able to live with such a wonderful person :) Hopefully he'll go quickly with no suffering. sorry about whats happening Steve :( but at least you can live knowing you gave him the best life he could have ever had.

[justme]

You have such a kind heart Steve. Perhaps euthanization from your well trusted doctor may be an option if he appears to suffer unnecessarily? I am sure he will pass away naturally and his memories with you on the ranch.., well cherished.

[ConcinusMan]

I know how you feel. Watched it happen first with my old male (18)and a few years later with the female.(21) At least it's a natural end to his life. All of us, and all critters great and small face that day eventually. It's sad to see him go, but it's really just as natural as birth.

[guidofatherof5]

He passed during the night.
R.I.P. old man.

[Selkielass]

I'm glad he went peacefully- You can't ask for better for an aged pet.
You've posted previously about having to put down animals- I don't know what method you use, but the method outlined on this page looks like a simple humane option that wouldn't stress out an animal used to feeding in a separate plastic enclosure.
Small Animal Euthanasia at Home (http://www.alysion.org/euthanasia/index.html)

[kibakiba]

I'm glad it was peacefully :) sad thing to wake up to though.

[Spankenstyne]

Sorry to hear that Steve. No matter how many years go by or times we have to deal with it, it's always a bummer.
On the positive side he won the snake lottery for the wonderful home he had for his "golden years".

[infernalis]

He passed during the night.
R.I.P. old man.


Slither on old one, Slither on..................

[guidofatherof5]

I've got another elderly female radix in trouble. She's been eating everyday for the last few weeks but hasn't put on any weight and is starting to get that triangle body shape. Her name is Data, she's been great to have but it looks like her time might be short.
Massive food intake with weight loss. She alert and active but I've seen this all to often in my older(wild caught) snakes.

[drache]

we all must go eventually, but it is sad still . . .

[gregmonsta]

Sad to see and sad to hear. They have a great life with you and that's something to be proud of ;)

[Mommy2many]

Sorry to hear about another.

[EasternGirl]

I'm so sorry Steve...sorry about both of them. But everyone on here is right...they had a wonderful life because of you...I'm sure they will be happily slithering around in snakie heaven remembering their wonderful human owner...

[kibakiba]

You mean "pet". ;)
Garters aren't pets, but very loving owners. They use their mind control on us all to make us get them food and give them love.

[guidofatherof5]

I take in a number of aged snakes every year and hate this time but understand they probably lived longer in my care than had they been left outside.
My guests do have it pretty easy.
Free healthcare, food, board, protection, utilities, back and neck rubs, dating services.:D

[mustang]

I take in a number of aged snakes every year and hate this time but understand they probably lived longer in my care than had they been left outside.
My guests do have it pretty easy.
Free healthcare, food, board, protection, utilities, back and neck rubs, dating services.:D

how can u tell the difference between a back rub and a neck rub on a snake? :P

[guidofatherof5]

how can u tell the difference between a back rub and a neck rub on a snake? :P

It depends on what they ask for:D

[ConcinusMan]

Big Bertha bobs her head when I do that. It's like she's saying "yeah, right there. Like that"

[kibakiba]

Mama twitches her head a little bit if I rub from the back of her head down to the middle of her body. She seems to enjoy it and often lays on me and lets me do it. Snakey used to "massage" my finger and twitch his head on it... Maybe he mistook me for a girl snake or something. :D