Any advice please - no idea what's wrong.

[d_virginiana]

Sorry for your loss. Try not to feel so bad about it though; you couldn't have helped what happened.

[Stefan-A]

Sorry about the loss.

How were the temperatures recently?

[drache]

sorry about the losses
they are a bit more fragile when they're less than a year old

[Mix]

Sorry, my family was hit by a nasty bug the last couple days; actually started the day we lost Silver. First my daughter, then hubbie, then myself, and last night, my son. Even my poor dad got it (which I'm sure he caught from seeing us lot). Everyone now getting better!

A necropsy would have been good, but I already buried the poor guys when they died. I didn't think to store them (not sure how?). I may find out if there is a specialist vet in my area who could do this, for future reference - but hopefully I won't need it!

The temps have been fine here, and the enclosure has stayed regulated with the light and heat mat as normal. No problems or sudden rises or drops.

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry to you lost silver.

[RdubSnider]

Sorry for Your loss
For all of them to go like that I'd think it would have to do with the fish. I don't think even bad water would do that. And you don't have to worry about the old plumbing either. Hope you get another snake in the future.

[ConcinusMan]

Are you sure this wasn't a case of retained shed, or a just partially retained? Just kinda sounds like it. I've lost a few little ones that way.

[charles parenteau]

Sorry about you lost!!

[Mommy2many]

I am so sorry to hear that you lost her. Don't give up! I lost 3 snakes over the winter, they were already over 18 months old. One was the Mom. Sometimes, you just don't know.

[Mix]

Sorry for Your loss
For all of them to go like that I'd think it would have to do with the fish. I don't think even bad water would do that. And you don't have to worry about the old plumbing either. Hope you get another snake in the future.

After reading through some other stuff on the forum today, I was actually just coming to this conclusion. I always get my fish from the fresh counter, never pre-packed, and it is usually british farmed, but always states place of origin. I thought I was getting clean, fresh fish, but maybe not.

Richard - I did check her over for retained shed, but couldn't find any. I think her eyes going dull may have been a result of the fact that she was fading away.

I wanted to thank everyone for their words of support. It felt so hard to suddenly have no snakes. BUT - that could never put me off owning these great little guys. Even just looking at the empty viv makes me want to go and fill it immediately. I'm hoping to get some soon. And when I do, I will be trying everything to get them on to pinkies and earthworms. I need to find out if the fish from the fresh counter comes from different stock than what I could get at the fish market, as I'm feeling a little untrusting.

Why oh why don't they sell Sally's silversides over here?!