Gravid radix

[Dan72]

Thanks. So Steve when you get gravid gals on the ranch, do you seperate as soon as you are sure that is the case, or do you wait until delivery gets closer then remove?

[guidofatherof5]

With quarantine being 90 days they are by themselves.
Most of my snakes deliver within 60-70 days as a rule.

[Dan72]

So I took a shot on a substrate just to try something. Wal-Mart carries Critter Care, so I bought a bag and placed about a 2 inch layer in with momma snake. She has ate twice since adding the substrate. I feed her with the hemostats (thanks Steve) and do it on top of her hide to keep her out of the substrate. Her hide is a childs shoe box that I turned upsidedown and tore a hole for an entrance so it kind of acts like a table top. So today was the first time the nightcrawler struggle led down into the substrate... you know where I'm going with this. Substrate stuck to worm, swallowed by snake. So now I'm worried. Two things, I thought the Critter Care was just some type of recycled paper product so I was hoping a snake might pass digested paper the way we would but the bag says the Critter Care is made from reclaimed cellulose fiber?? Is this recycled paper? At any rate whatever it is how many days and stool passings do I need her to get under her before I can stop watching her like a hawk?? I feel like a terrible snake keeper and never want to get away from the paper towels now. Anyone care to ease my mind here? Thanks.

[guidofatherof5]

Take a deep breath. Everything should be OK.
Keep an eye on her but don't worry about it.
I would feed an extra worm just to make sure there is plenty of fluid on her gut.
Just my opinion.

[Dan72]

The worm that had the substrate Steve was the 1st one that went in. She had another and a pinky after that which were clear of any substrate.

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds good.

[ProXimuS]

While talking about snakes ingesting substrate.....About 30 minutes ago,I fed my snake in his waterbowl like usual, and he always(from what I've seen in the past couple weeks that he's let me watch) eats in/over his waterbowl. But today he decided he wanted to eat in his hide. His hide and his bowl are a combo, so he can stay partially in his hide and still get to his bowl I didn't notice he was doing that on the first fish until he was almost done swallowing. He had a piece of aspen hanging on his mouth, so I'm not sure if he got any down with the food. I moved him into another container(with no substrate) to finish his food.

I'm a little concerned...Is there anything in specific thing I should be looking out for now(possible symptoms)? Will it pass in his poop?

[kibakiba]

Monitor his pooping, and if you can catch him while he is pooping, make sure he isn't having trouble passing it.

[ProXimuS]

Can do! Thanks

[katach]

If feeding in the tank you always should be monitoring. Even if they tend to eat in one spot. That way you can be there if any substrate gets stuck to the food and remove it quickly. You can also try putting a dish towel over the substrate before you feed, but you still need to keep a watchful eye on them.