Horrible News

[Mommy2many]

I'm so sorry to hear of all the losses. Poor Rita. I can't even imagine what would cause that.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Oh Steve... not Rita! I am so sorry....

[mustang]

sorry to hear that...maybe its old age, parasites , or somthing like that...im sorry to that steve hope she pulls through

[guidofatherof5]

Rita did pass this morning.
She had massive blood loss.
I will do a necropsy later this evening to see if I can explain this tragic death.
Here roommates ate the same food as her at the same time. She couldn't have gotten into any poison or other chemicals. 22 hours after feeding she was near death. No way to explain it at this time.
It a real shame that such a unique garter snake had to meet such a terrible death. She was not an old snake. I expected to get 5 or more years of breeding from her.
The only saving grace is that fact I have 2 groups of offspring from different fathers.

[infernalis]

Sincere heartfelt condolences Steve from my family to yours.

[bkhuff1s]

Sorry to hear about this.

[bkhuff1s]

Steve before I ask this I just want to let you know, that I believe you take the utmost care of your snakes. Could there be something in the fridge that is contaminating some of your food sources? You fish eaters were having problems as well if I remember.

[guidofatherof5]

There can't be any kind of contaminant. All that is housed in the freezer are the mice. All the other snakes that have eaten the same mice are as normal as possible. I hope opening her up will answer the question and not add to the mystery.
She was becoming a great companion snake. A real pleasure to have around. I spent time with her everyday.

[gregmonsta]

This sucks. Really sorry to hear the news.

[GarterGeek]

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful snake. I wish I could offer the condolence that she's gone to a better place, but in your case I doubt that's true.