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#1368126
Megan Derby
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What do i do 
i have found a rat snake and i have decided to keep it. it is wild and i just fed it two mice... it ate it how long do i wait to feed it again and what exactly should i feed it. also my boyfriend told me not to handle it on the day that it eats because they act up is that true because my botfriend acts like he knows what he is talking about but he usually doesnt. and i held it today and it was tame but he kept telling me to put it back in its cage please let me know whats the best way to handle and feed it and do they need a heat rock or a sun lamp?
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07/21/07 02:51am
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#1369143
Love-my-snakes
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Message To: Megan Derby In reference to Message Id: 1368126
What do i do
Alot of people wait 24 hours after feeding to handle their snakes, I prefer to wait 48 hours. They shouldn’t be handled for at least 24 hours though, because it could cause them to regurgitate their meal. Also, you should feed it the appropriate sized mouse every 7 days. Please, do NOT get a heat rock, they are very dangerous for snakes. It can and will cause serious burns. Most people use under tank heaters, which provides belly heat and helps keep ambient temps regular. Others use overhead heat emitters, whether they be bulbs, made for reptiles, or ceramic heat emitters. For my corn, I use an overhead red heat lamp. If you decide to go with an under tank heater, make sure you get a thermostat. UTH’s can get very hot, and without a thermostat, it is near impossible to get the temps right. Read up on some of the care sheets to find out exactly what you may need to get. Best of luck!
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07/22/07 12:40am
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#1778968
Angelsmother
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Message To: Megan Derby In reference to Message Id: 1368126
What do i do
Megan, Your boyfriend is partially correct. You should not handle the snake for about 2 days following feeding it. This is because some times they will regurgitate their meals. By waiting this will allow time for the snake to digest their meal. I have a rock in the cage plus a heat lamp to heat the rock. They need the lamp for warmth in cold weather and they need it for many other reasons. digestion, ect. Good luck, Cindi
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06/30/08 07:50pm
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#1779215
Wisema2297
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Message To: Angelsmother In reference to Message Id: 1778968
What do i do
The 24-48 hr period is a good GENERAL rule of thumb but with almost everything else there are no absolutes. The snake MAY regurge if handled but only if handling causes it undue stress. The regurge is a voluntary act on the snakes part in an effort to avoid what it perceives as a life threatening event. Snakes that generally are not stressed by handling will not regurge. Still, I am sure that you wouldn’t appreciate someone tickling you after Thanksgiving dinner so I’d still him at least a day before handling.
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06/30/08 11:33pm
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