iHerp Answers: BP gorging on water and then regurgitating it

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BP gorging on water and then regurgitating it

Posted By:

Cherryhead

In Relation To:

Zephyr II

My pastel male BP is developing a somewhat disturbing habit of gorging himself when he drinks and then regurging some of it, almost like a reflux. He has access to fresh water at all times in the enclosure but when he's hanging out with me, sometimes I offer him a drink. He just drinks and drinks and drinks... and I don't believe he is dehydrated at all, and is not showing any of those signs. He just loves to gulp up a ton of water and then it drips out of his mouth on and off for the next two hours or so. Has this happened to anyone else? How can I prevent him from doing this? And should I be concerned healthwise?


Points:	150
Topics:	General Health , Digestive , Regurge
Tags:	BP, Regurge
Species:	Pythons > Pythons > Python regius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

6/2/2012 1:18:03 AM

shadorea

A snake's swallowing mechanism is not the same as ours. They require the help of gravity and force created by their mouths and necks to push water into their digestive track. This process can take some time and work on the part of the snake, so of they invert their heads at all, the water can come pouring back out. So your snake is most likely not regurgitating the water, but simply hasn't forced the water down its gullet yet. If his sheds and defections are going well, then I wouldn't be worried.

Author Comment

6/2/2012 3:04:15 AM

Cherryhead

Thank you! He drinks like a water buffalo! It was hilarious until he started spitting it out.. So far he hasn't spit up since about 2hrs ago. I'm still keeping an eye on him but he seems to be settling in for the night. :)

Member Comment

6/2/2012 5:46:50 PM

zharper

I've had a similar situation after bathing my ball python. There are times when I have pulled him out of the bath and a minute or two later it is like a waterfall coming out of their mouth.

Member Comment

6/3/2012 4:43:07 AM

abi21491

Shadorea is correct, handling after drinking often results in the water pouring back out. It can be startling at first! As long as he isn't hacking it up or opening his mouth coughing etc it sounds normal.

Author Comment

6/6/2012 8:08:11 PM

Cherryhead

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll be careful not to handle him right after a big drink. :)

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