Owned several speckled rattlesnakes over the years and while I never kept the type of records you do, mine were generally 100+grams by the 12 to 13 month mark.
I'm so sorry this happened. That was such a beautiful little snake. I worked as a vet tech in exotics practices and all I can say is that if a snake isn't gaining weight, the first step is always to get a fecal analysis done. If no parasites are found, then bloodwork is the next step. But sometimes there's a metabolic issue present from birth that simply means the young snake isn't going to thrive and grow normally. The struggle for venomous keepers is finding a vet that is willing to work with you. I know you take good care of your animals, and it's just heartbreaking to deal with a loss like this. I hope you have many healthy years ahead with your other snakes and with the new addition.
Thank you VERY much for taking time to share some of your knowledge. I appreciate you! I had one of my friends with more experience with venamous snakes call me to discuss what may have happened. He showed me some interesting traits in relationship genetics. In short, if the parents to this snake were absolutely small then so will the baby. I took a look at the pictures I was sent of the mom and dad to this snake and the dad was REALLY small. I would have to speculate it was no more than 18" long, and abnormaly skinny as well. 🤦♂️💥 As of right now it seems to point to bad genetics. 🤷♂️
Owned several speckled rattlesnakes over the years and while I never kept the type of records you do, mine were generally 100+grams by the 12 to 13 month mark.
Thank you for your input, I really appreciate the knowledge!
I'm so sorry this happened. That was such a beautiful little snake. I worked as a vet tech in exotics practices and all I can say is that if a snake isn't gaining weight, the first step is always to get a fecal analysis done. If no parasites are found, then bloodwork is the next step. But sometimes there's a metabolic issue present from birth that simply means the young snake isn't going to thrive and grow normally. The struggle for venomous keepers is finding a vet that is willing to work with you. I know you take good care of your animals, and it's just heartbreaking to deal with a loss like this. I hope you have many healthy years ahead with your other snakes and with the new addition.
Thank you VERY much for taking time to share some of your knowledge. I appreciate you!
I had one of my friends with more experience with venamous snakes call me to discuss what may have happened. He showed me some interesting traits in relationship genetics.
In short, if the parents to this snake were absolutely small then so will the baby. I took a look at the pictures I was sent of the mom and dad to this snake and the dad was REALLY small. I would have to speculate it was no more than 18" long, and abnormaly skinny as well. 🤦♂️💥 As of right now it seems to point to bad genetics. 🤷♂️
what were temps in cage?