i just went on a week vacation and when I got back something bad happened. I live in a cold climate and SOMEONE in my family was stupid enough to unplug the snakes heating pad over the vacation to "save electricity". I got back, picked up the snake which had just been fed prior to vacation, checked him over, and about 12 hours later he regurgitated his food. could this be due to the cold combined with the strees of handling? he also appears to be having a shedding problem which I will take care of tomorrow if it does not resolve itself after the misting I gave him today (he shed over vacation) help greatly appreciated, i'm very worried about my poor snake!

That most likely had something to do with it. I would get the temps back up and try and feed it again in 5-7 days.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

ok, thanks, i was worried he was sick with something!

It could be a combination of factors. However the temperature is directly related to how fast the digestion process takes place. If it's too cold the food item will start to rot and give off toxins before the snake can digest it. Also snakes are generally less active if the temps are quite cold.
You're handling it and moving it around probably just warmed it up enough to vomit up the bad food. However if he shed during your vacation, it could also mean that you fed him too soon before his shed. I hold off feeding if I see my snakes are going into shed.
You should double check your husbandry. Does he have enough humidity?/ A moist hide? When I see my snakes are going into shed, I lightly mist them with water every day before the shed.
Make sure you get the temps back up into the normal range. (Check out our caresheets if you're not sure)
Get a stool sample container from your vet and next time he defecates have it checked for parasites.

Also, don't feed him now for at least 10 days. His body has been through a shock and vomiting seriously messes up the electrolyte balance in the snakes system. Just make sure he has plenty of fresh water and proper temps.

You can take a damp towel, wrap him in it and put it in a pillowcase... then put the whole thing into his warm terrarium. The process of moving through the warm damp towel to get out will help loosen the old skin.

PS- What kind of snake is it?

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Andrea

he is a ball python. Yes it was a bit dry over vacation because not only did the heater get unplugged so did any humidifiers, and so I think that was a factor. He has plenty of fresh water though so im hoping hes OK. I think that hes doing a bit better now (he seems it) and I will make sure that whoever unplugged his heater to "save electricity" doesnt do it again. Thanks again.

It was prolly due to the temp drop. Just wait untill the temps are back up and rather then feed itin a week wait 2 maybe, so its digestive system can get back in order