04-24-2012, 10:08 AM
04-24-2012, 10:32 AM
I just put this on the other thread
They don't "pee" as mammals do, they release what is called "urates", basically a solid form of the same thing to release the same waste products without wasting water. It is white, slightly moist if the snake is healthy, and dries to a chalky white substance fairly quickly.
They don't "pee" as mammals do, they release what is called "urates", basically a solid form of the same thing to release the same waste products without wasting water. It is white, slightly moist if the snake is healthy, and dries to a chalky white substance fairly quickly.04-24-2012, 10:37 AM
So most snakes do not urinate, or at least not the typical liquid urine we have in mind.
Is this "urates" the same thing as poop or do they also release a different solid as poop?
Is this "urates" the same thing as poop or do they also release a different solid as poop?
04-24-2012, 11:31 AM
Fishbone is correct. Snakes and other reptiles don't produce urea as a waste product the way most mammals (us) do, they produce uric acid (the same substance that causes gout in humans). The benefit to this is that uric acid requires less water loss to the animal, but requires more energy to produce.
Well-hydrated snakes will secrete this as a solid form, and may excrete some liquid as well. This will all dry up rather quickly.
And yes, this is separate from their feces, although they are both evacuated from the same opening. Their feces looks like what you would expect; brown. Their 'urine' is pale yellow or white.
Well-hydrated snakes will secrete this as a solid form, and may excrete some liquid as well. This will all dry up rather quickly.
And yes, this is separate from their feces, although they are both evacuated from the same opening. Their feces looks like what you would expect; brown. Their 'urine' is pale yellow or white.
04-24-2012, 01:44 PM
Good to know. It is exactly the information I was looking for.
Thanks!
Thanks!