Hello,
I received a ball python as a present that was purchased at petsmart. The next day I nocted white mites on his head and also some dry flaky scales on his back. I washed him in warm water and cleaned the tank out and 2 days later it seems I have taken care of the mites....
I have 11 days left before I can return him but I want to give it a chance first. His tank has the correct temp and humidity and he is curious and active when I handle him, flicks his toungue and moves around. Hes not soaking in the water or acting weird other than stayin in the hide on the cool side never going to the warm side. I have not tried to feed him F.T mice yet, but I am going to try in 4-5 more days if he does not eat I think I will return him.
His belly looks nice and other then the few flaky scales on his back his color is very normal but along his side and near his head his skin is a bit wrinkly, im not sure why. I dont think he is about to shed becuase his belly is not pink and no clouding of his eyes. The feeding chart the pet store gave said he ate 2 weeks prior to the purchase but only one time last month.
I guess my question is he seems overall un healthy and would it be futile for me to try to maintain this snake? i see after some research he is probably not captive bred. Any help would be greatly appreciated.