Quick help PLEASE

[bpandrew]

Hey guys I've been wanting a RTB for a while now so I headed to craigslist and found one for dirt cheap. I'm not really interested in breeding it right now, I just like the way they look.

What should I be looking for to insure I don't get stuck with a "fixer upper", from the sound of it I don't think the snake has been kept in very good husbandry.

I know to listen to the breathing, check for odd bumps, check the vent. Anything else? Thanks in advance!

[TheWinWizard]

Stuck eye caps, Open the mouth looking for rot and RI, Ask to see it feed. Check for mites. That's about all I can think of right now.

[bpandrew]

I've never seen stuck eye caps, what does it look like? Is it a big deal or just a sign of other potential problem?

[Kinra]

I would also watch it's behavior, make sure it is alert and seems to be acting fine. Most RTBs are pretty curious when you have them out. Pay attention to body tone too. RTBs should not be round and it's grip should feel tighter than a BPs unless you have BPs that grip you pretty tight.

[Kinra]

I've never seen stuck eye caps, what does it look like? Is it a big deal or just a sign of other potential problem?

A stuck eye cap will appear grayish. It's just a sign of a bad shed, but if there are more than a 2 layers there it can become a serious problem.

Not the best picture in the world, but here's one of my BPs that arrived with a stuck eye cap:

[bpandrew]

Hard to tell from the pic, but ok I'll check for gray looking eye. Thanks.

I called to let the owner know I want to see it feed, and they said "sure, do you have something to feed it in, its been in a pillow case for 2 weeks"

[Skittles1101]

I'd quarantine this snake for as long as possible...

[bpandrew]

That's what I was thinking too.

[Kinra]

Hard to tell from the pic, but ok I'll check for gray looking eye. Thanks.

I called to let the owner know I want to see it feed, and they said "sure, do you have something to feed it in, its been in a pillow case for 2 weeks"

I'm guessing your not going to get a snake in good condition if they've been keeping it in a pillow case for 2 weeks. It's most likely going to be sick and dehydrated, because I highly doubt it's had proper heat or any water while in the pillow case.

Unless your are looking for a rescue I would probably start looking else where already. It's a sad fact of life that you can't save them all so don't take on more than you are ready for. A sick snake can end up costing you more than a healthy one from a breeder would.

[bpandrew]

That's very true. I'll take a look at it and see whats up, hopefully it was taken care of well before then. Its a long shot I know, but it can't hurt to look. Cross your fingers for me.