Help with new Ball Python

[Osiris]

So I have no where to turn for help with my new bp because i havent had any luck finding a breeder in my area, so I was hoping someone here could help me. I got a baby bp on may 14th (37 days ago) and it is refusing to eat, the snake itself is about 26in give or take an inch or so and ate the first 2 weeks fine (medium mice) the third week it regurgitated a mouse which i then found out was a heat issue I fed it a a little bit after that and it ate fine. Shortly after that it showed signs of shedding which was when it started refusing mice, it shed fine a week after but it still refuses to eat 3 days after it shed! it has been almost 2 weeks since the snake has eaten and its starting looking a little thin. (Ill post pics) Im worried because this is my first bp and i feel like all the husbandry is in order. The tank is about 75 degrees on one side and 86 degrees on the other, he has two hiding spots on either side but usually lays out semi hidden. the tank itself is a 55gal tank, which i know is too big but it has eaten in it fine before. Im using fir bark as the bedding and have been the whole time, if you guys can think of anything im doing wrong or want more pics let me know or if im just over worrying. I really care for this snake and just want it to be healthy.

EDIT: its been on frozen mice the whole time

http://i.imgur.com/77XuS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mccQr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DSh6v.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TH8qV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OWWEM.jpg

[The Serpent Merchant]

Your husbandry is not in order. Your cage is too cold. This is probably the reason why your BP isn't eating.

Check out these 2 threads, they will get you on the right track:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...04#post1845904

[mues155]

Your husbandry is not in order. Your cage is too cold. This is probably the reason why your BP isn't eating.

Check out these 2 threads, they will get you on the right track:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...04#post1845904

agreed.
What are you using at a heat source? A lamp may help with the ambiant temps but an UTH (under tank heater) is needed for belly heat which aids in digestion. In these caresheets it explains how to properly use them.
Once husbandry is corrected your little guy will not regurgitate (he didnt have enough heat to digest the mouse and this is most likely why he did this) and will start eating again.
He doesnt look thin, hes just a young bp. Going a few weeks without food is not going to hurt him but the husbandry needs to be corrected asap. If not, your problems will be greater than just a bp that wont eat.

Also welcome to the forums and thanks for seeking help for your new pet!

[Osiris]

agreed.
What are you using at a heat source? A lamp may help with the ambiant temps but an UTH (under tank heater) is needed for belly heat which aids in digestion. In these caresheets it explains how to properly use them.
Once husbandry is corrected your little guy will not regurgitate (he didnt have enough heat to digest the mouse and this is most likely why he did this) and will start eating again.
He doesnt look thin, hes just a young bp. Going a few weeks without food is not going to hurt him but the husbandry needs to be corrected asap. If not, your problems will be greater than just a bp that wont eat.

Also welcome to the forums and thanks for seeking help for your new pet!

Thanks for the welcome, I am using a 100 wat infrared light bulb as the heat source. It hasn't regurgitated in a while but could my tank be to large? if so what size would you suggest I've read through the care sheets but they simply say that 10gal for juveniles is more toward the small side. Also is it possible that its hiding spots are too large? Ill start looking around tomorrow when im out of work for proper heating/tank, any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

PS. its name is Sheik

[The Serpent Merchant]

Yes your cage is way too big, I wouldn't use anything larger than a 20 gallon long for a BP that small.

What are you using to measure temperatures/humidity with?

If the tank is too cold a BP won't be able to digest properly.

Is the Infrared heat lamp the only heat source? Is it on 24/7?

This picture shows the perfect size hide... They like them tight.



This is what I consider to be the perfect BP set up:

[mues155]

Yes your cage is way too big, I wouldn't use anything larger than a 20 gallon long for a BP that small.

What are you using to measure temperatures/humidity with?

If the tank is too cold a BP won't be able to digest properly.

Is the Infrared heat lamp the only heat source? Is it on 24/7?

This picture shows the perfect size hide... They like them tight.



This is what I consider to be the perfect BP set up:

You always beat me to the reply.

I second everything said.

[Osiris]

Yes your cage is way too big, I wouldn't use anything larger than a 20 gallon long for a BP that small.

What are you using to measure temperatures/humidity with?

If the tank is too cold a BP won't be able to digest properly.

Is the Infrared heat lamp the only heat source? Is it on 24/7?

This picture shows the perfect size hide... They like them tight.



This is what I consider to be the perfect BP set up:

The light is on 24/7 and as far as the temp goes I have a simple strip-thermometer to measure it with. I will get it in a new tank asap, as well as proper accommodations. Once i have gotten it in a new habitat how long should i wait to feed it again? Thank you guys very much I appreciate your help and my bp will appreciate it even more.

[mues155]

The light is on 24/7 and as far as the temp goes I have a simple strip-thermometer to measure it with. I will get it in a new tank asap, as well as proper accommodations. Once i have gotten it in a new habitat how long should i wait to feed it again? Thank you guys very much I appreciate your help and my bp will appreciate it even more.

Your very welcome thats what were here for!

I would give her a few days at least to settle into her new habitat.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Those strip thermometers don't work well, they really only tell you the temperature of the glass.

What you want is a digital thermometer with a probe. I like this one, it is sold at Walmart for $12. They measure 2 temperatures (hot side and cool side) as well as humidity.



I would wait a full week before handling or attempting to feed your BP again.

[Osiris]

Hey guys idk if anyone will check this again but i took all of your advice got him/her a new cage a proper hiding spot and better heating. I just wanted to pop in and say thank you for the help my bp started eating again which was a huge relief for me! Thanks again and hopefully see you on the forums.