kind of worried

[Anonymous]

Okay well I have been reading and comtemplating getting a ball python for about 2 months. Well I work at Petco and they got an odd patterned ball in about 1 month ago and no body would buy it so, I ended up getting it for $10. It is amazing looking a long stripe that runs 3/4 of its body and large amount of white around its green markings.
Well here is my question. I know they can go 3 months w/o eating but she hasn't eaten for about 4 weeks, no biggy. My consern is that she just pooped and it came out very runny not like a solid log like normal. Should I be worried?
Also She has had blueish eyes for about a week and still hasn't shed. I have been soaking her because I have trouble keeping the humidity high for a shed period. Do I need to worry here?
I know most likely there is nothing but this is a whole new type of animal for me and I am just trying to cover all my bases.

thanks
JR

[The_Godfather]

Get a feces sample and have it tested for parasites by a vet, that could cause it to be runny.

Because it is a petco ball python, I'm not too suprised. Let her shed then attempt to feed her. In the mean time don't handle her. There are some good tips in the ball python caresheet for this type of thing.

[gozetec02]

Yea I had a python that had the same problem she had internal parasites. Take her to the vet and he will fix it with no problems. Also since the poo is runny your BP is likely dehydrated. Also check it very closely for external parasites like ticks or mites you might even want to use a magnifying glass. If its shedding i suggest giving him a soak in some lukewarm water when they soak they will often drink water. And it will help with the shed. But i agree with The Godfather get your snake to a vet today if you can.

[JLC]

You can also provide a humid-hide for her if you're having trouble getting the overall humdity in the cage up. Just place a damp sponge or some damp sphagnum moss in a hide and set it on the warm side of the cage. That could help with the shed a lot. The trouble with soaking is that you have to handle an already stressed-out snake to do it...and it's only a temporary fix...you can soak for 30 minutes, but what is the snake going to do for the rest of the 23 and 1/2 hours of the day that it needs the moisture? I would highly encourage making a humid-hide.

You can also work on getting the humdity in the tank up. If you have a screen top, cover it with duct-tape or contact paper...leaving just a small opening for air circulation and/or a heat-lamp if you must use one. If you're using ONLY a heat lamp to provide warmth, try getting a human heating pad from Walmart (one that doesn't have an auto-shutoff) and using that under 1/2 of your tank, but be sure to raise the tank off the table a little too allow air to circulate between the pad and the tank. Put a large waterbowl over the heating pad, along with the humid hide.

Those are just a couple tips for offering the proper humidity. Do get the little guy to the vet asap. Don't worry too much about feeding until you've finished the shed and the vet exam. After all that is overwith...give her another week or two of total "alone-ness" so she can begin to feel safe in her surroundings...and then try feeding her in as inobtrusive manner as you can. After she's eaten two or three times in a consistent manner...then you can start trying to handle her.

One more thing about soaking: Be careful of your definition of "lukewarm." That means just a tad above room temperature. If the water actually feels warm to you, then it is likely too hot for the snake. Lukewarm water should be neither warm nor cold to the touch.

[Marla]

Congratulations on your snake. She sounds pretty, and I hope you'll share some pics with us. I have to agree with the others that you very likely have a snake with parasites on your hands and should get her to the vet ( http://www.arav.org to find one if you don't have one yet). Most likely the vet will prescribe a course of Panacur or Flagyl which will clear the problem right up.

Also, as Judy mentioned, there are a lot of ways to get your humidity up or provide a humid hide. Here's one really easy way to make a humid hide: get a round water dish, ceramic or glass is best but plastic is okay too, and buy a liner made of coconut fiber made for hanging plant baskets. They come in a few sizes and can be bought for less than $10 at WalMart or garden stores. Then all you have to do is fill the water dish, trim the basket liner if needed, and provide an entry hole on the top or side, and turn it upside down over the dish, like this:

[sophie42204]

That's a technique I've never seen before. I like that!! I may even try it at some point....interesting.

[gozetec02]

Hey marla that really cool. Mind if i steal your idea and use it for myself.

[Anonymous]

thanks for all the help. I have been able to get the humidity up now so that problem is solved. I believe she was dehydrated since she was some what wrinkly and she was very dull. Since getting her I have soaked her once a day and given her a large water dish and she is looking much better.
Luckly since working at petco I can take her in and have her checked by the vet at petco for 15 days free of charge. So I may take that route. I have seen him a few time but haven't really dealt with him since I am in aquatics(don't really need the vet).

One question that wasn't answered was that she still hasn't shed, what would draw this out this long? I read that they mostly shed within a week of their eys going blueish.

thanks
JR

[Marla]

I don't mind at all! I had the idea on the spur of the moment one day when I spotted these in the gardening section, and it's worked out really well for me. Better yet, for extra humidity, you can mist it directly without having to spray the snake, it seems to be resistant to mold (makes sense for a plant liner), it's a little scratchy (good for shedding), and the snake loves it. I'd really like to get more feedback on whether they work as well for other folks too.

[JamminJonah]

One question that wasn't answered was that she still hasn't shed, what would draw this out this long? I read that they mostly shed within a week of their eys going blueish.

Hmm... well I have not seen my snake shed once, but I have seen his eyes turn blue. Sometimes their eyes will turn blue, then back to normal and then they shed. My BP hasn't shed yet and I've had him since March 17th and he has grown quite a bit! Perhaps he has and it was just a disappearing shed like Smulkin got. I'm not really sure what factors would draw out a shed. I'm sure someone around here does though!