New BP - Little babe is a tad unhealthy.

[Cassraptor]

So! I've had a set up for this snake and my dad decided to surprise me by buying me one from our local exotic pet store. I've cared for snakes with him since I was a child, but primarily corn snakes and never BP's. I have a proper setup with a cool and warm side with a pretty balanced humidity. The problem isn't my step up, but the pet store where he came from.

Upon arrival, the little pastel male had a large amount of stuck shed on his body and along his neck. Someone on tumblr commented that he looked dehydrated, something I'd also observed about him.

I fed him a medium mouse on sunday and he snapped it up, and I'm wondering how recently he's been fed. He seems rather skinny compared to the BPs I've seen online, so I'm concerned. I can feel his backbone pretty defined.

I gave him a soak today and was able to gently roll the skin off of him, and it slipped right off. There is still a slight crinkling of the skin, though not a stuck shed, along his neck.

He's extremely docile. Very, very sweet and has so far not snapped at me, which is contrary to what I've heard about baby and juvie BPs.

My question is, with seeing the pictures below, do you guys have any tips about how to maybe plump him a little better and get him hydrated? I know soaks don't do much for hydration. The first thing he did when he got him was immediately drink, so he's doing so on his own.

Before Soak and Feeding:




After Soak and Feeding:





If there are any specific pictures anyone needs, let me know.

[Danomano]

Sounds like the little fellow just needs a bit of TLC. I think you are heading down the right path. Give him some time to settle in a bit. Maybe offer another small feeding in 3 or 4 days.

[Cassraptor]

Thanks! Will do. It makes me sad that the pet store let him get grungy. I'll feed him in a couple of days, and let him chill for a bit. Thanks again. He seems comfortable enough at the moment, at least. He comes out of his hides to check stuff out and moves around the tank some, though there is a small amount of rubbing his nose on the glass, but that has died down since the first night.

[Slim]

Feed him the appropriate size prey on a weekly schedule, and he will be just fine. No need to worry about his weight, it will adjust its self with proper husbandry and feedings.

[bcr229]

Proper humidity + having clean water available at all times will fix his hydration issue. I would switch him over to appropriate-size rats ASAP while his food response is strong, once they become "mousers" making the change later can be difficult.

Since he came from a shop with questionable husbandry practices get some Reptile Spray, apply some to a paper towel, and wipe him down to check for mites.