New Ball Odd Behaviour

[missybree]

I purchased a Ball Python from a local pet store last week. He is incredibly thin and was not taken care of properly before.
Last night I was able to get him to eat a fuzzy mouse, which was amazing since he is so thin and in dire need of food (We were sooooo happy he finally ate).
Today he drank from his water dish for the first time, and I am noticing odd behaviour.
He has been sticking his head straight up, as if he is trying to keep the water down, for about half an hour now.
He actually just lowered his head, however it looks like the water is still resting just bellow his throat.

I realize that this is a sign on RI, however he isn't exhibiting any other signs of IR... He is not open mouth breathing and there is no clicking or wheezing sound when he breaths. We are trying to get this little guy back to a healthy state!

Is this possibly a sign of stress? Or maybe because yesterday was his first meal in what I assume was months, is he having a hard time keeping things down?

The warm side of the tank hovers around 90 degrees, the cool side is around 75
He has a hide on the cool and warm side, the water is in the middle.
He is is a 20 gallon long tank.
Aspen bedding.

Thank you all in advance!

[nucklehead97]

Definitely warm up the cool side of the tank to at least 78 or 80 for sure. As for your new BPs behavior I have no idea just wait and see and he might get better. If you feel the need to take him to the vet or talk to the pet store

[missybree]

Definitely warm up the cool side of the tank to at least 78 or 80 for sure. As for your new BPs behavior I have no idea just wait and see and he might get better. If you feel the need to take him to the vet or talk to the pet store

Honestly I don't want to go back to the pet store and ask, since they clearly weren't taking good care of him to begin with. But I will definitely warm up the cool side and if the odd behaviour persists I will consult a vet.
Thank you for your input!

[bcr229]

I would go ahead and make the appointment now, as the exotic vets (in my area at least) are booked for a few days out. If the symptoms clear up then you can cancel the appointment, and with a weakened animal like yours if there is something wrong, the sooner treatment starts the better.

[missybree]

I would go ahead and make the appointment now, as the exotic vets (in my area at least) are booked for a few days out. If the symptoms clear up then you can cancel the appointment, and with a weakened animal like yours if there is something wrong, the sooner treatment starts the better.

The only problem I am faced with that is that the nearest vet who sees reptiles is a 45 minute drive away. I am hesitant to stress him out anymore than he already is at the moment.