My new Mojave got a RI, no biggy, just make an appointment with the vet, especially since she didn't look too bad I figured I caught it rather early. I was going to see the SPCA vet as they said I could have a discount but they were unable to make the time to see my Mojave (figures). My usual vet was booked till 24th of June so they recommended me to a different vet, even went as far as sending the new vet some of my records.

The new vet gave me two little booklets. One with information on salmonella, and the other titled "how to care for snakes". I have to admit that I did roll my eyes and shoved them in my purse to recycle later. While the vet was looking over my mojave she asked me about my temperatures. I told her the ambient temperature reaches about 86F and the heat pad is set to 92F. She said that the temperature was too high saying they need a temperature for 74-84F. I looked at her like she was stupid (it was a total reaction and not meant for her to see), she noticed and asked me to pull out the handout I shoved in my purse. I got it out and she flipped it to the very last page and outlined the temperature and humidity section for a BP. There is was, printed in ink, saying that studies showed ball pythons do better in temperatures of 74-84F. She then pointed to the humidity column. I was surprised when I read it should be 80%. I told her that that was too high. She argued her practices "research" and I dropped it simply saying "Okay". THEN (yes even more), she said all snakes need a UVB/UVA lighting. I again I looked at her like she was stupid. She mentioned that even though these snakes hide during the day, sunlight would still reach the python through the den opening in the wild.

I seriously felt like taking my sick little girl and waiting the two weeks to see my usual vet or even the SPCA vet. But I waited till I received the injections and left. Went home, gave my Mojave a shot and she is doing just fine with her 50% humidity, no sunlight, 86F temperature quarantine enclosure.

SO, have I really been doing this wrong the whole time? Has my usual vet really been telling me that my "doing an excellent job" was a lie, maybe to bring back service? I have had snakes for a few years now. All of them are doing fine and I have done some extensive research myself even before owning certain snakes.