BP Not moved in 7 days

[EthanMG]

I fed my ball python two weeks ago, then handled him three days after that, and a couple days later he went into this “humid box” I made him. It is a plastic Tupperware that I painted black with a hole in the top filled with spagnum Moss. The mass was hardly damp one week ago and now it is basically completely dry. I’ve been keeping the tank at 60-70% humidity because I’m guessing that he is in shed. The only thing that concerns me is that most people say shedding process takes five days, but it’s been a week. And he also hasn’t moved AT ALL even at night in those 7 days. Should I be worried? I’m not even sure if he’s in shed. I can’t really tell. I’ll put some photos. The ones of him curled up are from today the others are from a few weeks ago.






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[Bogertophis]

Shedding takes as long as it takes, not "5 days" as someone told you. And it takes longer if they just ate. Because both digestion and shedding requires extra hydration (water) from the snake's body, so if they're doing both at more or less the same time, it just got slower. Snakes don't watch the calendar, neither should you.

Since you're obviously looking in on him, you should re-moisten the moss (mist, or if you don't want to disturb him with the spray, just pour some water into it) when you notice it's dry. Also, he might NOT be in shed- he might just be enjoying the humid hide, as most of my snakes do too. They don't only use it during shed times.

[EthanMG]

Shedding takes as long as it takes, not "5 days" as someone told you. And it takes longer if they just ate. Because both digestion and shedding requires extra hydration (water) from the snake's body, so if they're doing both at more or less the same time, it just got slower. Snakes don't watch the calendar, neither should you.

Ok thank you, that makes sense, but what should be the longest before I should do something or be concerned


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[Bogertophis]

Ok thank you, that makes sense, but what should be the longest before I should do something or be concerned


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I added to my post above, in case you missed it. Just chill. He's a snake, he's comfortable...that's a good thing. If he was physically able to smile, he'd be smiling...okay?

[Snagrio]

Something to keep in mind. BPs have been described as "living pet rocks" for a reason. Compared to other snakes they tend to not be very active (remember how I told you he'll likely be moving around a lot less after the initial week or so).

As long as he's eating, your parameters are up to snuff and he shows no signs of stress or disease, his lack of movement is totally normal.

[EthanMG]

Something to keep in mind. BPs have been described as "living pet rocks" for a reason. Compared to other snakes they tend to not be very active (remember how I told you he'll likely be moving around a lot less after the initial week or so).

As long as he's eating, your parameters are up to snuff and he shows no signs of stress or disease, his lack of movement is totally normal.

So, should I attempt to feed or not? I’m so confused if he’s in shed or not. If he’s in shed I don’t want to feed him, but if he isn’t then he needs to eat because it’s been 2 weeks.


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[Bogertophis]

So, should I attempt to feed or not? I’m so confused if he’s in shed or not. If he’s in shed I don’t want to feed him, but if he isn’t then he needs to eat because it’s been 2 weeks.


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Have you checked his eyes (milky or not?) in a dark room with a small flashlight? Only you can answer whether or not he's in shed now- so go look. And he's not going to starve the minute it goes over 2 weeks from his last meal- he's a snake, & in the wild, they don't eat on any sort of schedule. They eat when they find food.

[EL-Ziggy]

He could be prepping to shed. If he doesn’t go blue or shed in the the next week then go ahead and feed him. Waiting an extra week to eat won’t hurt him.

[EthanMG]

Ok thanks for the feedback. I’ll shine a flashlight tomorrow and I’ll wait another week before I feed


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[Bleh]

So, should I attempt to feed or not? I’m so confused if he’s in shed or not. If he’s in shed I don’t want to feed him, but if he isn’t then he needs to eat because it’s been 2 weeks.

If he's in shed he ikely won't eat for you anyway.

Some key markers to look out for when in shed (or blue as often referred too);

- Pre-shed belly. The underneath of your snake will likely have a pinkish hue.

- Your little beauty will look much duller than usual.

- The eyes will 'milk' over for a period of time but won't necessarily stay milky for the duration he's in shed. Below is an old image of one of mine with milky eyes.

[IMG][/IMG]

I hope this is useful for you.

p.s. beautiful looking animal you have there