!!!Need help and advice!!!

Last month, I got a ball python after days of trying to convince my parents. It's been about 3 and a half weeks since I got it (it's just a baby) and the thing is one of the worse pets I've ever had. Ever. I just will not eat! I've literally tried everything possible, and it won't eat. Today I'm going to the petstore to to either get an in-store credit or exchange the thing. But now, I'm totally turned off from any ball pythons, I'm so frusturated and I invested a lot of time and money in this snake and I even had plans for breeding them but now I don't even want to look at one. There's finicky eaters, there's really picky eaters. This one happens to be retarded. The pet store owner claims all of them ate, but that just sounds like total crap to me (the thing hasn't even took a crap!) and I can see it getting skinnier and skinnier. I'm really stressed out and don't no what to do, I mean sickness is the only option left, and a vet is definitley NOT and option. Please help I really don't know what to do!

Why don't you describe your setup in detail...pictures would help as well.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Why don't you describe your setup in detail...pictures would help as well.

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Temp on hot side: 87 (digital them.)
Cool side: 80 (analog reads 90 but you subtract 10 degrees)
Two hides
Fresh water
Heat lamp off unless needed
Have not handled it

http://www.flickr.com/photos/6489240...in/photostream

Don't give up yet! What and how did you try feeding? Did you read the caresheets and was everything else correct?

Okay there are quite a few things wrong...it doesn't seem like you've done everything. Before you give up try these.
A real digital thermometer. Not 100% accurate as it's been pointed out before, but accurate enough especially for the money. Can be found at Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...0145041&sr=8-1

You should get two identical hides. Those log hides don't make them feel secure...probably one of many reasons your snake is stressed. I use these:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

I would go to Home Depot and get black Con-tact paper. It comes in a roll for $6. Cover the sides and back of the tank.

Try those, and then leave him/her alone completely for a week. Then let us know how feeding went.

Hi,

Your hides are way to big to make it fel secure.

Try using those drip trays you get for under plant pots - just cut a hole from the rim to the base in one part of it.

Cover the outside of the back and both sides of the tank to help make the snake feel more secure - aquarium back ground looks nice but contact paper will work too.

Add some plastic foliage if you can to clutter up the tank a little.

The temp insde the hot end hide should be 92f measured by your digital.

The temp inside your cool end hide should be 80 measured by the digital - I don't understand what you mean about the analogue but you want to get these temps right so use the digital.


dr del

Sheesh!,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Okay there are quite a few things wrong...it doesn't seem like you've done everything. Before you give up try these.
A real digital thermometer. Not 100% accurate as it's been pointed out before, but accurate enough especially for the money. Can be found at Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...0145041&sr=8-1

You should get two identical hides. Those log hides don't make them feel secure...probably one of many reasons your snake is stressed. I use these:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

I would go to Home Depot and get black Con-tact paper. It comes in a roll for $6. Cover the sides and back of the tank.

Try those, and then leave him/her alone completely for a week. Then let us know how feeding went.

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You type faaaaaast. :D


dr del

I agree the snake doesn't feel secure so that's why it's probably not eating. Leave it alone for a week; don't hold it, move things around, etc. I'd just look inside a few times a day, mist if you need too and replenish water. :welcome: :salute:

Remember it's in a new environment so it needs time to settle in. Don't give up!!! :please:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Okay there are quite a few things wrong...it doesn't seem like you've done everything. Before you give up try these.
A real digital thermometer. Not 100% accurate as it's been pointed out before, but accurate enough especially for the money. Can be found at Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...0145041&sr=8-1

You should get two identical hides. Those log hides don't make them feel secure...probably one of many reasons your snake is stressed. I use these:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

I would go to Home Depot and get black Con-tact paper. It comes in a roll for $6. Cover the sides and back of the tank.

Try those, and then leave him/her alone completely for a week. Then let us know how feeding went.

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Thanks a lot! Just wondering though, my friend bought a baby ball python too, and he has it in a 29 gallon tank, with a huge half log, and a water bowl, and his ate fine. ?????

Hi,

Every snake has its own personality. Some are just a little more nervous than others.


dr del