New BP - Little babe is a tad unhealthy.
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:
http://i62.tinypic.com/2hq8b2t.jpg
http://i60.tinypic.com/25fkdfk.jpg
After Soak and Feeding:
http://i60.tinypic.com/12637me.jpg
http://i62.tinypic.com/2mrd3lv.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/2rh1qb5.jpg
If there are any specific pictures anyone needs, let me know.
Re: New BP - Little babe is a tad unhealthy.
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.