Hey Im new

Hey im new to this site, and i just purchased my first snake(a ball python) about 2 weeks ago. Im not to sure if it is a male or female, but its name is Xerxes The Crusher. He hasnt eaten sense ive got him, and im slightly concerned. Although he looks healthy, hasnt lost any weight and is active. Ill supply some pictures of it as soon as i figure out how to.


-Justin

:welcome:


It usually takes ball pythons a few weeks to settle in so I would not be to concerned. Also you should check out the care sheets (if you havn't already) to be sure your temps, humidity, and housing are correct. This is a really great site and everyone is always willing to help!

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Originally Posted by jwilliams502

Hey im new to this site, and i just purchased my first snake(a ball python) about 2 weeks ago. Im not to sure if it is a male or female, but its name is Xerxes The Crusher. He hasnt eaten sense ive got him, and im slightly concerned. Although he looks healthy, hasnt lost any weight and is active. Ill supply some pictures of it as soon as i figure out how to.
-Justin

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Well first :welcome: Justin

I understand your concern as a new owner however 2 weeks with no meal is not uncommon

Did you let your BP settle the first week with no handling?
Is he CB or CH?
Has your BP ever had is first meal?
Do you have proper temps of 80-84 on the cool side and 90-94 on the warm side?
Is your humidity between 50% and 60%?
Do you measure your temps and humidity with a digital thermometer/hydrometer like this one http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/Acu-Rite.gifwhich can be found at Walmart for 12$? (Stick and dial are not accurate)
Are your hides tight and identical with all side touching your BP's body? (Note avoid log hides as they don't provide enough security)
Is your enclosure the proper size (Not too big to avoid stress)?

I know it seems like a lot of things however the faster you get your husbandry on track the faster you will get your BP in the right direction.

What is CB or CH? I didn't really let the little guy get settled i guess, because i handled it the first few days i got it. I thought it might help it get used to me. To keep his tank humid i have been spraying water into the tank 2 times a day, and i have about half of the cover cealed off with plastic wrap. The other half is open. Im not sure the exact temp. or humidity, ill pick up one of those humidity measurers tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by jwilliams502

What is CB or CH? I didn't really let the little guy get settled i guess, because i handled it the first few days i got it. I thought it might help it get used to me. To keep his tank humid i have been spraying water into the tank 2 times a day, and i have about half of the cover cealed off with plastic wrap. The other half is open. Im not sure the exact temp. or humidity, ill pick up one of those humidity measurers tomorrow.

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Well get your husbandry fixed and once it is done let your BP settle for a week with no handling (I know it's hard but you must resist), and I am sure your BP will be on it's way to his first meal in no time

CB Captive Bred
CH Captive Hatched

im pretty sure the pet shop said that it was captive breed. But is the plastic wrap sufficient? The top is wire mesh, and it allows air in and out, so the tank really couldnt hold in the humidity. Its a 20 gallon reptile tank. Do you know how to post pictures? Ill post some so you can give feed back

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Originally Posted by jwilliams502

im pretty sure the pet shop said that it was captive breed. But is the plastic wrap sufficient? The top is wire mesh, and it allows air in and out, so the tank really couldnt hold in the humidity. Its a 20 gallon reptile tank. Do you know how to post pictures? Ill post some so you can give feed back

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20 gallons for a baby definitely can be overwhelming and cause stress so you might want to downsize either with a smaller glass tank or a plastic tubs (12 or 15 quarts).


And here is a tutorial to post your pics http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28289

alright, i uploaded some pictures of xerxes in its tank, tell me if you think its too big for it.


-Justin

just by looking at your pics it looks too wet, you also need to get hides, one on each side, exatcly the same, how are you measuring your temps?

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Originally Posted by jwilliams502

He hasnt eaten sense ive got him, and im slightly concerned. Although he looks healthy, hasnt lost any weight and is active.

-Justin

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This isnt really an "active" snake so what you may be interpretting as a good sign of health could in fact be stress. It sounds like everyone is already pointing you in the right direction as how to fix that though to make him more comfortable. I just finished going through some of the same stuff, it can be difficult at first but youll get the hang of it. Welcome to the site.