Something's Different Here

Narrow heads aren't completely uncommon in ball hatchlings. I've seen it a few times...even seen them on lists for sale as well...most do just fine.

have you tried to feed her

How much does she weigh? My undersized hatchlings usually have very narrow heads, but as has been mentioned, they do just fine. She does have a very fat body for that head, though.

You said she shows signs of 'mental retardation'....just what exactly does that mean? (How would you judge an intelligence deficit in a ball python?)

If you meant that she has neurological symptoms/discoordination, that's entirely different. Does she have a visible jaw deformity? Have you looked in her mouth? (Use a soft rubber cake spatula to open it).

Jaw deformity X neuro symptoms to me says 'incubator temperature swing'. Dips or highs past a certain point can and will cause deformities and losses very quickly.

I posted up a boy that just hatched for us a couple of days ago. Has a way more major head deformity. He does not flick his tongue either. Has a noticable spin also. I doubt he will make it,? but only time will tell. Good luck with yours.

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Originally Posted by JaGv

have you tried to feed her

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Not yet. She still hasn't shed.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

How much does she weigh? My undersized hatchlings usually have very narrow heads, but as has been mentioned, they do just fine. She does have a very fat body for that head, though.

You said she shows signs of 'mental retardation'....just what exactly does that mean? (How would you judge an intelligence deficit in a ball python?)

If you meant that she has neurological symptoms/discoordination, that's entirely different. Does she have a visible jaw deformity? Have you looked in her mouth? (Use a soft rubber cake spatula to open it).

Jaw deformity X neuro symptoms to me says 'incubator temperature swing'. Dips or highs past a certain point can and will cause deformities and losses very quickly.

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She weighed in at 80 grams out of the egg. You have to see this head in person. It is definitely a deformation. She does not flick her tongue. Her behavior is obviously different from the others. I cannot definitively say that she's less intelligent but something is off. She is definitely uncoordinated as well. No I haven't looked in her mouth. I personally like to wait till they have at least shed and become comfortable in their new world before harassing them. Re: incubator temps. Very unlikely. I keep a tight watch on this and temps never reached more than 90 or got less than 88.5. Any other ideas?

Sad! Any pics?

Response to Gloryhound

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Originally Posted by coolballsdave

Hah... that's perfect! Ducky it is! :sweeet:

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Awe! Yay!