Need help Pythons keep dying

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Of course, you forgot to mention our very own caresheet here:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules/...warticle&id=59

I watched the first video and two things I don't agree with - he plans to have 3-4 ball pythons in his 40 gallon eventually and he recommends changing the substrate every six months. With all the urine that he can't possibly get up - once a month would be more appropriate.

To the OP - I suspect that since both animals came from the same source, they were already sick. I would completely throw out the equipment and housing that you were using for these two and start over with a tub set up for a more economical solution and purchase a ball python from a breeder, either to be shipped to you or find a breeder that is local to you.

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oh my!!!! How could i forget???!?!?!!? its the best one out there!

No doubt pet stores are awful . Today I was in petco and could not help but check out there little guy:weirdface . They said he /she had just shed but he looked like dried up jerky with patches . I felt so bad for the little bugger .:tears: Must be why he is 1/2 off now that they have destroyed him . Sorry to hear about your snakes that is a bummer . They sell everything there and yet still can't manage to get it right . Tsk Tsk

If I were to purchase a ball python, unless I came across a really good deal with a really good looking animal, I would have to say I would purchase from either Tim(Bailey & Bailey reptiles) or Shawn(Exotics by nature)

There are plenty of great breeders if you are just looking for a nice normal. You could always post a wanted ad in the classifieds here.
I would go that route before purchasing from a pet store. Good luck!

I am lucky here that my local pet shop is ran by a breeder and he specializes in reptiles in his shop, other than something like that I would stay far away from pet stores, just like everyone else on here has said. I am sorry to hear of your troubles, but if you get one from a reputable breeder I feel your experience will be wonderful. My kids absolutely love their snakes, and so do I.

Thanks for all the replys. To answer some of you questions the bedding was ll natural shredded aspen bedding, there was only one hide and it was on the side of the tank the uder tank heating pad was but it didnt have a thermostat so I dont know what the tank temp is. We are going to try again but afer reading your replys and some other threads were gonna revamp the setup to better care for the snake. I don't know if the pet store will even give me another one but after what you all said notsure if I should even go that route. What do you think? If a breeder who do you recommend? Thanks again all of you.,

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Originally Posted by guardian00002

Thanks for all the replys. To answer some of you questions the bedding was ll natural shredded aspen bedding, there was only one hide and it was on the side of the tank the uder tank heating pad was but it didnt have a thermostat so I dont know what the tank temp is. We are going to try again but afer reading your replys and some other threads were gonna revamp the setup to better care for the snake. I don't know if the pet store will even give me another one but after what you all said notsure if I should even go that route. What do you think? If a breeder who do you recommend? Thanks again all of you.,

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Without a thermostat your UTH's temps can reach upwards of 120*. Far to high for the snake, could also be the problem you are having. I recommend atleast a dimmer switch from Lowe's or Home Depot if not an actual thermostat. You have to have something to regulate the heating pad. Good luck with your next snake!

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Originally Posted by guardian00002

Thanks for all the replys. To answer some of you questions the bedding was ll natural shredded aspen bedding, there was only one hide and it was on the side of the tank the uder tank heating pad was but it didnt have a thermostat so I dont know what the tank temp is. We are going to try again but afer reading your replys and some other threads were gonna revamp the setup to better care for the snake. I don't know if the pet store will even give me another one but after what you all said notsure if I should even go that route. What do you think? If a breeder who do you recommend? Thanks again all of you.,

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Don't go to that petstore again - it's likely their animals are sick.

Where are you located, we can probably recommend someone nearby you.

I don't see why they would be living at the petstore if they had this terrible disease. I would guess the snakes probably are getting cooked. Get a thermostat before you get another snake.

In general, it's better to buy from a reputeable breeder, or from a REPUTEABLE pet store. The word reputeable is the most important one. There are bad breeders, just as there are bad pet stores. There are many more bad pet stores than breeders, though.

Fauna's BOI is one place to go to check out breeders. Local breeders and herp societies can probably tell you if any of the local pet stores have the OK. In the Omaha area, I can vouch for Too Many Feathers pet store. The owners have some rough-looking animals in, but these are generally animals that people have given to them, which they are vetting and nursing back to health. They make sure all of their ball python hatchlings feed before they put them up for sale.

The local PetCo also has decent, clean cages and healthy-looking herps. Apparently their reptile person knows what he/she is doing. The ball pythons are probably captive-hatched, but they are fat, well-hydrated, and have shed well. I would not hesitate personally to buy from either store, if they had something I wanted so badly I was willing to pay that price for it.

Pet stores run the gamut from absolutely awful hell-pits to decent, clean establishments with healthy animals. Obviously if you get a snake from a pet store, and it dies, and then you get another, and it dies, either their snakes are sick, or you're doing something wrong.

The most common mistake is improper heating. Thermostat-controlled heat is not optional.