My python Died

I am SOOOO sorry for your loss. :( :(

It is heart-breaking when we have to face our own sorrow and our children's at the same time. As someone suggested, I would be sorely tempted to fix the environment, get another snake, and hope he doesn't notice...

But in the end I wouldn't do it. I believe it's important to be honest with our children so that they will always know they can trust us. And I also believe it's important for children to learn to deal with grief and sorrow. We all hope sorrow is a lesson they'll learn later rather than earlier, but the fact is that it is part of life, and what will help our children more than shielding them is teaching them to grieve and then live again.

I love the idea that you could make a project of learning more about them together and preparing a good, healthy environment for your snake. What a learning opportunity for your son!

About your loss--it is human nature to blame ourselves when we suffer loss. There is always more we could have done. But if we didn't make mistakes we wouldn't be human. No one is perfect. You expected that the pet store would know how to care for your pet, and you followed their instructions. Sure, you could have done more research, but, again, we all make mistakes.

And you are demonstrating something much more important than perfection--the willingness and desire to learn and grow and do better next time. So pat yourself on the back for that and move forward.

I look forward to hearing more about your adventures back into the snake world--or not, if you decide it's not what you want/are able to do. Either way, :hug:

Blessings,

Heather

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Originally Posted by spiritbear857

I have a Ball Python( I had ), I was taking care of for my 8 year old son who does not live with me. i feel awlful. i found him dead today, i fed him, held him and made sure everything was right. I got him from a local chain pet store, he was about 1 year old. any ideas what may have gone wrong? Did I do something? :( spiritbear857

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I'm sorry to hear that ur sons python died. Many folks here have given you reasons on why this may have happened so I will not elaborate further on it. I will however give you some tips for future purchases.

Make sure that you have your enclosure and environment established before purchasing another bp. Many new comers and other experienced members prefer to house their animals in glass aquariums. This gives them the means to make an aesthetically pleasing display, if only for themselves.

Make sure that you select the right size tank for your new snake, may it be a juvi or an adult. A baby or a juvenile will be fine in a ten gallon. An adult will need a 36"x18"x12” enclosure to live "comfortably" in.

You will need to provide adequate heating for you ball python to thrive successfully. The preferred means of heating a tank or a plastic tub is through the bottom, or belly heat as it's known. A UTH(Under Tank Heater) or Flexwatt will provide you with the means of successfully accomplishing this task.

Now that you have the means to provide heat, you have to control the out put. Successful breeders recommend that you provide a hot side ranging from 92-94F, and a cold side in the range of 82-84F. These temperatures have to be measured using a reliable digital thermometer. Do not use any of the dial shaped junk that the stores sell. These are prone to some serious errors and you cannot afford to guess temperatures.

Control the out put of your UTH using Thermostats. Without using one, ur temps can sky rocket and "cook" ur snake. If you are interested in purchasing flexwatt and a thermostat, I would recommend http://www.reptilebasics.com

If the room in which you house your snake gets cold, then there is no way that a tiny heater can provide the correct ambient temperatures. If that is the case, then you have to invest in a space heater to keep the ambient temps of the tank at a minimum 80F.

When you have established the current temperatures, you have to turn your attention towards humidity. A correct humidity is important for your ball pythons overall health and well being. It's recommended that you keep ur humidity constantly between 50-60%. If you are using a digital thermometer like Acurite, then you have the means to measure humidity as well.

It's hard to maintain proper humidity in a glass tank, especially with a ventilated top. Covering a screen top most of the way with plastic wrap, Plexiglas, or clear contact paper will help keep ur humidity at the desired levels. If this does not work, try using a bigger water dish and place it at close proximity to the heat source to get the range you desire. Misting at regular intervals help as well.

For detailed examples on how to setup a tank check out the following link.
Glass tank setups

Next thing to worry about is substrate. It can be something as simple as using newspaper/paper towels or decorative as aspen, cypress, reptibark, or carefresh bedding. Do not use cedar or pine under any circumstances. The oils found in these can be harmful to your bp. If you are using colorful substrate, make sure that you clean and replace it regularly. Failure to do so can lead to bacterial and fungal growth which in turn can cause a host of health problems for your ball python.

You have to provide your ball python "hide boxes." In the wild, these creatures are found living in tight little burrows. Hence it's only natural for them to want to feel secure in a captive environment. Don't waste your money with the hides found at the pet stores. These are too big and too open for your ball pythons "tastes."

Get the little pans that come with the bottom of pots and use those instead. Just make sure to knock a hole on the side or on the top. What ever you use, just remember that balls like to be touched from all sides. This is a very critical aspect of your husbandry, and you should provide a minimum of two hides for your snake; one on the cool side and one on the hot side.

Now that you have most of ur enclosure setup you are ready to get ur next snake. I would recommend that you buy a captive bred and born animal from a reputable breeder. The following come highly rated in no particular order.

http://www.8ballpythons.com/
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/
http://www.joecompelreptiles.com/
http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/

Feeding your bp an appropriate sized meal is very important. There has and continues to be debates on this issue. The consensus among many breeders and enthusiasts is to feed a prey item(mouse or rat) slightly smaller than the girth of your snake. The frequency of feedings should be limited to once every seven days.

You can feed inside or outside of the enclosure. Some folks fear that feeding inside the enclosure will make ur snake "think" that it is feeding time every time you open the cage. This is far from the truth as long as you interact with your snake on a regular basis. That said however, it's your personal choice.

Be prepared to take you ball python for regular vet checkups. These creatures are really good at masking symptoms of illness. Unless you are adept at recognizing those symptoms, your snake could be very ill by the time you get it to a vet. Therefore regular vet visits are highly recommended. I hope this has been helpful and please don't hesitate to ask further questions should any arise.

Before I forget, several of our prominent members are also enthusiast breeders. I would recommend buying from them any day. Just frequent our "inquiries" section or ask around to find out more. :D