Snake twisting around/shaky, IBD?

In regards to feeding, it is good news that he is eating, just keep in mind many snakes take a while to settle in so if he doesn't eat right away don't panic. My little ate his first feeding (which was actually a rather undersized prey item, but what he had been used to). The next two feedings he refused, due to mistakes in offering on my part (trying to use a separate feeding tub and allowing myself to worry and be too persistent with him, which I think only stressed him and put him off eating) and the second time after a rather difficult shed. After the two initial issues I was concerned so I scented the rat with tuna juice and he happily took it. I have been doing it that way since and he has eaten at every feeding. I am going to try without soon but in the meantime it seems to persuade him. Who knows, maybe he would have eaten without it, but if it is known to entice them I figured why not cover all the bases.

When the pet store says he was really cold do they mean the temperatures during shipping were known to be way too low or that he felt cold? Of course snakes are cold blooded, and you would think any pet store would be used to that, but I can't tell you how many big box pet stores I have been in where no employees there would handle the snakes, even to get them out to show a prospective buyer. I wouldn't rule out that the person who took him out was unfamiliar with how cold a snake can feel to a warm blooded human while still being fine. Just speculation, but is it possible that they mean that he was just balled up and wouldn't move? Because that could easily have been a stress response. It seems unlikely that after shipping and everything else, he would perk right up and explore, but I have never had a bp shipped so I don't know what would be considered normal behavior upon arrival.

Just out of curiosity, is this your first snake and had you been in the market before finding him? I really hope he thrives with you and goes on to live a long happy life, but if it does prove to be a bigger issues please don't let it discourage you from keeping in the future. I noticed someone had suggested that getting attached to a snake that is known to be healthy instead. Of course you can't choose not to feel compelled to help this little guy, but I think that poster's concern was that you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. In your shoes, I would absolutely place the snakes life over preventing myself from being disappointed, so I think it is really admirable that you are willing to go out on a limb for this guy. If it is your first snake, just keep a good perspective that you are taking on what could be a challenge and that you won't be getting the usual experience from this one. If anything goes badly, don't beat yourself up and just remember that the situation started as an uphill battle. Please do keep us posted on his progress, he is lucky to have you. :)

I see that you're posting similar stuff in 2 different threads. It's very confusing. Why not just stick to 1 thread in the future so that everyone can follow along without going back and forth?

Other thread:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ake-with-neuro

I think this thread was started more as a place to discuss whether taking it on was a good idea and what could be wrong with it. Now that they have decided to take it after all I think the other one is more to discuss what to do to prepare the enclosure etc. At least that was the impression I got.

I did post as a separate thread as it was a completely separate issue entirely. This thread was discussing if I was going to take it, the other thread was about the enclosure question.

I now have him/her home. This is my first snake, I wasnt planning on getting a snake for another year or so. I hate to sound glum but I work in a vet clinic so death is a bit easier for me to deal with, especially since this obviously isn't a random death if he/she does pass away.

All you can do is give him a chance. I applaud you for trying where the pet store wrote him off.

Has he improved at all over the past few days?

He has been doing better the past few days, but the ride home he was flipping out (literally ;) ). It was pretty stressful but now that he is in his new tub he isn't twisting around at all, just seems to be checking it out. I am going to wait at least a week to try and feed again so he can get acclimated to his new environment.

That is so great that he is home and settling in. I have read horror stories of people getting an animal for the first time, having something come up they couldn't possibly have prevented and losing the animal, and then being too scared to get another. That is why I was wondering if it was your first snake, because honestly that would be my only concern. I am the same way in that if an animal is struggling I will absolutely take it on and do all I can for it, and if I can't help it is a matter of "at least I tried" and it usually isn't devastating, so no you don't sound calloused or glum at all, just realistic. It sounds like such a good sign that he is settling in. Stress can aggravate certain issues, and I somehow doubt the pet store was a perfectly calm and secure environment for him. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he shows marked improvement just from the transition to a good peaceful environment. :)

Just wanted to update. My boyfriend and I are arguing about what to name him. I am pulling for Vertigo, he wants Screwball (since he is all screwy and a ball python hahaha *sigh*).

The snake actually seems to be a bit better. He hasn't gone upside down since I have had him, and isn't corkscrewing at all. He has a definite wobble when he is lifting up his head. He is drinking regularly and is active at night. I am going out to buy a rat pinkie and a large fuzzy or hopper mouse for him today, probably will try feeding Wednesday. I was advised at the vet's office to start him on rats, but to offer mice if needed to get him to eat.

Another update, he ate the large hopper I offered him last night!

Sounds great!