Help with an abandoned BP!

Hi...hoping I joined the right forum & you all can help me!

I work at a small chain pet store [we don't carry reptiles or anything, mainly just sell supplies] & when I got to work yesterday morning, my boss showed me a shoe box that was left outside the door & inside it was a baby ball python. Nobody at my job likes reptiles & I was afraid at what my boss would do with the snake if nobody took him...so I reluctantly said I would take him home [i say reluctantly because even tho i love reptiles & have had them before, i am currently 8months pregnant & a new pet isn't something we need right now lol :)]

Anyway, so I have him & luckily for him we had kept all our reptile supplies & hes in a nice viv & has adequate lighting & heating...I have a 100w zoo med powersun lamp [those $70 bulbs!] on him for daytime & a low wattage red bulb for night.

Ok...so the issues...he looks pretty skinny, you can see his spine which I don't think is normal :( & when I held him he doesn't seem to have a very strong grip.
Also the thing that concerns me the most is he makes this whistling noise now & then...seems to be mainly when he is on the move...I can't see any mucus or discharge...any ideas on that? :confusd:

I left him be yesterday & he immediately found his cave & spent all afternoon & night resting. Same with this morning, I saw he was out basking when we got back from shopping about an hour ago so my fiance got him out just to see how his temperament would be getting him out of the tank & he seems ok.
He stayed in a ball with just his head out, but I was able to get him to explore a little...thats when I noticed the whistling noise.

I have never owned a ball python...only snakes I've had are corn snakes. Any advice for me? I plan to feed him every Thursday, is that enough being as hes underweight? How do you get a snake back to a healthy weight?
How about handling them? They act a lot different to corn snakes, so am finding it a lil hard to read how hes feeling...when he was in his ball with just his head out, it made me a lil nervous he was waiting to strike at me or something :confusd:

Here are some pics, hope they work! We've had a few bunnies & kittens dumped outside our store, but never a snake! Sad...especially as this was early morning when he was found, so it was freezing cold outside!

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps818cdb5a.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...psafcd92ae.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...psfb4ded12.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps797fc473.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...psf8486c59.jpg

Yea looks real skinny in that pic. Try feeding him smaller meals at first.

Sure is a good looking critter. Fatten him up and look into the possible RI.

Poor baby - you're his Christmas angel to take him in and stabilize him......

Could you give me an example? Once a week still?

I'm a new keeper myself so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. :) I can't tell his age but he looks about the same size as my boy. I'm feeding him every 4 days. I'm feeding rat pups but that may be too big for your little one since he looks like a bit on the thin side. I'd give him at least another day to settle in then try offering him at rat fuzzy and see how he does with that. I'd try frozen/thawed first.

As for the breathing issues, I think most here would advise you to take him to a herp vet. It could be an RI.

Good luck and good for you for taking the little guy in.

ETA: Oh and also about the balling behavior. When they wrap up tight in a little ball with their heads tucked in, it means they're stressed/afraid. It's a self-protective behavior. Don't let that worry you, though. If he's anything like mine, he'll relax in a minute or so and then start exploring. The older mine gets, the less I see the ball. I only see it very occasionally now if I move too suddenly by his head. I've been given to understand that most balls are head shy.

What I've learned from this forum is that a hiding BP is a happy BP. If he stayed in his hide, it means that he feels safe as BPs in the wild prefer to hide in small spaces rather than exploring.


Have you weighed him? If he is a baby and underweight, he would benefit from more frequent feedings such as a 5 day schedule on appropriately sized prey.


I noticed that corn snakes are more active than BPs are. Most BPs are very docile in temperament, and only strike out of fear or if you smell like food. When they're about to strike, they form an "S" shape, though that doesn't always necessary mean they're about to strike.


I'm new to owning a BP myself but reading through these forums really help. Take a look at this care sheet for more information: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet


I cannot believe someone would abandon this cute baby! :( So great that you took him in.

I have to agree, you are this snake's guardian angel! I recommend feeding it slightly smaller meals, but more often since it's underweight, maybe every 4-5 days. Any animal, if it's starved, can be harmed if it is suddenly given a large amount of food. So lots of small things will do until it begins to fill out again. A triangle shaped body is definitely a sign of starvation.

On a side note, where'd you buy the things in your terrarium? They look awesome!

Ok thank you! I appreciate the feeding tips...I really hope he eats ok! Hes for sure a baby, but not as tiny as the ones you see in pet shops when curled up he fits in my out stretched palm [& i'm a petite lady lol] if that helps with size...so hes probably a young juvi.

Glad it sounds like hes happy, after we held him today hes now stayed out basking & not gone back to his hide.

So when I get him out & he stays in a ball with his head out, what does that mean?

Thanks again...we honestly don't need a snake right now like I mentioned, its not the best timing, but my boss despite being a pet store manager isn't very compassionate about animals & I hate to think what he would have done with him if I didn't agree to take him...especially being a snake.

We'll do our best & take care of the lil guy. Like you all said it IS the holidays afterall :rolleyes:

& thanks :) there all things I had leftover from having reptiles before, most just came from random pet stores & the buddha elephant I was given as a gift & decided it would look cool in the tank haha. The sub I'm using is coco husk [eco earth] hope thats ok for a ball python...I also have aspen shavings, but I know they aren't good for humidity & they also don't look very natural lol.

Take things slow with him.
I would like to know what his current weight is?
Might start out on a small mouse every 5 to 7 days for a couple feeding then move up in size a little.
What kind of temps are you getting on the surfaces with your lighting?

Welcome to a great forum with people that are willing to help you every step of the way.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Ball Pythons get their name from their tendency to roll up into a ball! He is probably just a little frightened. Over time, he should feel more comfortable around you.


I see that you have a heat lamp and a night bulb. A Under Tank Heater is most recommended for BPs, though a heat lamp can be used to help with heating ambient temperatures. The only problem is they can dry out the humidity.


The whistling I have no clue what it could be. It could possibly be a symptom of a respiratory infection from being out in the cold but I don't know much about RI. Safest bet is just to take him to a vet to get a check up.

I would be worried about temps with that powersun, I use the same for my beardie and it easily reaches 100+ degrees. You might be able to just use the infrared bulb 24/7. Get a decent digital thermometer a lot of people use the one in the link below.

Great info to set up a tank here:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!

I would suggest leaving him alone until after his first feeding or two.
Handling him too often can be stressful and that stress can actually lead to not eating.
And eating should be his #1 priority for the next few weeks.

I would offer small meals once a week until his stomach can acclimate to actually having food in it. Feeding a "starving" being too much can cause a stomach upset. So take things slow for a while, then you can feed him more often after.

The wheezy-whistling noise could be a respiratory infection. Keep an eye out for bubbles or mucous. It could just be a stuck piece of shed in his nose too. Just be vigilant.

you are seriously awesome! I second and third just about everybody's responses! there's a bunch of great people on here who will help you with whatever you need! :)

good luck to him and your family!
oh and updates are a must :)


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I don't have anything to weigh him with am afraid...but hes light as a feather & like I said he has hardly any grip.

I think rats would be too big for him, so will probably try the mouse suggestion & I heard that BPs LOVE mice...which is a bad thing for healthy BPs, but in his case if it helps him eat then that would be a plus!

I can understand him being afraid & I know it was probably too soon to even get him out to handle...but my fiance just wanted to get a good look at him as when I brought him home he was cold & hardly moved so we didn't really get to see his 'normal' behavior...good job he did get him out too else we wouldn't have discovered the whistling noise. Now we know to keep our eyes on that.

The powersun bulb does get very hot near the bulb...I have it set up far over one side of the tank over his cave & have been misting, particularly in his cave to keep it humid. He seems to enjoy basking as hes stayed on the hot side of the tank. How hot is too hot? I'd had the bulb for a Chinese Water Dragon...I know VERY different reptiles.
I think I may have another basic blue daylight bulb or I can get another bulb from my job [they have some zilla bulbs] if you don't think the powersun is appropriate? It was all I could find last minute & figured the thing cost me a fortune, may aswell put it to use lol :P

What you need is a thermostat to regulate the heat if it's not already attached to one. Does the bulb have a guard? Even when regulated by a thermostat bulbs can get hot enough to give a BP a nasty burn if they can reach it and if it is in their enclosure they could find a way.

Check out the husbandry requirements for a BP if you haven't already for BP's as they are different from some other snakes and I agree with Satomi, I would do little and often. I would guess this guy was either bought as an impulse and the people decided they didn't want him or he wasn't eating and they gave up and dumped him.

Thank you for taking him in, hopefully he will get better in your care and the whistling isn't anything too serious. I would also advise a vet's trip to check this and also to make sure there is nothing else seriously wrong with the poor guy.

Best of luck and the forum is here to help you when you need it.

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Originally Posted by DaisyB

I think rats would be too big for him, so will probably try the mouse suggestion & I heard that BPs LOVE mice...which is a bad thing for healthy BPs, but in his case if it helps him eat then that would be a plus!

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This makes me really glad you found your way here. Whoever told you this, please do not take any advise from them ever again on anything ever. The only difference between feeding rats or mice is the quantity you will need to feed when they are older and larger. I have a couple 1200ish gram snakes that have never has a rat in their life. They eat between 3 to 9 mice every week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaisyB

How hot is too hot?

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You want to get the surface temps not hotter than about 95 degrees.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Naom9Anne

What you need is a thermostat to regulate the heat if it's not already attached to one.

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You can't use a thermostat with this bulb (the powersun).

Your best bet is to set it up similar to the link I posted above. I would just use an infrared bulb 24/7 then you don't have to switch out day/night bulbs or mess with different fixtures twice a day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tlich

You can't use a thermostat with this bulb (the powersun).

Your best bet is to set it up similar to the link I posted above. I would just use an infrared bulb 24/7 then you don't have to switch out day/night bulbs or mess with different fixtures twice a day.

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Ah sorry! I wasn't aware of that!

Well...I have some bad news...found the lil guy had passed away this morning :tears:

I'm not sure if he was just too emaciated or had something else going on internally...I know I kept telling you I was reluctant about him & didn't need a new pet...but I quickly got attached to him. It was heartbreaking seeing him :(

Even tho I have a baby on the way & other pets, I'm actually thinking about getting another BP especially now I have all the knowledge & advice from you all on here...thank you SO much :oops: it was nice having a reptile in the house again & the tank looks nice...would be a shame to leave it empty. I may go to my local reptile store & see if one needs a home [they do adoptions for reptiles that were surrendered/abandoned etc.]

I am actually even more encouraged knowing the tip about mice being bad for the BPs is a myth as I actually have pet rats lol....so as soon as I heard that he was going to need to be fed rats, I wasn't too happy & it would have been my fiance's job to do the feeding!

Its a shame the lil guy didn't make it, but I'm glad he held on & didn't pass away in a little shoe box in the cold.

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Originally Posted by DaisyB

Its a shame the lil guy didn't make it, but I'm glad he held on & didn't pass away in a little shoe box in the cold.

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You and me both. :(

Eco Earth is the ONLY thing i use..i love the stuff. keeps humidity well...easy to clean...and looks great!

That is a pretty snake but definitely needs to eat. I would start with every 5 days personally if it was me. This baby needs some nurishment!

Good luck though! I am sure this little baby is thankful for you!

(and yes him being in the hide is a good thing. Just keep an eye on him!

Yeh I'm thinking maybe he was abandoned like someone mentioned because he perhaps stopped eating & the owner just didn't want to deal with him?

But we'll never know...

wow i didn't even see it kept going :( I am sorry girl! atleast he was happier with you guys taking care of him!

So sorry to hear that!

you did all that you could and that's all anyone could ask for!! the little guy was lucky that you were the one taking care of him!

you're awesome! :)


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I really admire all you did for this little guy, especially knowing that you felt this wasn't a great time in your life to be taking in a rescue snake. I hope you find a BP for your baby to grow up with! I'm sorry for your loss.


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I'm so sorry. *hugs*

Aww I'm sorry. His last moments were at least warm, dry, and cared for.

Before getting another snake though, I'd make sure everything is sterilized real well. Even though he had some obvious health issues, whatever took him might be a ready lying in wait for the next host to come along. Wouldn't want it t happen again, that's for sure.

Thank you for giving him a nice cozy place to live out the rest of his too-short life. :hug:

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Yeh the baby is a boy too...I think all little boys need reptiles in their lives haha =p

Yes we have already sterilized everything! That was my first thought, whether we get a new snake or not...just incase he had something nasty.
I may not know much about BPs but my gut is telling me he was just ill treated & help came too late for him...he seemed very weak & who knows how long he was outside the store in the cold, the store closes at 8pm & my boss doesn't get there til 8am...actually makes me feel sick thinking the poor guy could have been outside in the cold all night long. The box was duct taped shut too :(

I think I will call the reptile place tomorrow & just see if they have a BP that needs a home for Xmas...if they don't have any I will wait (or any that would be suitable for a first time owner) I will keep you all updated. I guess this lil BP has inspired me now haha, my fiance too.
Ppl will probably think I'm crazy, pregnant & adopting a snake!

I don't know where u live but do u live close to Sacramento? If so message me. I would love to care for that little guy. I have experience with rescues. Mine was under waight under when i got him as well. Poor little guy. Your an angel for taking him in.

Unfortunately he passed away [think i posted that on the previous page]...& I actually do live near Sacramento so thats a real shame!