Young BP died within a week

I'm very new to reptiles and am wondering what I did wrong. Purchased a young BP from a reptile shop, and he died within a week.
Set up; 50 gallon tank with UTH and ceramic heat element, plenty of items in the tank to make it not feel so big as to stress out the smaller snake. Hides on both hot and cold side. Gradient is 90 hot 80 cold, + or - a degree or 2. Humidity sits at 60%.

Yesterday, I attempted a feed, and he refused, last night he was just laying in the middle of the cage, not moving, not in a hide, just laying there. This morning he's dead. What the hell happened?

Not all are meant to survive. You could try contacting the store and explaining the situation. Maybe they'll offer you a replacement or store credit. Sorry for your loss.

The store did offer me credit. I'm more worried that it was something I did or didn't do.

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Originally Posted by Jwitt

The store did offer me credit. I'm more worried that it was something I did or didn't do.

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That's great that the store offered a store credit. Hey listen, there was more than likely a preexisting illness this snake already had. I would bet on it. These animals don't get sick right away and die within a weeks time. There is a small percent of animals that have genetic, or congenital defects where it is possible for them to succumb to a early or unexplained death. However that is the exception more than the rule. It's more likely the animal was ill when he was in the care of the store and remained that way. It was probably ill when you purchased him and spiraled down afterwards. They don't get sick quickly, they harbor illnesses for some time and don't recover quickly either. So sorry you had to experience this and lose your Python. I would consider purchasing from a reputable breeder next for a animal whose health will more than likely be guaranteed. Don't blame yourself at all.

Thank you for the knowledge.

Aw sorry for the loss.

You mentioned running both a heat lamp and a UTH. Did you have thermostats on them?

You could use that store credit to get some things for the next ball python. Please be sure to sanitize anything you plan to reuse.

I'm sorry for your loss.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

You mentioned running both a heat lamp and a UTH. Did you have thermostats on them?

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I do employ a thermostat and have stick on thermometers and a laser thermometer to verify accuracy.

Can you give me a few names of trusted breeders that offer shipping? I was considering snakes at sunset, but I have read mixed reviews.

How do you keep your humidity that high in such a large enclosure?

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Originally Posted by Jwitt

Can you give me a few names of trusted breeders that offer shipping? I was considering snakes at sunset, but I have read mixed reviews.

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I have also read mixed reviews about snakes at sunset. My all time favorite breeder is garrick demyer at royal constrictor designs, and it just so happens he is having a sale until the 29th of this month. Check him out.

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Originally Posted by MrKai

How do you keep your humidity that high in such a large enclosure?

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Daily misting with a bottle filled with purified water, and I live in Florida

Reptiles by mack is a good site

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Stick ons are no good, just for info. Get a digital to get accurate measurments.

The UTH especially should be on a thermostat.

A lot of things can go wrong with a young BP. Yes, in a week... even within a day or so. It could have been pre-existing. No way to tell without a a necropsy.

I would look for a reptile show in your area and check out the different breeders at the show. I have delt with Frank at coldblooded-novelties.com and had no issues. He is a great guy to deal with and very honest. He is in North Carolina but offers shipping.

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Originally Posted by Jwitt

Can you give me a few names of trusted breeders that offer shipping? I was considering snakes at sunset, but I have read mixed reviews.

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if you're in the south florida area, there will be a repticon expo in west palm beach on august 6th & 7th.

if not, i highly recommend morph jungle and beyond the scales reptiles. i've bought numerous snakes from both breeders, with fantastic results. you can find both on FB with a quick search (not sure if i'm allowed to drop links here or not).

Try key reptiles in Madison,WI.

I got my BPs from two different breeders, the boy i got from i-balls pythons, they are located in New Rocheal, NY. I met him at a show and he spent a lot of time showing me what he had in my price range, and the nice thing was he kept him for me for a week so i could get my setup ready and stable. Check out his web site, just google iballs pythons, My girl i got from constrictors unlimited, they run an auction site, but i bought directly from jeff, because i was looking for a specific morph. He was very helpful, i picked my ship date, and all his info was accurate. There are a lot o people here who have babies, or eggs, be patient, and no matter where you decide to buy, check forna classified to check out the breeder. hope this helped, good luck, and i'm so sorry you went through this heartbreak, it doesn't take very long to get attached.

I lost my first one within a month. George was a super sweet little guy, and I did the research and tried so hard to follow all the rules. But he died anyway. I have gotten 4 other BPs since then, all healthy and happy (Ernie, Ted, Harvey and Mikey). The major change for me was the store I got them from.
The first store I went to smelled pretty bad when I walked in. I should have turned on my heel right then, but hindsight is 20/20 right? I didn't even try to contact the owner because he made it VERY clear that all sales were FINAL. He wasn't very nice.
I now go to a better store (Twin Cities Reptiles in Minnesota). Their store is fresh and very clean. All of their enclosures look bright and shiny. I've met every employee and the owner and they are all very welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. BIG difference.
When George died I felt a huge amount of guilt. Now that I have more experience, I'm fairly certain that he came with some previously existing conditions. It still sucked really bad, and I cried for two days after we buried him outside my back window.
Anyway, I feel your pain and I understand asking why. Sometimes it's not you. *hugs* and I hope you've been successful with your new babies.