Need help please.

I'm new to these forums. We just got a baby ball python a little over a week ago. I've had Iguanas before but I'm new to snakes. The pet store we got him from said he was scheduled to feed the following day. It's now been over two weeks since he ate and he has sagging skin along his body. I'm worried he's sick. Should I be taking him to the vet already or is there something I can do at home first. I'm so attached to the little guy already. I don't want to lose him. Please help.

Pictures ASAP thats the only way we might be able to help you

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A bit about your setup would be helpful as well. Husbandry affects feeding bigtime when it comes to ball pythons.

As soon as I can figure out how to upload the pics from my iPad, I'll get them to you.

We currently have him in a 20 gallon long tank with a screen top. We have a 4"x6" heated pad and a 75w heat lamp a one end of the tank with a wood log for him to hide under. He has silk plants at the cool end of the tank plus his water bowl. We are using Aspen Snake Bedding as well.

Also what was the weight at purchase vs now?

As soon as I can figure out how to upload the pics from my iPad, I'll get them to you.

We currently have him in a 20 gallon long tank with a screen top. We have a 4"x6" heated pad and a 75w heat lamp a one end of the tank with a wood log for him to hide under. He has silk plants at the cool end of the tank plus his water bowl. We are using Aspen Snake Bedding as well.

If its a half log, i just had a couple babies stressed and not eating because of that, i changed them to shoeboxes cut to an appropiate size and they started eating like machines, i couldnt upload pics until i downloaded tapatalk, its pretty good

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I'm such an idiot. I didn't weight him when we got him. I can tell you he now weighs 106 grams. I feel so in over my head right now. But I love the little guy.

Downloading tapatalk now. Hoping to have pics for you soon. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

Downloading tapatalk now. Hoping to have pics for you soon. Thank you.

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Hey, dont feel bad, at least youre asking questions and trying to solve the problem. We'll be waiting for the pictures. And youre welcome :)

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Hey, dont feel bad, at least youre asking questions and trying to solve the problem. We'll be waiting for the pictures. And youre welcome :)

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First of all, your baby is beautiful. But i cant see the problem, and honestly it does not look too skinny

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Here you go. Hope these help you out. My biggest downfall is I love all creatures. I really don't want to lose him. He is so sweet.


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Originally Posted by Gc99

First of all, your baby is beautiful. But i cant see the problem, and honestly it does not look too skinny

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So am I'm worrying for nothing?? He won't eat at all. He s on frozen fuzzies. It's been over two weeks since he last fed.


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Also, im going to buy a plastic hide from reptile basics. Bp love to be covered from all sides in a dark spot, you should consider it

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Also, im going to buy a plastic hide from reptile basics. Bp love to be covered from all sides in a dark spot, you should consider it

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I will buy one tomorrow. As for getting him to eat, any suggestions?? The pet store said he had just finished shedding and should be good for awhile. I'm pretty sure that's not the issue. As for warming his food. I thaw it in a cup of warm water and let it get to just above room temp. Could that be an issue??


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

I will buy one tomorrow. As for getting him to eat, any suggestions?? The pet store said he had just finished shedding and should be good for awhile. I'm pretty sure that's not the issue. As for warming his food. I thaw it in a cup of warm water and let it get to just above room temp. Could that be an issue??


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Next feed, thaw it, and warm it with a hair dryer. Make the zombie dance (move it around, do not use your hand, use feeding tongs) and she might take it (dont get too close or you might scare her) and if she doesnt take it, leave it with her overnight. If she doesnt take it you might want to consider live

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

So am I'm worrying for nothing?? He won't eat at all. He s on frozen fuzzies. It's been over two weeks since he last fed.


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Show me a really close picture of the skin, with good light. Do you see wrinkles that werent there? Is her belly pink? Her eyes blue? Her skin dull or dry?


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I see saggy skin when my snakes are gonna shed, thats why im asking

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Next feed, thaw it, and warm it with a hair dryer. Make the zombie dance (move it around, do not use your hand, use feeding tongs) and she might take it (dont get too close or you might scare her) and if she doesnt take it, leave it with her overnight. If she doesnt take it you might want to consider live

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Thank you. The feedings could also be compounded by everyone wanting to watch the little guy eat. I have two kids who also adore our new baby. Would feeding him in a quiet location be better?? Tight now we place him in a clear plastic tank and we all watch to see if he will take the bait. I have been feeding him tongs. I value my fingers and don't want to hurt him.


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Totally! I had that happen with my brothers. Feed at night, with very little light, and only you, it worked for me. Also, one of my babies eats in the feeding container, if its food, he will take it no matter what. My female will only take food in her enclosure. Make sure the size and prey (mice or rat) are the same size and same type of prey she was getting.

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Show me a really close picture of the skin, with good light. Do you see wrinkles that werent there? Is her belly pink? Her eyes blue? Her skin dull or dry?


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fea3fdf134.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1f71253636.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d14d5e1cf8.jpg



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Sorry, HIM***

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Sorry, HIM***

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Truth is, we have no idea what it is. Right now my husband is the only male in the house. We have six females in the house right now. He's hoping the snake is a male so he is no longer odd man out. Lol


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That noodle is gorgeous!!!! And it sure looks healthy to me. Please try the suggestions i gave you regarding feeding, and pleaaaaaase keep me updated if it doesnt work. I can help you a little bit more if you have to feed him live.

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Originally Posted by Gc99

That noodle is gorgeous!!!! And it sure looks healthy to me. Please try the suggestions i gave you regarding feeding, and pleaaaaaase keep me updated if it doesnt work. I can help you a little bit more if you have to feed him live.

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I was trying to avoid the live feedings. I can't kill anything. I would feel so guilty. How much longer should I try to feed frozen before switching to live. It's already been over two weeks since he's eaten. If I have to feed live I will.


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Do you have a thermostat regulating your heat sources? Not a thermometer to measure temperature, a thermostat to ensure that the heat pad doesn't get hotter than 90*F? If not your snake can end up badly burned. Get a temperature gun or IR thermometer and measure the temperature of the glass over top of the heat pad, anything over 105*F will burn your snake.

Feed in the enclosure, at dusk, with minimal fuss. Ball pythons stress easily and react by going off of feed. Fortunately they can go weeks without eating.

That tank is too open. Snakes like small spaces to hide where they can feel secure while they wait to ambush prey.

Ball pythons don't like bright light; remember this is a species that lives underground during the day and comes out at night to hunt. Replace the light with a ceramic heat emitter, and cover the rest of the screen top with foil to keep humidity in the enclosure.

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

Truth is, we have no idea what it is. Right now my husband is the only male in the house. We have six females in the house right now. He's hoping the snake is a male so he is no longer odd man out. Lol


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If you meet someone experienced with snakes they can check for you, but dont try it by yourself, you can hurt the little noodle, if youre curious check "sexing ball pythons" on youtube, but dont try it tho

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Do you have a thermostat regulating your heat sources? Not a thermometer to measure temperature, a thermostat to ensure that the heat pad doesn't get hotter than 90*F? If not your snake can end up badly burned. Get a temperature gun or IR thermometer and measure the temperature of the glass over top of the heat pad, anything over 105*F will burn your snake.

Feed in the enclosure, at dusk, with minimal fuss. Ball pythons stress easily and react by going off of feed. Fortunately they can go weeks without eating.

That tank is too open. Snakes like small spaces to hide where they can feel secure while they wait to ambush prey.

Ball pythons don't like bright light; remember this is a species that lives underground during the day and comes out at night to hunt. Replace the light with a ceramic heat emitter, and cover the rest of the screen top with foil to keep humidity in the enclosure.

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Thank you. I will be making a trip to the pet store tomorrow. They are going to love me. He seems to favor his plants on the cooler side of the tank. His warm side averages 85 degrees, cool side is about 75 degrees. To me his body always feels cold. He also loves to hide under cloths when we have him out of his tank.


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

I was trying to avoid the live feedings. I can't kill anything. I would feel so guilty. How much longer should I try to feed frozen before switching to live. It's already been over two weeks since he's eaten. If I have to feed live I will.


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I would say leave him settle (no handling) until the next feedind day, and try what i suggested. If it doesnt work, consider live, i have tips for that too

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Consider the hide that i reccomended. A medium would be good, and you might wanna add more plants and stuff, to make more cover for him

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I would say leave him settle (no handling) until the next feedind day, and try what i suggested. If it doesnt work, consider live, i have tips for that too

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He is scheduled to feed again on Saturday/Sunday. I will let you know what happens then. Thank you for all the suggestions. The no handling part is going to suck because I've gotten into the habit of getting him out of the tank when I get home from work and he pretty much hangs out until bedtime. Can you over handle them??


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If you dont have one you need a thermostat, severe burns are not to mess with. Im getting a jumpstart, ive heard everyone uses them and they are really good, that uth is a time bomb without it

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Originally Posted by Gc99

If you dont have one you need a thermostat, severe burns are not to mess with. Im getting a jumpstart, ive heard everyone uses them and they are really good, that uth is a time bomb without it

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That's on my list among other items suggested. I think I'm spending more on husbandry than I did on him. Don't get me wrong, he is so worth it.


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

That's on my list among other items suggested. I think I'm spending more on husbandry than I did on him. Don't get me wrong, he is so worth it.


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He does, he is really beautiful, most likely the next morph i will get, this is my shopping list https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fe1703def2.jpg
The acurite thing gives you humidity, cool side temp and hot side temp, all in one, the thermostat is apparently the best one out there, and the temp gun is because im really paranoid for burns. Whatever you get i hope your baby will be fine. Health wise, he looks great, just get him to eat, any other questions and everyone here will help

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Originally Posted by Gc99

He does, he is really beautiful, most likely the next morph i will get, this is my shopping list https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fe1703def2.jpg
The acurite thing gives you humidity, cool side temp and hot side temp, all in one, the thermostat is apparently the best one out there, and the temp gun is because im really paranoid for burns. Whatever you get i hope your baby will be fine. Health wise, he looks great, just get him to eat, any other questions and everyone here will help

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I can't thank you guys enough. I will be taking you list with me to the store. I guess I'm just a paranoid new mom then. I'm sure I will have more questions going forward and I will keep you updated on his next feed.


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

I can't thank you guys enough. I will be taking you list with me to the store. I guess I'm just a paranoid new mom then. I'm sure I will have more questions going forward and I will keep you updated on his next feed.


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Hahahaha I am a paranoid dad, i know how you feel. Please keep me updated on anything, and good luck :)

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

Thank you. I will be making a trip to the pet store tomorrow. They are going to love me. He seems to favor his plants on the cooler side of the tank. His warm side averages 85 degrees, cool side is about 75 degrees. To me his body always feels cold. He also loves to hide under cloths when we have him out of his tank.


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I did not see that he always feels cold. He shouldnt, when i pick up my bp (after they have been ober their heat pad) they are warm

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

He is scheduled to feed again on Saturday/Sunday. I will let you know what happens then. Thank you for all the suggestions. The no handling part is going to suck because I've gotten into the habit of getting him out of the tank when I get home from work and he pretty much hangs out until bedtime. Can you over handle them??


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Yes you can, they will get stesse and go off feed. I handle 30 minutes a day (but after feeding i wait two days), because i have two 6 month old bp and im still taming them

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Yes you can, they will get stesse and go off feed. I handle 30 minutes a day (but after feeding i wait two days), because i have two 6 month old bp and im still taming them

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My baby started shedding today. Do we put him in water or spray the cage to up the humidity?? We were told he has just finished shedding when we bought him. I hope it's shedding and not something else. I will send a picture if you like. He is started at his eyes and mouth.


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

My baby started shedding today. Do we put him in water or spray the cage to up the humidity?? We were told he has just finished shedding when we bought him. I hope it's shedding and not something else. I will send a picture if you like. He is started at his eyes and mouth.


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Pictures would be great, humidity should be 60-70% for a perfect shed. The most important thing is that the snake gets rid of the skin on the tail and the eye caps, which are the scales that cover the eyes, if you have the right humidity just keep and eye out for those two things and you will be ok. If you didnt keep the cage humid enough (dont feel bad, it happened to me) and the snake has a bad shed, soak the snake in luke warm water for an hour. There is a product you can add to the water if you want, its called shed-ease made by zilla, it really helped me. After the soaking, let the snake move on a damp (warm) towel. This will get the remaining skin off. Remeber, the tail and the eyes are the most important parts

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Pictures would be great, humidity should be 60-70% for a perfect shed. The most important thing is that the snake gets rid of the skin on the tail and the eye caps, which are the scales that cover the eyes, if you have the right humidity just keep and eye out for those two things and you will be ok. If you didnt keep the cage humid enough (dont feel bad, it happened to me) and the snake has a bad shed, soak the snake in luke warm water for an hour. There is a product you can add to the water if you want, its called shed-ease made by zilla, it really helped me. After the soaking, let the snake move on a damp (warm) towel. This will get the remaining skin off. Remeber, the tail and the eyes are the most important parts

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7cdeb65601.jpg

How long does it take take for a full shed?? Ballpark. This would explain the not eating also correct??

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7cdeb65601.jpg

How long does it take take for a full shed?? Ballpark. This would explain the not eating also correct??

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Oh yeah, and it seems he got the eye caps off, thats good. I would say maybe around 36 hours, so he can take all the time he needs

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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7cdeb65601.jpg

How long does it take take for a full shed?? Ballpark. This would explain the not eating also correct??

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Thats correct. That might explain the feeding issues.

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Oh yeah, and it seems he got the eye caps off, thats good. I would say maybe around 36 hours, so he can take all the time he needs

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Sweet. I will keep an eye on him. Should we try try to feed as soon as he is done shedding or wait till his scheduled feeding day??


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

Sweet. I will keep an eye on him. Should we try try to feed as soon as he is done shedding or wait till his scheduled feeding day??


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Until the next feeding day. Are you feeding every 5 or 7 days?

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Originally Posted by Gc99

Until the next feeding day. Are you feeding every 5 or 7 days?

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He was on a 7 day schedule at the pet store. He is scheduled to feed again on Sunday but that puts him three weeks without eating.


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Originally Posted by Ckrumn

He was on a 7 day schedule at the pet store. He is scheduled to feed again on Sunday but that puts him three weeks without eating.


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I have my snakes on a 7 day routine as well. Try the suggestions we gave you on sunday, if he doesnt take it, then next week it will be a month, so you might wanna try live by then.

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