Thin rescue ball python tips needes

Hello, it's unfortunate this has to be my first post, but here we go.

I just picked him (or her) up a few hours ago. (Pictures were taken as soon as I got in the car) As you can see, he's very thin. I don't know his age or history, his old family said at least a year old. He also has quite a scar on top of his head that leads up to a hard bump at the top of the scar. He was being kept with another BP in unsuitable conditions and has retained shed on his body. I ready have a vet appointment set up for tomorrow morning, but I wanted to see if anyone had tips for feeding him or any special care.

He had a fantastic food response and happily took a f/t adult mouse. He also drank quite a bit. Should I stick with weekly feedings or a different schedule? Prey size or type?
I also soaked him a bit before feeding to try and loosen the shed, but some still remains.

I have him in a 32qt tub with UTH on a thermostat and all the other necessary equipment. However, I have him on paper towels, but I got to thinking maybe some eco earth or reptile prime would help him out better with the shed and up the humidity a bit more.

This is my first BP, but not my first reptile or snake. I've been planning on getting a 2018 hatching, but seen this fellow and I couldn't leave him to die.

Thanks for any tips you can give! I really want to give this poor baby a fantastic home. He deserves it!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fd341aa688.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b0eefd6d19.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...470f566ac6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1cfed45c2a.jpg

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First of all welcome to the forum. I think it's great that you decided to help this little worm. It's admirable.
On a more serious note, he doesn't look good. He looks dehydrated and underfed (and looks like he has some stuck sheds but you already mentioned that) but it's a very good sign that he ate and that he even drank. There is still life in him and he seems strong enough to fight for it.
Make sure to keep the humidity between 55% and 65%. Don't let it sink any further than 55%. Make sure to nail the temps.
Switching to eco earth or cypress mulch might be a good idea but I don't think it's necessary if you keep track of the humidity.
Many people are going to use this image but below you can see the chart of what to feed male or female ball pythons according to their weight. I personally measure the food size by the widest part of the snake's body. The rodent should be as big/wide as the widest part of the snake's body.
I hope this was at least a bit helpful. You'll probably get a lot of useful tips from the other users.

Also do you know the morph? He looks like he might be a dark Lesser to me.




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Originally Posted by Caali

First of all welcome to the forum. I think it's great that you decided to help this little worm. It's admirable.
On a more serious not, he doesn't look good. He looks dehydrated and underfed (and looks like he has some stuck sheds but you already mentioned that) but it's a very good sign that he ate and that he even drank. There is still life in him and he seems strong enough to fight for it.
Make sure to keep the humidity between 55% and 65%. Don't let it sink any further than 55%. Make sure to nail the temps.
Many people are going to use this image but below you can see the chart of what to feed male or female ball pythons according to their weight. I personally measure the food size by the widest part of the snake's body. The rodent should be as big/wide as the widest part of the snake's body.
I hope this was at least a bit helpful. You'll probably get a lot of useful tips from the other users.

Also do you know the morph? He looks like he might be a dark Lesser (in my opinion).




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Thank you so much! The large mouse wasn't quite on point then. The previous owners said they were feeding him once a month with a chick they'd pick up at the tractor supply. I was a little worried the rat would be a shock to his system, but I'll give that a try for his next feed! Size wize that'll be perfect (and cheaper than my 4 mice for $15, couldn't believe that!)

So far his temps and humidity are right on point. I was going to put him in my 20 gallon long, but I wanted to make sure everything was ideal. Maybe once he's recovered if he makes it. Make him a nice natural looking home and spoil him some.

As for morph, they called him a Mojave, but I don't know how accurate that is.

Thanks again! I'll post an update tomorrow once were out of the vet. I'm definitly hopeful!

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his patterns and colors looks alot like my cinny girl...but again I'm horrible are guessing lol. I really do hope he makes it! prayers sent your way Ive seen worse condition start low on the feeding and work your way up in size, he wont be use to taking such large meals, and i can only imagine that could lead to potential regurgitation. Please correct me if I'm wrong in saying so.

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Originally Posted by Aerries

his patterns and colors looks alot like my cinny girl...but again I'm horrible are guessing lol. I really do hope he makes it! prayers sent your way Ive seen worse condition start low on the feeding and work your way up in size, he wont be use to taking such large meals, and i can only imagine that could lead to potential regurgitation. Please correct me if I'm wrong in saying so.

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I agree but in his case I think he might be able to take a small rat since he ate little baby chickens. They're normally larger than a small rat. Maybe a springer rat (I hope this is what they're called in English; they weigh between 30g and 50g) would be suitable. If he is fine with that, I'd feed the rest of them to him and then move up to small rats. It safer for the snake to be a bit more careful.
I also forgot to answer that but I think feeding him once a week (or maybe every 6 days) should be fine. To be honest I believe he'll make it. He is not in the best condition but he seems to be healthy enough to survive with someone who takes proper care of him.

Yes it's great that you've stepped into hopefully save this little guy .

As mentioned already he looks dangerously dehydrated .

I'd read up on dehydration but if it was me I'd give it a 25 minute soak in snake temp water . Use a container with a lid so it stays in the water .. STAY in full view whilst it soaks ... he will slither around looking for a way out but he'll be fine .

Soaking is something that some people disagree with even though they provided bowls for theirs to soak .

Thing is it looks dangerously dehydrated and the soak will make an immediate difference.


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I agree with Zinc for soaking, it's also good for stuck shed. It can be very stressful for the snake though, so don't be tempted to do it too often or you may cause more harm than good. Personally I'd keep any sick snake on paper towels, but with them it's difficult to keep the humidity up. Best wishes for you and the little guy, I hope it's a good outcome!

If he just ate for you and drank thats a great sign. I would not worry about stressing him out with soaks right after he ate though. Id bump the humidity in the tub way up and give a few days to digest. Even though hes extremely thin, i also wouldnt jump straight to weekly feeding when his weakened system is used to monthly digestion. In his state, id go 10 days between the first couple meals. He does look like he could be a mojave but hard to say in that state. Good luck! Im glad you were abe to take on the poor thing and actually care about it. An emaciated dog in this condition would lead to an arrest.

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I was horrified when I saw his photos. Thanks for giving him a proper home and care. Keep us posted as he recovers. Take the time to get him to proper weight and size I am sure he will get there.

OMG! Thanks for stepping in when you did. You should call him Lucky.


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I'd keep the meals small until you're sure he's properly hydrated. Digestion takes a lot of water and can kill a dehydrated animal. He definitely looks like he's in rough shape. Hope you can help him out!

Good on you for trying to help this animal out.

I'm glad the snake ate, but I would have waited til after the vet appointment, as the stress of moving the snake may cause a regurge this snake DEFINITELY doesn't need.

My two cents: just let the animal be until after the vet appt. See what the vet says and share that info on here. Unfortunately, many vets see exotics, but know little more than basics they've read in books. However, theyre access to labwork is invaluable and something we can't do without a vet. Hopefully you're lucky enough to have found one of the good ones.

There are some amazing people on this forum willing to share decades of knowledge and experience with thousands upon thousands of snakes. You've found a great place to learn.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Oh... I would also stick to paper towels until you know the animal is healthy. Also, ease into feedings (as far as prey size and frequency) you want to get this guy healthy again, but don't rush it.

Good luck to this little rescue!! It breaks my heart to see a snek in this condition. Thank you for stepping up!


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i agree with a lot of the posts so i'll just summarize:

• nice long soak in 85° F water
• smaller meals until the snake starts gaining weight
• 10 days between feedings
• keep that humidity up, up, up!
• keep using paper towels until he starts making progress
• i think it's a Mojave morph! look at the floating "Cheerios" in the pattern

you've got your work cut out for you with your first beep. we, and your new buddy, thank you for stepping in to provide him with a proper, loving home. :gj:

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice! The vet had suggested I try feeding him as long as it was a full 24 hours between the feeding and the appointment, so that's what I did. Ideally he said he'd wait 48 hours, but he was very concerned about his condition but also wanted him fed. His feeding response was fantastic, though. Didn't hesitate in the least, and I got a good look in his mouth during the event and I didn't see any mucus or other worrying things.

His temps are perfect and his humidity is at 70% I did soak him briefly before feeding, but it wasn't long. Just to help the skin come off.

He's a really active fellow for his state. I'll update as soon as we're out of the appointment!

Thanks again everyone! You've really helped ease my mind.

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Everyone gave great info for you so i'll just add what a great thing it is you found him in time. With a feeding response in the condition he is in tells me he will be a great Pet in a couple months.. Im sure the temperament will be wonderful as well. Hard to believe something let go so badly is still pushing to overcome the neglect. He deserves a great name to elaborate on his Strong Will. Nice Job [emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji216]

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

He deserves a great name to elaborate on his Strong Will. Nice Job [emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji216]

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I vote Phoenix

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I vote Phoenix

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I vote Attila because he is going to conquer his neglect.

Attila - Hunnic
Legendary warlord and greatest leader of the Hunnic Empire, Attila the Hun is remembered by history as the mastermind behind the unrelenting terror of Europe that were the Huns. Known to the Romans as "The Scourge of God," Attila united the tribal Huns and embarked on a series of fearsome military campaigns during the 5th century AD, continually antagonizing the Romans (among others) until his abrupt death in 453.

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Everyone gave great info for you so i'll just add what a great thing it is you found him in time. With a feeding response in the condition he is in tells me he will be a great Pet in a couple months.. Im sure the temperament will be wonderful as well. Hard to believe something let go so badly is still pushing to overcome the neglect. He deserves a great name to elaborate on his Strong Will. Nice Job [emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji1362][emoji216]

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I think El Cid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cid) would suit him if he is a male. If she is a female, I vote Hypatia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia).
I also really like Phoenix.

Wow, that's the worst condition I've ever seen in a ball python. Did the vet give a suggestion for food size and frequency? What that snake needs most right now is food, I'd approach it a bit different. I would weigh the snake and get a gram weight. Then use rodents that are about 5% of the body weight and feed one rodent every 4-5 days. After multiple feedings I'd move up to 2-3 smaller rodents (about 5% of body weight each) per meal every week. I'd wait on the 10% sized rodent until the body condition improves.

I would not handle it at all except to take it out to clean the enclosure at least until it's body condition significantly improves. I had a hatchling size snake that was a year old and starved almost to death, it was a normal that I picked up on Craig's list. I didn't look as bad as yours, but I think frequent smaller meals was the key to bringing it up to proper body condition. As long as the appetite is good you should be able to bring that guy back to health in no time. I'd be worried most about the cut on his head, hopefully that won't be an issue. You may try soaking once every few days in dilute povidone iodine solution about the strength of a weak tea, I found it works great for skin problems with snakes. I use it on all my animals for a general antiseptic. I'd soak for about 10 minutes at 85F - 90F.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

I second Phoenix


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Those pictures are physically painful to look at. That poor, sweet, baby. I'm so glad he has found you! It will be awesome watching this little one's resurrection from the brink.

Just to add a bit of negativity... what ever happens I'd suggest being ready for the unthinkable ... I've seen a few photos of snakes in very poor condition and so many only lasted a few days even after a promising start ..


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I had success with putting my snake in a humidity box with a closed lid (with holes,) luke warm water and a clean rag for 45 minutes. I had to help him get a little off his back end but it really helped with stuck shed!

I have to agree with Zincubus. While I sincerely hope this little guy can recover with your help, he really does look like he's in very poor shape. There's no way to know what kind of internal damage that severe dehydration and malnourishment has done. If I were you, I'd do my best to maintain emotional distance.

Let me inform y’all, the lenomblast and bumble bee that was in question.....on my post that is. They 100% recovered, and it was to the point of they had me wanting to purchase them. Their husbandry was 100%


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What a about Lazarus?

poor lil Mojo. this makes me so MAD! glad u found him tho.

Edit: i would also name him Zincubus!

Ok! We're back from the vet and it's a girl! The vet feels she's mostly just severely dehydrated and underfed. He felt the mouse she ate yesterday was digesting properly, she is mite free, and we are to bring in a fecal sample to double check for parasites.

She weighs exactly 500 grams. The vet wasn't too concerned about the head wound. I'm to monitor the bump on her head, but he feels it's simply the way the wound healed and not a tumor or abscess. Should it change in any way we will do further testing.

He pretty much gave all the same information everyone here has given. Warm soaks to help with hydration and the stuck shed, keep the prey smaller for now so we will stick with the mice, then once her weight is up to feed larger items. He suggested every 6 days for feeding right now, but I might do 5. She's still so eager for food!

Thanks for the name suggestions also! Initially I loved the name Lazarus! Then when I seen the lighting bolt-ish scar I was going to go with Harry lol I'm just a little bit of a Potterhead. Totally lost on female names, though! I was almost certain she would be a he.
I'm also as prepared emotionally as I can be, should she not make it, though I do need the reminders because I do almost immediately get attached. The vet did mention the negative consequences of prolonged dehydration and the effect it could have on her body. I'll definitely do my best for her, and even if it's a short amount of time, at least she wasn't suffering for her final days.

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Originally Posted by Mathilda

Ok! We're back from the vet and it's a girl! The vet feels she's mostly just severely dehydrated and underfed. He felt the mouse she ate yesterday was digesting properly, she is mite free, and we are to bring in a fecal sample to double check for parasites.

She weighs exactly 500 grams. The vet wasn't too concerned about the head wound. I'm to monitor the bump on her head, but he feels it's simply the way the wound healed and not a tumor or abscess. Should it change in any way we will do further testing.

He pretty much gave all the same information everyone here has given. Warm soaks to help with hydration and the stuck shed, keep the prey smaller for now so we will stick with the mice, then once her weight is up to feed larger items. He suggested every 6 days for feeding right now, but I might do 5. She's still so eager for food!

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congrats! it's a girl!!!!!!!!! :)

wow...500g, and she looks like a poor hatchling. sweet lil' bby.

i can't wait for her to start eating regularly! i'm excited to watch you both progress and grow!!! good luck! all the positive vibes i have are being sent to you both!

Hooray that is great news from the vet. I don't have any advise to offer since it's all been covered but I wanted to wish you and new snakie the best and hope for a good recovery.

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Originally Posted by Mathilda

Thanks for the name suggestions also! Initially I loved the name Lazarus! Then when I seen the lighting bolt-ish scar I was going to go with Harry lol I'm just a little bit of a Potterhead. Totally lost on female names, though! I was almost certain she would be a he.

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How about Lily? (Harry Potter's mom)

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Originally Posted by Mathilda

Ok! We're back from the vet and it's a girl! The vet feels she's mostly just severely dehydrated and underfed. He felt the mouse she ate yesterday was digesting properly, she is mite free, and we are to bring in a fecal sample to double check for parasites.

I'm also as prepared emotionally as I can be, should she not make it, though I do need the reminders because I do almost immediately get attached. The vet did mention the negative consequences of prolonged dehydration and the effect it could have on her body. I'll definitely do my best for her, and even if it's a short amount of time, at least she wasn't suffering for her final days.

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Good to hear that the vet went pretty well! I'm also glad to hear that you're doing your best to keep in the right mindset. I absolutely do think that no matter what happens, you made her life better.

I will say this, she IS worth fighting for, only cause she is fighting


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1)water
2)humidity
3)proper temperatures
4)secure homes (hides, caves, cribs, hides holes, whatever you want to call them)
5)appropriately sized food

= healthy ball python.

Giving them water, good hides and appropriate food was pretty easy for me as a beginner a couple years ago.
Proper temps were the most difficult to figure out (had to buy a good thermostat, install heat tape and buy an ambient heat source on a second thermostat!) when I first started, proper humidity took some time, but once I switched to tubs with moist substrate, it got much easier.

GOOD LUCK LITTLE FELLA!

Glad to hear the appointment went well.

There's clearly some fight in that girl. And for what it's worth, I still like Phoenix

Good deal. Glad to hear. You still might want to keep the feeding every 7 days. Id say every weekend so its a easy schedule too. Remember if a person is starving they will gorge themselves also but that doesn't mean its good for them. Id want to make sure she doesn't get constipated, possibly prolapse from being so dehydrated and trying to pass a bunch of solid excrement.
Looks like your going to have a healthy Pet soon. You saved her [emoji1362]

You could still name her Harry, I know a few ladies who shorten Harriet to Harry :)

For the next rescue, feed small meals and after a couple of days of hydratation. If they are starving they will take anything, but it can also kill them.
Important is to leave her alone. Stress is a really bad thing right now. So, get the husbandry right and dont check on him every two minutes.

And it's a mojve.


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Originally Posted by rafacacho

For the next rescue, feed small meals and after a couple of days of hydratation. If they are starving they will take anything, but it can also kill them.
Important is to leave her alone. Stress is a really bad thing right now. So, get the husbandry right and dont check on him every two minutes.

And it's a mojve.


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Thanks for that info! I'm sure she won't be the last one I take in like this. I haven't messed with her since coming home from the vet. I just take a look through the tub to check on her and make sure the temp probe is still in place. She's already starting to look less wrinkled, and her stuck shed it's slowly flaking off. Temps and humidity are great.

Thanks to everyone! I'll do updates periodically on this thread and update test results once she gives us a fecal sample.

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Originally Posted by Mathilda

Thanks for that info! I'm sure she won't be the last one I take in like this. I haven't messed with her since coming home from the vet. I just take a look through the tub to check on her and make sure the temp probe is still in place. She's already starting to look less wrinkled, and her stuck shed it's slowly flaking off. Temps and humidity are great.

Thanks to everyone! I'll do updates periodically on this thread and update test results once she gives us a fecal sample.

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Pictures. Don’t forget pictures as we love them.


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Poor little girl. :( I hope she pulls through and gets stronger quickly. She looks like a fighter, and you've been taking great care of her. :)

Have an update on Harry!

She just had her first shed and is no longer wrinkly and dull. All stuck shed is now gone and she's also put on some weight! I'll provide a side by side so you don't have to scroll up. She's going great and relaxing around my neck as I type this. She could still plump up some, but I realize that takes some time since we had to go slow for a while. I love her to pieces and can't wait to get her permanent home set up.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ae4fdaad5b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4682bc5edc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d0573da25e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...05ea0e0b0f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b7e1bae4ad.jpg

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Originally Posted by Mathilda

Have an update on Harry!

She just had her first shed and is no longer wrinkly and dull. All stuck shed is now gone and she's also put on some weight! I'll provide a side by side so you don't have to scroll up. She's going great and relaxing around my neck as I type this. She could still plump up some, but I realize that takes some time since we had to go slow for a while. I love her to pieces and can't wait to get her permanent home set up.https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ae4fdaad5b.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...4682bc5edc.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...d0573da25e.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...05ea0e0b0f.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...b7e1bae4ad.jpg

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What a change :O
She looks way better than before. You must have done a great a job! She definitely put on some weight and she doesn't look dehydrated anymore. Thanks for the update :D

SHE LOOKS GREAT!!! what a fantastic job you've done!

you're right that she's still a bit thin, but she's at a point where it's not a big concern anymore. as long as she keeps showing steady growth, she's in excellent shape.

thank you so much for the update! [emoji4]

I am so grateful you found her. He looks so much better. I am so happy to see how she looks now. She does look like my Mojave. The only difference is Shiva is bright yellow in some places. She is young though. So happy for the positive outcome this time.

Thanks for the update and keep up the great work!

The mojo is looking great.


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