Tick problem..

Hi all.

I'm new here and have just recently purchased a ball python. Upon examining the snake I noticed two small ticks located on its head (side by side). I cant seem to see any more ticks on the snake and am concerned about removing them because he seems to be just about ready to shed and I don't want to cause the animal any unnecessary stress. Should i remove them now??

Remove them...it is much more stressful to have 2 little guys sucking your blood and possibly giving you something nasty. ;)

Okay, thanks for the quick reply, Ill do that now

You should also treat the enclosure with some PAM.

:)

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Originally Posted by jeffnme

You should also treat the enclosure with some PAM.

:)

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PAM is short for Provent-A-Mite (just in case you didn't know);)

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

PAM is short for Provent-A-Mite (just in case you didn't know);)

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opps...thanks!

:gj:

Ok my python has only been in its new enclosure two days and its nowhere near settled and its eyes are very blue and cloudy. Its striking at anything and everything at the moment. Do you think It would be ok to leave it alone for a few more days before removing the ticks?

Personally...I would get them off today.

The longer you wait the bigger they will get and they are constantly sucking your bp's blood and causing it alot discomfort and stress.

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Originally Posted by AaronT

Ok my python has only been in its new enclosure two days and its nowhere near settled and its eyes are very blue and cloudy. Its striking at anything and everything at the moment. Do you think It would be ok to leave it alone for a few more days before removing the ticks?

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It would probably be okay for a few more days, but the sooner you get those ticks off the better. Sometimes you have to be a little firm while handling ornery snakes. See if you can find someone to help you hold him by restraining his head and body... that should make it very easy for you to get to those ticks.

Also, I don't know of any captive bred snakes that acquired ticks, so it sounds like you purchased a captive hatched or wild caught Ball. It would be a good idea to get him checked out by a vet including getting a fecal done to see if he has any internal parasites that are common with CH or WC snakes. Good luck!

Thank you all for the replies. I will get the snake check out by a vet on Monday. I think thats the only thing that will give me peace of mind that the snake is in full health. The thought of internal parasites has freaked me out.

Damn I hate parasites

Yep, Sounds like a wild caught animal. I'm assuming it's an adult? No telling what other parasites it's carrying so make sure it's quarantined away from any other animals you may have in your collection. The Vet is also a smart move on your part.

After removing the ticks I'd do my best to let it settle in as much as possible with the least amount of disruptions. Make sure it has a nice secure hide spot because it's most likely very stressed at this point. I won't attempt to feed it either for at least a week or more.

just my two cc, good luck
larry

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Originally Posted by Larry Suttles

Yep, Sounds like a wild caught animal. I'm assuming it's an adult? No telling what other parasites it's carrying so make sure it's quarantined away from any other animals you may have in your collection. The Vet is also a smart move on your part.

After removing the ticks I'd do my best to let it settle in as much as possible with the least amount of disruptions. Make sure it has a nice secure hide spot because it's most likely very stressed at this point. I won't attempt to feed it either for at least a week or more.

just my two cc, good luck
larry

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I'm not sure if its an adult. It's approx 2 1/2 ft length. In the shop where I bought it all the snakes were in close proximity so it was possible that its got them off another snake, anyways im sure its nothing the local vet cant fix. Ill update on monday.

Your poor BP! I am so sorry to hear that. The vet is a good idea. Good luck.

Do you guys think the tics should be saved for the vet, just in case they need to be checked out for any reason?

Just got back from the vets. I got a a prescribed treatment to eradicate those pesky ticks, they should be gone in 48h:gj: The vet was able to tell me that the snake was wc by where I had bought it. Anyways im glad alls well. Im gonna leave it settle down for a few more days before I start handling, feisty little bugger.

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Originally Posted by AaronT

Just got back from the vets. I got a a prescribed treatment to eradicate those pesky ticks, they should be gone in 48h:gj:

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What treatment did he prescribe...out of curiosity?

I didn't get the name as it was administered in the vets. Im sure i can ring and ask, ill post as soon as I find out.

I have heard that putting some vasaline on the ticks will make them let go (pulling them out may not get the head, and if you don't get the head, you didn't really do anything)

Maybe try this, it will also be less stressful than holding him/her down and pulling something off that's stuck under his/her skin.

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Originally Posted by Elvyra's Keeper

I have heard that putting some vasaline on the ticks will make them let go (pulling them out may not get the head, and if you don't get the head, you didn't really do anything)

Maybe try this, it will also be less stressful than holding him/her down and pulling something off that's stuck under his/her skin.

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Thanks for the advice Elvya. hmmmm.... whenever I hear that name I cant help thinking "Elvyra mistress of the dark." The vet told me the ticks should simply fall off within 48h of the treatment. If they dont he told me to come back, tbh I think i'll just take them out myself if it doesn't work, although the veterinarian seemed confident.

No, problem. Elvyra is the name of my BP, and yes, it comes from Elvyra mistress of the dark. But she's not mean in any way, she's a sweetheart.

Wow! A wild caught. Good luck with taming him. I'm sure if you let the snake settle in, he will come around eventually.

What happen if the ticks are in the eyes? Can you use Vaseline too?

Speaking of wild cuaght, is that still legal?

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Wow! A wild caught. Good luck with taming him.

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I have 2 wild caughts that are shy....but pretty tame.

they weren't good eaters...at all...when I got them but with a lil help from a friend ;) ...They are both pounding rats now!

:)

I believe mine may be wild caught, though I am not sure. I found a tick on her and when I talked to the owner of the place I bought her at, he said that that probably means they are imports.

Either way, she is very tame, she has never struck at me or hissed, and she has never had a problem feeding.