Mites???

My ball python has been acting weird the last 24 hours or so, like climbing around constantly, and what worries the most is he has been soaking in is waterbow for the last 15 mins.
i coud use some advice.
:confused::confused:

also i was wondering what the mites look like? and how he would get them?

With mites, the first thing you're likely to notice is the soaking. Let the snake soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then take it out. If you see any little black specks in the water bowl, you've got mites. Order a can of Provent-a-Mite online, treat as per the directions on the can and you're good to go...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

With mites, the first thing you're likely to notice is the soaking. Let the snake soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then take it out. If you see any little black specks in the water bowl, you've got mites. Order a can of Provent-a-Mite online, treat as per the directions on the can and you're good to go...

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thanks i will get on that, any body else got anything?

Hi,

You can also do a visual inspection of the snake itself - look in the heatpits, around the eyes and in the little crease under his chin as well as a general body check.

And dont forget to examine your hands after handling him - I read somewhere you can also wipe the snake down with a damp paper towel as that can pick up the mites faeces (sp?) which will then spread out in a brown stain as it is more or less composed of dried blood remains.

Of course it's important to remember there can be other reasons for a snake exploring a lot from hunger to stress etc. :)

Have you changed his enclosure lately and when was he last fed?


dr del

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,


Of course it's important to remember there can be other reasons for a snake exploring a lot from hunger to stress etc. :)

Have you changed his enclosure lately and when was he last fed?


dr del

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Was thinking on those lines too. Could be hunger or stress. The soaking could be from getting ready to shed also.

the last time i changd his enclosure was about 2 weeks ago, he eats on fridays, and he shed on monday in almost 1 piece it was like 90/10 but it all came off?? he has been doing this scince wedesday

Hi,

Did you check the eyecaps came off ok?

Did you see any signs of mites in the waterbowl or anything?


dr del

if your temps are too high the snake could be trying to find a place to cool down

yes the eye caps came off fine. i did not see any mites in water or on the snake.
and my temps are warm side-91 ambient-81 cool side-82-84(running on analog hard to tell) humidity-65. he also has not been using ether hid latley just sitting on his branch.

hmmm,ya got me.can you post a pic of you tank/tub?

its a tank let me find the cam

Hi,

I'd bump the digital thermometer/humidity unit to the top of the "buy soon" list - it really is the kind of information you need a accurate reading of at the right set of spots.

You do get accurate analogue thermometers - but they cost a fair bit and I don't think I've ever seen anyone using them in a snakes enclosure.

The best thing about those little dial ones is they fly really well when your trying to wing the muppet that sold them to you behind the ear with one. :gj:


dr del

http://i38.tinypic.com/2cysdv5.jpg
sorry bout crappy cam
the tank is 18''x18''x18''

alrighty then,we will start with the light.do you leave it on all the time?

nope just for pic

if the snake is small enough to fit in that lil cave,the hidebox on the pad is way too big.they like to be cramped from wat ive seen and heard from others.

are the sides of the tank covered with anything?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

I'd bump the digital thermometer/humidity unit to the top of the "buy soon" list - it really is the kind of information you need a accurate reading of at the right set of spots.

You do get accurate analogue thermometers - but they cost a fair bit and I don't think I've ever seen anyone using them in a snakes enclosure.

The best thing about those little dial ones is they fly really well when your trying to wing the muppet that sold them to you behind the ear with one. :gj:


dr del

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lol they do fly good as long as it stays together

yes the tank is coverd on each side and top its under and old desk i use as a.. well i dont use it and yes i do need a digital but i cant seem to find one at wallmart or any petstores round here. besides little crappy ones tha are over priced and only tell temp.

i would get smaller hides and order a thermometer/hydrometer online.

i also think your tank is too tall.bp's are pretty clumsy and will fall.another thing is too much height can cause insecurity.a 6 quart plastic tub or a 10 gallon tank would be preferred.i like the tank you have but its more for chameleons or a tree boa,something along those lines.

yea i do need a new hide do you know any decent ones that arnt to pricy.

You can look for a tub at wall-mart or on e-bay for a second hand aquarium tank.

Hi,

Quite a few people use plastic bowls from the dollar shops with an entrance melted/ cut into them.

I also quite like terracotta plant pot holders - just be carefull you don't break them when making the entrance - I turned one into nothing but chunks and dust last time I tried it. :oops:


dr del

a dremel works great on terrocota

Good idea,

I'm more of a hammer and screwdriver bloke myself.

If I can't fix it with BFI (Brute Force and Ignorance) there's a fair to middling chance it isn't going to get fixed. :oops:


dr del

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nootcakes

yes the eye caps came off fine. i did not see any mites in water or on the snake.
and my temps are warm side-91 ambient-81 cool side-82-84(running on analog hard to tell) humidity-65. he also has not been using ether hid latley just sitting on his branch.

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If the warm side "ambient" temp is 91 then the surface temp is probally way too high. He may be trying to get away from the heat.