HELP! Baby ball python extremely skinny and corkscrewing!

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Originally Posted by supremenoser

He bred the snake, he apparently has a ton of others he keeps too who are apparently fine so maybe it's not IBD but I'll still wait a couple months and make sure the whole area is scrubbed clean. I'll do some research on it as well....

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I'm wasn't kidding when I say that among snake breeders (especially BPs) that IBD is something everyone fears because it can wipe out a breeder's collection & investment or livelihood- so we try hard NOT to jump to any conclusions when someone has a snake with neurological symptoms (corkscrewing- unable to right itself- etc.) because it's NOT the only thing that can cause that.

Besides overheating, the over-exposure to some chemicals- pesticides- can sure cause this too. But I have to bring it up now so you're aware that it's a possibility with the symptoms this snake has. It's also underweight & the inability to eat is an issue with IBD too. So since it's unlikely you'll test for it, & may want to get another snake... Your source of this snake- no telling how much he knows, & maybe he's in denial & wanted to blame over-heating- so I would just rather have you be "safe than sorry" in case this snake is NOT suffering from a "heat injury". There's no way we can know for sure right now. Again, so sorry...

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Originally Posted by Malum Argenteum

OP, I'm glad your snake seems to be doing better.

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I wrote this without having watched the corkscrewing video. I was focusing on the couple hints that he may be coming around, but it doesn't sound good at this point. I'm really sorry for your situation.

As for disinfection: after all soiling has been removed with soap and water (likely none in this case, as I assume the snake hasn't pooped), soaking all items in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes is effective (that is, mix one part Regular Chlorox Disinfecting Bleach with 9 parts tap water and use the resulting solution to disinfect). Rinse well afterwards. Substrate and such should be discarded, but plastic and wood items can be disinfected and reused.

Both nidovirus and arenavirus (the most concerning pathogens for pythons, I believe) are enveloped viruses, and as such pretty easy to inactivate, though this disinfection protocol should be effective against virtually any pathogen. The solution will also damage your skin and eat holes in your clothes, so use caution and keep children and pets far away.

Alternately, non porous surfaces can be disinfected with a 70% - 90% alcohol spray, allowed to air dry. The spray has to contact all surfaces, and so for some items the bleach soak is best.

So unfortunately the little guy died a couple hours ago, I went to feed him and he was totally limp and not breathing at all. I watched him for a while just to make sure but yeah he's definitely dead. I just got done thoroughly cleaning the area, soaked the hides and everything in that bleach solution that was recommended and scrubbed the tank and lights and everything near the tank with alcohol. I also used disinfectant spray on the carpet and all surrounding furniture and everything I came in contact with after getting the snake. I'll probably go through and disinfect everything again once a day or at least once a week until I get a new snake. I've said it a million times but thank you to everybody who replied to the thread, I would've been so lost without you guys and your wonderful help. Hopefully I'll be posting about a new healthy, happy ball python sometime soon.

What a rotten way to start off with keeping snakes- so sorry- I hope the poor little guy can rest in peace now. :(

FYI- snakes can take a long time to actually pass, even when they appear dead. Not that I'd expect him to make a come-back though.

Good job on the disinfection- just in case. Let's hope you have much happier snake-times ahead. (It could hardly be worse.) We'll look forward to your updates. ;)

Well that sucks but it's what I expected. Losing a pet is never fun and I've certainly lost my share. It's all part of it though and you will bounce back.

I'm so sorry for your loss and all of the stress. You went above and beyond trying to get the care this one needed as soon as you realized something was wrong. Thank you for trying so hard.

I know it's not something you want to hear immediately... but until you do hear back from the breeder again, I would hold on to the body just in case.

I hope we'll hear some happier news soon.

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Originally Posted by Armiyana

I'm so sorry for your loss and all of the stress. You went above and beyond trying to get the care this one needed as soon as you realized something was wrong. Thank you for trying so hard.

I know it's not something you want to hear immediately... but until you do hear back from the breeder again, I would hold on to the body just in case.

I hope we'll hear some happier news soon.

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Definitely This. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I read through this thread all 46 posts and agree with all the information that my fellow keepers have given. The loss of a pet / breeder animal is never easy. Especially under circumstances such as these. I was so touched by the OP story that I am going out on a limb to offer to him/ her one of the baby pastels that I will have soon. My super pastel 100% het pied is gravid from a pairing to my visual pastel leopard clown. Totally on me and we can share pertinent information in a private message as far as the details are concerned.


Better to give than receive. My answer to the call for Help!

I'm sorry about your loss. It's a very difficult situation and you did all that you could to try and make it better. If you're up to it, hopefully you get another snake sometime.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

My answer to the call for Help!

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Way to answer the call, Albert!

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Originally Posted by Homebody

Way to answer the call, Albert!

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Private message sent! :gj: