scales irritated and peeling after shedding

[Bogertophis]

It really hurts my heart to see photos of a snake in this condition, knowing the owner is unwilling to get proper help...either that or humanely euthanize.

Snakes suffer but cannot express that by making sounds as most animals can...if you cannot afford vet care, you cannot afford the pet...period. Please do
right by this snake? And learn from your mistakes (I'm assuming this is a burn).

[RickyNY]

To all the lurkers out there and new people looking for information on a set up for your new snake that happened to come across this thread, and watched in awe the picture of this poor snake... let this be a lesson. DO NOT avoid spending the extra $30 - $80 on a thermostat because this will definitely happen, sooner or later your baby snake will get burned and the Vet bill will be 10 times the price of a thermostat.
Everyone here says it to new people "get that UTH on a thermostat", but some just don't believe it. Well, here is proof of that. Be smart, be responsible and be compassionate to the helpless animal in your care.

[Craiga 01453]

Any update??

[MR Snakes]

Any update??

Unfortunately I fear we scared the OP off. And probably not better for the poor snek.

[WhompingWillow]

I read through the thread and based on replies haven't opened the picture. I hate seeing animals suffer. Hoping OP is doing the right thing for this snake.

[Bogertophis]

Unfortunately I fear we scared the OP off. And probably not better for the poor snek.

Yes, but bear in mind that it's inappropriate & unethical to suggest home "medical care" when professional care is clearly needed, & it wouldn't have been better
for the snake anyway. Sometimes we just cannot supply what someone wants...a free and easy "do it yourself-fix" at home & with assurances all will be O.K.
This is a great forum with many helpful suggestions, but we cannot substitute for a vet, and no one should expect us to.

[zina10]

I agree, this was just not a case in which you can sugar coat the situation or baby the original poster with silk gloves.

In such a severe case, tinkering at home with this is just cruel. Especially given the fact that the situation that caused this issue was not getting resolved (thermostat).

You cannot save them all. You cannot talk sense to everybody. You can try, though. But what shouldn't be done, is to give advice that will only prolong the suffering, only so that the OP doesn't get their feelings hurt.

This wasn't going to cost a fortune. For gods sake, financial help was offered !!! What more can be done ??

If they don't have enough empathy to do the right thing, then nothing we say or do will change a dang thing. We tried. But I had a feeling that this wasn't going to do any good. But gosh, you have to try anyway, cause that's all you can do.

[emsbp]

This is the OP’s mother, you know the under qualified vet tech that should know better than to treat at home because we would kill the poor snake. First, the tank was set up as per the breeders suggestion and has since been modified to make up for the misinformation she was given setting up his tank. Second, while my child commented on the high cost of veterinary care she would not have been permitted to acquire the pet if we did not have the means to properly care for him. Third and most importantly , Louie is doing well in spite of the fact that not one person offered a constructive comment to aid in his treatment. Attached is a photo of his tail showing how well he is progressing in spite of our “inadequate” at home care. Go back under your hides and think twice before you strike out at another poor young poster seeking to learn from more experienced reptile owners. Everyone knows kids like to hear things from a source other than their parents. Offer your knowledge to educate them, don’t tear them down and belittle them so they stop asking questions.

https://ibb.co/VNHMhQG

[tttaylorrr]

This is the OP’s mother, you know the under qualified vet tech that should know better than to treat at home because we would kill the poor snake. First, the tank was set up as per the breeders suggestion and has since been modified to make up for the misinformation she was given setting up his tank. Second, while my child commented on the high cost of veterinary care she would not have been permitted to acquire the pet if we did not have the means to properly care for him. Third and most importantly , Louie is doing well in spite of the fact that not one person offered a constructive comment to aid in his treatment. Attached is a photo of his tail showing how well he is progressing in spite of our “inadequate” at home care. Go back under your hides and think twice before you strike out at another poor young poster seeking to learn from more experienced reptile owners. Everyone knows kids like to hear things from a source other than their parents. Offer your knowledge to educate them, don’t tear them down and belittle them so they stop asking questions.

https://ibb.co/VNHMhQG

i literally offered to send OP a thermostat and cover the cost of a vet because the photos were AWFUL and one of the worst burns i've seen in a while, and these issues were not being addressed so OP made a desperate post.

you may be qualified, but your child was right that this snake needed a vet and your opinion that the snake didn't was not correct. your care may be adequate but for you to state this snake didn't need expert intervention is disingenuous. how are we to know your expertise and care? all info was given to us by your child.

the snake also needs a thermostat NOW, so when are you going to get one to prevent this burn from happening again literally tomorrow?

the single-most important and vital piece of equipment for keeping a ball python is a thermostat. and you didn't recognize that. IMO that speaks to a lack of knowledge on this animal. tons of people offered advice and helpful tips without sugar coating the issue; if you take this - these people taking time out of their day to help this snake and offer advice - as an attack then i feel sorry for you and that snake; constructive criticism is vital in learning and growing in a hobby.

this post sounds more like you trying to save face than help this animal.

i hope that snake gets better. good luck.

[Bogertophis]

And all the while we cared enough to answer despite our frustration & worry for YOUR snake, we didn't resort to calling you an "idiot" either. Hmm.