My Concerns..

[Sano]

I just received my Ball Python on Monday and these first few days have gone by great.He is very active at night,non agressive behavior, and he is begining the shedding process with the pink belly.But I am worried about him,he sleeps all day of course and wakes up at six.What concerns me is this:He seems to be very tired constantly,he is up at six pm and then by ten or eleven he is sleeping in his corner.I'm sure this isnt serious but if it is I must know.Is it part of the shedding process or something else?

[JLC]

They don't usually keep a "9-5" schedule like we do. Consider yourself fortunate to see him up and about at all. A lot of snakes are rarely ever seen outside their hides without being dragged out by us bothersome human-types.

[Sano]

Well thats good news I suppose,but what about the small wrinkles on his neck.I heard thats another factor of shedding.

[JLC]

I have no idea about the "wrinkles" because I'm not sure what you mean. Would need a picture or at least a lot more information.

[Sano]

I best I can describe it as is skin wrinkles along the side of the neck

[JLC]

Are they always there? Or just when the neck is curving? If you see wrinkles along the inside of the curve that's totally natural. If the wrinkles stay there after the neck is straightened, that could be a sign of dehydration.

[daniel1983]

Here is a good article on shedding: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28794

If your snake has wrinkles you may want to make sure your humidity is good and you have clean water. Wrinkles can sometimes be a sign of dehydration.

You mention your snake is curled in the corner....does it have hides?

[mr~python]

i know what you're talking about. i was worried about that the first time my first snake shed too. it's just a sign of shedding.

[Sano]

My God..his neck is straight and the wrinkies are still there..what do I do?Should I spray him a bit?I change his water everyday.Yes he does have a hiding place,but he prefers the corner for some reason.

[JLC]

As Marshall just mentioned, that can also be a sign of shedding, which you said he is working on.


You should have at least two hides in his cage...one at the warm side and one at the cool side. That way your snake doesn't have to sacrifice security for the proper temperature, or vice-versa. It is best if both hides are identical.