Advice on rescuing this snake?

[Lolo76]

Is it just me, or is this BP really thin?

The pictures aren't very good & I'm still learning, but this one struck me as very underfed! I emailed the owner to ask for more details - including how old it is, what/when it had been eating, and a few other questions. If it seems like this little BP needs rescuing, I might decide to take it off their hands... probably for an offer of $75 including the (too big) tank. Whaddya think? And is it a good or bad idea to "rescue" a Ball Python? Just thinking it might be a nice thing to do, since most of my furry pets have been rescues.

[Lolo76]

FYI: The guy wrote back last night... he said the snake is 7 weeks old, hasn't shed yet, weighs about 1/2 lb (??), and has been eating mouse hoppers. He purchased it at a pet store nearby - one I'm not familiar with personally, but has an iffy reputation online. He agreed to take $80 including the tank (which I'll probably sell), and said he's only getting rid of him/her because he's moving. Uh, didn't he know that 4-5 weeks ago when he got it? Anyway, I'm thinking about going to look at it on Thursday, so any advice would be appreciated!

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

I'll rarely tell anyone not to take in an animal in need! As long as you can afford to care for him, I say do it But we have a few rescued balls ourselves.

[West Coast Jungle]

The big concern with such a young snake is "Is he eating?"

From the pic it looks like a hatchling because the head looks so big in relation to the body. If it hasnt shed then it isnt growing much and probably isnt eating.

Rescuing would be the best for the snake but you need to be prepared for heartache and possible vet bills if it gets ugly.

I say its up to you if you think you can deal with the possible demise of a stressed out non feeding hatchling. Assit feeding looks like a strong possibility if she doesnt eat on her own.

You could allways contact a breeder who would probably sell you a nice normal for half that since you dont need the tank.

Just some things to think about.

[aaramire]

If you are determined to rescue the snake, I would try to see if he will just give it to you without the tank, or at least for a small adoption fee, especially if you don't need it. And I agree with the poster above me, you do need to be prepared for vet bills if the animal is sick, or has parasites or something. Good luck!

[Muze]

I agree with all of the above. He says it weighs about 225 grams (1lb=453 grams unless my math is wrong). But I don't think it looks like it weighs that much. I suppose it has not shed since he's had it (4-5 weeks). Hopefully it is actually eating & you won't have to go through the whole ordeal of assist-feeding.

I would also offer less if he keeps the tank (unless you need it). Keep us posted. Good luck!

[Vypyrz]

You might try to find out when he fed last and see if you can watch him eat...


Rob

[Patricia]

Bless your heart, I hope you can give it a better life.

Last week I "rescued" a youngster, a little bigger than the one pictured, but not much rounder. There were 2 local Craigslist ads to choose between, but we never even saw the other choice because I went to see our BP first and was so dismayed at its lack of care that I couldn't walk out of there and leave it behind. It needed better conditions, and even though I know nothing/zero/zip/nada, I knew I could at least provide proper heat and humidity. Shoot, the poor thing was absolutely cold when I picked it up. (No UTH.) The bottom third of it still had shedding stuck on. Within 24 hours, all of it had come off... not to mention that poor snakey didn't feel cold anymore.

All our cats and dogs have come from the pound. We're used to rescuing animals, and this one was no different. Heck, the prior owner had it for 2 months and didn't even give it a name. It had 2 within minutes of our getting it.

I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted.

[Lolo76]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I'm still thinking about it, especially since he's about a 45-minute drive from here... if nobody else offers by the end of the week, maybe I'll go see him/her. I was a little less concerned knowing it's just a baby, but the poor snake could still use some fattening up! I'll let you know what I decide...

[WingedWolfPsion]

If he hasn't had a chance to get sick, and is just thin, then putting him into proper conditions will probably be all he needs to start eating right and take off. It's not a bad bet, but I would give him a good look over for muscle-tone, and make sure he is not badly dehydrated or emaciated before paying money.