Possible Hard Choice Concerning My BP

[berriosderick]

Bi-weekly can mean appearing or taking place every two weeks or twice a week

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[CloudtheBoa]

Well in the reptile husbandry aspect it usually applies to a 14-day schedule. Sorry if it was confusing that's just how I'm used to it being used. None of my rodent-eaters get fed any more often than 7 days.


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[Albert Clark]

Hey CtB, sorry to see and hear of the dilemma. The bp does look good from the pics. I know you have the numbers on his weights and all but on the outside looking in he does appear toned and healthy. Just out of curiosity, what type of substrate are you using for Bud? You mentioned "bedding " before but not what type. Maybe that needs to be looked into? I know you are a very experienced reptile keeper and I am not going to bore you with a bunch of suggestions! Just two, haha. Substrate and assist feeding. Switch to 100% cypress mulch right away. If that doesn't work after 4 days of him being on the mulch and you think you may want to assist feed, DON'T... Tube feed instead and its less stressful and is a lot quicker to accomplish. Oh, if you decide on rehoming call me first, you have my email address. I actually am swamped right now with some new garters and bp hatchlings but I want to help. Good luck and stay in peace and not pieces!

[CloudtheBoa]

He's on EcoEarth, his current bedding does need to be swapped out so maybe some new bedding will help idk. I haven't seen any evidence of it helping in past fasts, but who knows with ball pythons? It seems his eating habits change daily, it's hard to keep up.

I don't think I'll rehome him with all the weight he's losing, but thanks for the offer.

I'm going to call the vet tomorrow and see what they can do. I'm just scared I'm putting his life in danger doing it because I've heard some horror stories, but at the same time he probably needs the resources that a vet can offer.

I probably need to have fecals, x-rays, and blood tests done. But before a fecal can be done he needs to eat however it's accomplished.


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[Albert Clark]

He's on EcoEarth, his current bedding does need to be swapped out so maybe some new bedding will help idk. I haven't seen any evidence of it helping in past fasts, but who knows with ball pythons? It seems his eating habits change daily, it's hard to keep up.

I don't think I'll rehome him with all the weight he's losing, but thanks for the offer.

I'm going to call the vet tomorrow and see what they can do. I'm just scared I'm putting his life in danger doing it because I've heard some horror stories, but at the same time he probably needs the resources that a vet can offer.

I probably need to have fecals, x-rays, and blood tests done. But before a fecal can be done he needs to eat however it's accomplished.


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Well, ok. Just take the time to read the story by Colin Weaver of East Coast Reptile Breeders called " the enigmatic ball python appetite". He addresses several cases of inappetance by ball pythons and the effects of 100% cypress mulch . The story is "must read" for all bp owners. Good luck with the vet and keep us updated.

[distaff]

He's on EcoEarth, his current bedding does need to be swapped out so maybe some new bedding will help idk. I haven't seen any evidence of it helping in past fasts, but who knows with ball pythons? It seems his eating habits change daily, it's hard to keep up.

I don't think I'll rehome him with all the weight he's losing, but thanks for the offer.

I'm going to call the vet tomorrow and see what they can do. I'm just scared I'm putting his life in danger doing it because I've heard some horror stories, but at the same time he probably needs the resources that a vet can offer.

I probably need to have fecals, x-rays, and blood tests done. But before a fecal can be done he needs to eat however it's accomplished.


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I was going to suggest a vet. Maybe parasites, or some other trouble inside (do snakes get cancer?).
Are SURE the temps are good? Just wondering if maybe you have another thermometer to double check, incase the equipment is malfunctioning.

My third suggestion is a long shot, but everyone seems to be at a bit of a loss here anyway....Do you have a separate enclosure or tub (or another place in your living space) that you could move him to? Maybe something about his current enclosure, the people can't sense, is bugging him.

Good luck.

[CloudtheBoa]

Yeah snakes get cancer. He's rather young to be getting cancer but could have a congenital defect. Who knows? Best to check than regret it later.

Yes I'm sure temps are good, I've checked it with three different monitoring equipment, one being a mercury thermometer. His body temps are within acceptable ranges.

I don't have another enclosure to put him in unless I was willing to take him to my father's, where my second 6' enclosure currently is. And he's...not the best person to entrust the care of my snake to.

I plan on buying some PVC enclosures but vet costs are going to make that possibility a no go. I'd be surprised if I spent less than $300 when all is said and done. Even if I could still get them, I've heard it takes 6-8 weeks on average for them to arrive. So it still wouldn't be an immediate solution.


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[CloudtheBoa]

So I ended up deciding to wait to take him to the vet until I found out if he'd eat live or not. He ended up eating 2 live mice Saturday, so now I wait and see if he'll gain weight back.

I just really didn't want to risk the vet unless absolutely necessary. :/


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[PitOnTheProwl]

Don't see anything wrong with that snake.
If his habits bother you to the point you feed you need to force feed an adult ball, then its time you found someone that can handle him.
My male spider that only eats a couple rats a year would drive you to the grave.

[CloudtheBoa]

I'm sorry but his feeding habits do not force me to the point I feel I need to force feed him, thank you.

I have put up with a lot of fasts over the past 3 years, and after the first couple I gave up worrying. Just offered until he ate again. Sure, it was irritating but it no longer drove me up the wall.

You know what HAS upset me? Coming close to losing 20% of his weight in only 3-4 months. He has never been this light since becoming an adult, and even after going on an 8 month strike he STILL didn't lose this much weight.

I gave him live before attempting to force feed and would not have done it until he became emaciated. I just felt if he continued to lose weight as quickly as he was it may become necessary soon.

But thanks for the condescending words.


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