new questions/ new snake/ prolapse etc

[trevorspaulding376]

So I"ve got some questions and am new and excited getting into all of this.

I bought a "fancy ball python" from a pet store, I called them back and they didn't know the sex, is there an easy way for me to tell? I know you can't tell visually? He/she, is real skiddish to the touch, puffs up, hisses and makes me nervous, neck was in a tight s at one point so I figured I'd let it be, not pick up as he/she is still a week in and probably geting adjusted plus who knows how often he was handled or cared for at the pet store. It is always hiding under it's hide which I hear is good.

Also, was hoping I could post an attachment but I guess as a new user I can't I was trying to see what type it looked like, possibly a pastel? Not just a normal but was curious what those in the know would think...


2nd- I bought a bongo pastel male from a breeder with a good site online, anyways he had his first poop yesterday and then I believe had a prolapse. At first it was a good sized red ball protruding from the back probably the size of the yellow urine balls, when I got home from work I put him in water and it shrunk dramatically to being a very small red visible dot from that same area, I had done research and saw these are potentially dangerous situations so wasn't satisfied, I put him back in a water and sugar combo mix for about 25 minutes. When I took him back to put him in his enclousre I didn't see anything red visually protruding so hoping all is well and retracted back in. He didn't mind being held at all, didn't seem like in visibile pain or that anything was bothering him, he's new as of yesterday so he's still active and moving around checking everything out, sliding over his rock cave etc, but he didn't hiss or anything when handling and picking up. Definitely had to get over my fear quickly so I could help him after reading on what had occured.

Is this bad that I just got him and this happened? Do we think since it went away and not visible anymore he is ok? I should hold off a week or so before feeding correct? Was told he was fed last friday so I should probably hold off a week or so.

Any help greatly appreciated, I'd like to slowly get into hobby bredding, not a big operation but getting a female to potentially mate with the bongo pastel down the road, assuming my mystery fancy isn't a girl as we don't know the sex on it.


Thanks in advance (edit sorry admins this should probably be in the husbandry section?)

[Craiga 01453]

With these two new snakes I hope you're following an extremely strict quarantine, especially since one came from a big box pet store.

[trevorspaulding376]

Yes both are separated , any comment on the questions I asked ?

[Craiga 01453]

Yes both are separated , any comment on the questions I asked ?

Seperated how? Are they in different rooms with all different equipment, feeding tongs, etc...etc...

As for answers to your questions, no there isn't a visual way to tell the gender of a BP, especially as juveniles.
There are two ways to determine the gender
1) popping the animal
2) probing the animal.
Since you're new to the hobby I STRONGLY suggest you don't try either on your own. Even watching YouTube vids isn't sufficient because there's so much "feeling" involved that can't be taught via video.



As for the prolapse, I wouldn't sweat it as long as it's gone back. Keep an eye on it though. What substrate are you using? It may be best to switch to paper towel temporarily so you can closely monitor and keep the area clean.

Waiting a week to feed sounds perfect.


As for getting into breeding. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. But I am telling you it's not something you should even be thinking about until you have a few years under your belt keeping BPs as pets.

We see COUNTLESS people who show up brand new, just like you, wanting to breed. Yet they lose interest as quickly as the got bitten by the "bug" and you see entire collection sales.

The BP market is also currently extremely over saturated, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

Take some time to enjoy your new pets. Learn about them. Learn their body language and mannerisms. Make sure you're actually passionate about the animals before even considering breeding. There a WHOLE LOT more to it than putting two snakes together.

[trevorspaulding376]

Thank you for the sound advice. That is helpful, yes separate enclosures. Nothing used for one has been used for the other.

The substrate right now is aspen snake but I can change that if need be. It does seem to have gone back in so hoping he is all good. Will keep monitoring closely. I plan on learning and diving into these snakes as much as possible. I'm keen on doing research and learning and will do all I can to get up to speed as quick as possible and provide great homes for them.

[Craiga 01453]

Thank you for the sound advice. That is helpful, yes separate enclosures. Nothing used for one has been used for the other.

Happy to help....

However, are the two snakes in the same room????

[trevorspaulding376]

They are in the same room yes but opposite sides of the room, should I move him somewhere completely separate? What things do I need to worry about if in same room, I guess if there's an illness or something that could travel to the other? Sorry trying to learn and take care of him.

One person who I know that is a breeder said that shouldn't have happened on a new snake I just got from a breeder and recommended sending back for an exchange or refund, would you agree with that sentiment?

[Craiga 01453]

Unfortunately, being in the same room already, it's possibly too late. But it certainly won't hurt to move one anyway. You're absolutely right, illness can easily travel within the same room. But more common is probably mites. Those little buggers can spread quickly.

If you're referring to the prolapse, I don't agree with your breeder friends sentiment. Prolapses happen. But that's why I would switch to paper towel substrate, it'll keep things clean and you'll be able to see any blood or discharge if there is any.

I forgot to comment on your aspen question earlier...
I personally can't stand aspen. It's super dusty and messy, doesn't hold humidity at all, doesn't retain odor well and doesn't look naturalistic. That being said, some people prefer it. I use a blend of EcoEarth and ReptiBark. It's much cleaner, holds humidity, retains odor, spot cleans easy and looks naturalistic.
Sorry I missed that earlier

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Is this bad that I just got him and this happened? Do we think since it went away and not visible anymore he is ok?

Prolapse do happen at times whether it is an anal prolapse or hemipinal prolapse, obviously different prolapses different causes.

From your description it sounds like an anal prolapse which can be related to the size of the prey item or issue with a bowel movement or urate which caused the rectum to pop out.

In most cases this is a one time thing however there are animals prone to prolapse that may require surgery so it is something to keep an eye on.

And as you already know keeping the area moist is very important should this happen again.

Having hemmoroidal cream is also something you might want to add to your snake first aid kit as well.

[trevorspaulding376]

Awesome thank you all for the help and that puts my mind at ease about the breeder and not putting it on him, I won't mention the name but looks like he has a very reputable shop and both his own website and selling on morph market.

I'll monitor closely and look to move him to another room. I just got him yesterday so hopefully hasn't been exposed in same room too long.

Thank you all for the help it's greatly appreciated.