Tick problem..

[AaronT]

Hi all.

I'm new here and have just recently purchased a ball python. Upon examining the snake I noticed two small ticks located on its head (side by side). I cant seem to see any more ticks on the snake and am concerned about removing them because he seems to be just about ready to shed and I don't want to cause the animal any unnecessary stress. Should i remove them now??

[lord jackel]

Remove them...it is much more stressful to have 2 little guys sucking your blood and possibly giving you something nasty.

[AaronT]

Okay, thanks for the quick reply, Ill do that now

[MeMe]

You should also treat the enclosure with some PAM.

[lord jackel]

You should also treat the enclosure with some PAM.

PAM is short for Provent-A-Mite (just in case you didn't know)

[MeMe]

PAM is short for Provent-A-Mite (just in case you didn't know)

opps...thanks!

[AaronT]

Ok my python has only been in its new enclosure two days and its nowhere near settled and its eyes are very blue and cloudy. Its striking at anything and everything at the moment. Do you think It would be ok to leave it alone for a few more days before removing the ticks?

[MeMe]

Personally...I would get them off today.

The longer you wait the bigger they will get and they are constantly sucking your bp's blood and causing it alot discomfort and stress.

[xdeus]

Ok my python has only been in its new enclosure two days and its nowhere near settled and its eyes are very blue and cloudy. Its striking at anything and everything at the moment. Do you think It would be ok to leave it alone for a few more days before removing the ticks?

It would probably be okay for a few more days, but the sooner you get those ticks off the better. Sometimes you have to be a little firm while handling ornery snakes. See if you can find someone to help you hold him by restraining his head and body... that should make it very easy for you to get to those ticks.

Also, I don't know of any captive bred snakes that acquired ticks, so it sounds like you purchased a captive hatched or wild caught Ball. It would be a good idea to get him checked out by a vet including getting a fecal done to see if he has any internal parasites that are common with CH or WC snakes. Good luck!

[AaronT]

Thank you all for the replies. I will get the snake check out by a vet on Monday. I think thats the only thing that will give me peace of mind that the snake is in full health. The thought of internal parasites has freaked me out.

Damn I hate parasites