Okay, I was given a ball python yesterday. Her previous owner was in my opinion very neglectful of her needs. I have never kept a snake before, but have had experience with other peoples snakes, have kept my own exotic pets such as giant millipedes and pink toe tarantulas, and I've done a good deal of research on taking care of ball pythons as I've always wanted to get one, but have found no information on snakes which have not been taken good care of.

Shes ( not officially sexed, yet, will do in time ) is about 3 to 3.5 feet long from estimation.

I dont have a cam to take a picture of the "carrier" they kept her in, but I found an image of one online.



I know this is extremely inappropriate for a snake, and in the next 3-4 days as soon as I get money for it, I plan on getting everything she needs.

She has not had any heat source, though thankfully its been quite warm here in Kansas for a while, but it is starting to get cold. For now, I added a box in the cage for her to hide in, and a lamp aimed at the side of the carrier to give heat, though I dont think its enough it should be enough to give her at least about 70 degree+

I have no idea how long it was before she had water last, but knowing the owner, I guess way to long I filled her water dish last night and she went straight for it, and drank it all, about a metric cup full. A couple hours later last night I gave her about another cup and she drank some but there is still some left today. The dish isnt big enough for her to soak in, in fact its pretty small, something ill have to rectify.

Also the last time she ate from what I was told was the beginning of august, so about 6 weeks ago. They fed her a medium rat supposedly. They were only feeding her about once every 4-6 weeks, and usually a medium rat.

I had gotten a large feeder mouse today which I tried dead feeding it to her, but she didnt eat it.

In the next 3-4 days or so when I get money ill be able to get whatever she needs. Im thinking she'll need a 40 gallon, since shes adult or close to it, I want her to have room, I know she needs a couple hides, a heating element on one side of the tank, some thermometers on each side to ensure a temp balance, some good substrate and water bottle to help with humidity etc.

Honestly my main concern is the whole feeding thing. So, any advice anyone can give given the above detail, let me know, feel free to ask any questions.

I'll note that she does seem very docile, and calm, Ive handled her a little and she hasn't freaked out at all, so im very glad about that end of things.