Hey guys, forgive me if these topics are covered ad naseum elsewhere in the forums.. I'm in the market for a new PC and currently running in the lovely Safe Mode which makes searching tedious and occasionally shuts down the machine. At any rate, I'm attempting to rehab an 8yo male BP and I'd love some help.

This guy was purchased from a reputable breeder as a hatchling and lived his first 5-6 years growing and thriving. He moved (with owner) half a dozen times with no ill effects and (with photo and video evidence) was not long ago a robust tank of a snake and a great feeder on F/T large rats.

About 2 years ago he changed ownership, did quite well for about a year then went on a sudden hunger strike. Things that changed with ownership - he was moved to a bedroom with no photoperiod whatsoever, and also where the windows were kept open at night (in New England.. brrr). The owner continued to (per Google) offer meals every month or so, smaller sizes, different colors, but it sounds like this fellow hasn't eaten in about a year. And he looks it.

This morning I moved him into a 20gal (from his 55gal) aquarium simply for ease of transport and care. Hidebox. Paper substrate. A small lamp to get him acclimated to a photoperiod. Water dish large enough to soak in. Keeping him at 78-80F and covered with a sheet for privacy.

He doesn't have any stuck shed (reported to have shed last about 4 months ago) but has that wrinkled dehydrated appearance. He moves oddly - almost wobbly at times and stretches his neck back at odd angles. Other times he appears normal. He does occasionally open his mouth but generally keeps it shut. At rest his head simply drops like he's just very weak. Minutes after changing enclosures he passed a small amount of urates with a moderate amount of thick, foul smelling liquid that resembled egg yolk. It seemed difficult for him to do so. He hasn't yet gone into the hide box or drank water, but is moving about the enclosure. I think I see gavage feeding in this little guy's future but I've read never to feed a dehydrated or cold animal so we're working on those first. Wondering if I should add anything to his water in case he decides to drink?

Sorry for the lengthy draft but thanks if you've read this far. I think he needs more help than my moderate reptile experience can muster so I need all the assistance I can get. Also, the vets in this area have limited knowledge of reptiles and will likely revert to their textbooks - I'm looking for some real experience here. Thanks so much to anyone who can help!

-Tami*