Hi there all. Sorry if this is the wrong place, I'll learn the lay of the land asap. I have a question though. My daughter got a ball python from petsmart... a little over 2 weeks ago. They had just gotten it in stock so even they don't know anything about it. I set up the cage (a 20 gal glass tank with covered glass lid to retain humidity ) its running around 90 degrees on the hot side and 75 on the cooler end and 60% humidity with an evening basking light ( even though I read somewhere its not necessary. She has a large cave like hiding spot as well as a log hiding spot on the cool side of the tank near the water, away from the heat sources... but i noticed her eyes were glazed over, not the whitish-blue that indicates a coming shed, but a white starburst like pattern radiating from the middle of the eye.
I know people often misdiagnose retained eye caps, or so i have read, but it seems like this is the logical answer. Due to this she is VERY anxious and fearful... she's jumpy and afraid when anything moves near her. I have left her alone the last week, in hopes that she would settle down but I had to take her out today because she pooped and it smelled horrible! And she crawled through it. She got a soak in the tub to clean the smell off, so I figured I would try to feed her again while she is out.... no luck.

She is terrified of the mice. I have tried dangling them around, and I have attempted the trick I read online ( possibly on this forum) about heating the head of the mouse in hot hot water to help her pick up its location. I thought this would be most helpful beings she seems to be displaying some disability in vision. I was just wondering if fear and retained eye caps go hand in hand... and if there is anything I can do to help her out. I know they can go a great bit of time compared to people... without eating... but I am not sure when she is supposed to shed next (and clear up those eyes) and I certainly do not want to try and feed her with any live pray that could hurt her because she can't see it well enough to catch it.

She struck at the food a few times when we first got her, but her eye site sucks and she gave up... Any advice for a newbie?? I'm kinda lost.

(Sorry... my daughter just informed me that this was NOT a quick question hahaha) I apologize. and hand it over to the professionals.

Thank you in Advance.

~ Mama Arty