BP rubbed belly too hard, scale rot?! naw...

[dizzy]

Please, keep in mind we only want to help. You seem like you're getting a little defensive, which is understandable, but please don't shut us out. I am sorry if suggesting a burn was offensive to you as you obviously care about your snake but we are trying to get to the bottom of the problem so we can help you.

99 does seem too hot and 63 way too cold!

Also how old is she that you only offered prey every 2 weeks?

Most people will say that a young (under 6 months to a year) ball should be offered food every 5-7 days, and older balls should be offered food every 7-10 days.

Also you mentioned another snake, I think? ...They aren't being housed in the same enclosure together, are they? If so then that would be the likely cause of why your snake isn't eating.

Good luck

[Mike Cavanaugh]

99 is under the basking lamp during the day. she can move away from the basking area any time. she cannot get thermal burn because it's just a light source. sometimes she stretches out.
70 degrees cold side is fine. I can jack it up to 75.
she's always roaming around the cold side, sleeps there during the day.
night time she's in the hide box at 88.
she knows what temps are best.

the brown bag method is quite a proven idea for feeding BP's.
I can also feed her in an opaque sweater box. she's most responsive to the bag method, since as a younger snake she's grown accustomed to it from her days before I owned her.

thanks! I'll keep ya updated

AH, where to start...

1.) as has already been pointed out, 99 degrees is too high. The idea that a snake will not burn itself "because it is a light source" is dead wrong.

2.) 63 - 70 degrees on the cold side is never "just fine"

3.) Yes, a snake does thermoregulate itself, but it does NOT know when hot is too hot. That is how snakes get burned.... they will sit there and allow themselves to get burned. Mother nature did not equip them with the know how to deal with your poor husbandry.

4.) So tell me, how exactly do you put the snake in a paper bag, add a live mouse/ rat, staple it shut, then supervise? I am sorry, but that is the most retarded idea I have ever heard.

Look, I don't mean to sound like a jerk... but you really have to do some reading. You are doing a lot of things wrong, but every one of them are fixable. We all started somewhere. Please, for the sake of your animals, read, read, read. You will be surprised by what you learn!

[DutchHerp]

Alright bud, seems like you need some setup help ASAP.

First off, read this twice:

http://ball-pythons.net/modules/Sect...warticle&id=59

1) Your cage and humidity is fine, don't worry about that.
2) You're gonna want a hot spot no hotter than 95*F.
3) You're gonna want a cool spot no cooler than 75*F.
4) You're gonna want 2 identical hides, one on the cool and one on the hot.
5) You're gonna want actual hideouts: the kind in which you can't see the snake, and the kind if which the snake is surrounded on all sides (this is an excellent example: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Hide-Boxes-p-1-c-282.html)

[frankykeno]

Actually the brown bag method's been something I've tried and have had suggested to me for very stubborn feeders. However, you use either f/t prey or pinks that have no teeth. Before jumping down this member's throat, perhaps we should check on exactly what prey is going into that bag with that snake.

Let's please remember, as we strive to help people, that using words that drive someone away from you will not help them understand your point and ultimately will not get the snake the help you are striving to offer. Before I get accused of wanting to spoonfeed someone or candy coat it or whatever, remember that this site is here to a great extent to help newcomers. Helping newcomers can be a bit frustrating or time consuming. That help also can't be accomplished as efficiently when you let temper, impatience or your own ego become the greater part of your post.

If there's a problem, let's work the problem step by step with calm purpose.

[logan77]

thanks so much!
No, I'm not defensive, just protective

I've adjusted the temps to nearly, as close as possible to what has been suggested. She seems to be a fan of sitting in the middle of the cage, between hot n' cold hiding within her log.

I will try feeding her in the opaque sweater box, again. Last night, she didn't seem too interested. Last time she ate I sprinkled chicken broth on the live mouse and she liked it. Perhaps she's somehow now afraid of live prey? I dunno...
I will attempt a frozen thawed mouse soon.

Logan's behavior is still normal for her. she drinks regularly, makes potty fine, sleeps in the day, and roams at night. when handled, she moves around nicely; but not enough to suggest being frightened or wanting to flee.

thanks!

[Mike Cavanaugh]

JO,

I think everyone, including me went out of the way to be nice. I flat out said I was not trying to be a jerk, but pointing out serious problems.

As far as the brown bag feeding, the OP has already explained perfectly clear what they are doing in regards to feed size and type.

She was immediately only interested in bigger mice. So that's what I offer....

I feed her the brown bagger method: staple it shut, supervise and go for it!...

I could try dark colored mice. or frozen/thawed.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

OP,

Thank you for not taking offense to what we are telling you. I am very happy to see you are making some changes. WE will be here every step of the way to help you out!

[frankykeno]

JO,

Everyone, including me went out of the way to be nice! I flat out said I was not trying to be a jerk, but pointing out serious problems.

As far as the brown bag feeding, the OP has already explained perfectly clear what they are doing in regards to feed size and type.

Yes Mike I'm quite capable of reading thank you. What is not spelled out clearly is whether that mouse is alive or dead in that bag. An assumption was made that a larger live mouse was used. My suggestion would be to clarify on that point before using a word such as "retarded".

[logan77]

ok guys, thanks again. no online fighting from me...
let's stay on point and be there for each other.

Oh, to clarify. Fermina died last summer due to, what I think: mites that led to scale rot. I kept her on newspaper and I don't think that was a good idea.
I also made it too humid once and I think that did the trick
my old gf was also caring for her and let her crawl on her bed a few times, perhaps Fermina picked up something that way.
I took her to the vet, and she received a shot for the rot and it cleared up in like 3 days! BUT, somehow it eventually came back and attacked her aggresively.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Yes Mike I'm quite capable of reading thank you. What is not spelled out clearly is whether that mouse is alive or dead in that bag. An assumption was made that a larger live mouse was used. My suggestion would be to clarify on that point before using a word such as "retarded".

That point was already clarified. Please read my above post again.

Easy tiger, I am on YOUR and everyone elses side!