New to the site: any idea if this pattern is unique?

[Lesto]

Yes, I know that he seems small and skinny. The woman I got the snake from assures me that he is that old- she has had him for at least 3-4 years. I have not actually whipped out a measuring tape or string yet, so I am not 100% sure. They were only feeding him about one jumbo mouse a week. I plan to up that to two mice a week, seeing as he seemed hungry still after his last feeding.

They were feeding once a week? You think with his age I should continue that or up the amount of mice, but only feed every 14 days?

I plan on completely redoing the tank and thank you a lot for all your advice. I figured the enclosure for him is familiar so I would keep him in it until I get the nicer set-up made.

[blackcrystal22]

Yes, I know that he seems small and skinny. The woman I got the snake from assures me that he is that old- she has had him for at least 3-4 years. I have not actually whipped out a measuring tape or string yet, so I am not 100% sure. They were only feeding him about one jumbo mouse a week. I plan to up that to two mice a week, seeing as he seemed hungry still after his last feeding.

They were feeding once a week? You think with his age I should continue that or up the amount of mice, but only feed every 14 days?

I plan on completely redoing the tank and thank you a lot for all your advice. I figured the enclosure for him is familiar so I would keep him in it until I get the nicer set-up made.

No, feed every 5-7 days, and if you can, get a small rat. (anything about the thickness of the thickest point on the snakes body). Mice are too small for him at that age.

[Bruce Whitehead]

Looking at his size and spurs, etc. is not conclusive means of determining sex.

Popping or probing.

As far as the feeding in a separate enclosure that is a myth. You hand does not look, smell, or behave like a rodent. Give the snake some credit, he knows what he is doing when it comes to dispatching his lunch.

If he does strike you, or pulls a defensive stance, it is because a large heat emitting potential predator is entering his space (and probably from above? - Birds come from above).

And the not being held for a few months will not do anything in regards to how tame he is. I have taken on snakes that had not been handled in over a year and they were as tame as my others.

He is in a new environment, is probably not secure yet, and you are a potential threat. Give him time, do not mess with him. Set him up properly, give him maximum security and he will be fine.

As far as his patterning, it is unique, he has a reduced pattern, and he is banded, but these are abherent and random, it does not mean he is a morph, but he is stunning, and they could be genetic traits, you never know.

He is really is a gorgeous boy (and yeah, he needs to gain a bit of weight in those hips!).

Welcome to the forum, lots of information on how to get a BP set up properly. Start reading and asking.

Bruce

[littleindiangirl]

I just want to echo Bruce, he always has something good to say.

Also, I wanted to point out that males stay pretty long and lean, however, if you bump up his feeding schedule to a weaner rat (60-80 grams) once a week, he will likely put on a good amount of weight and grow.

I've got 2 girls that were very small for their age, they were the same size aas a 6 month old ball python, but over two years old. In 6 months, they have each put on about 600 grams.

I think a 30 gallon size would suit him very well, just keep in mind he will likely prefer a lot of "stuff" to feel completely secure, but then again, he has been in a 50 gallon his whole life, so he is likely used to larger spaces.

Oh, and just to be safe, when he defecates, put it in a ziplock bag and throw it in the fridge. I would get a fecal float done just to make sure he isn't small because of internal parasites eating his meals!

[Lesto]

Can I just do a fecal float in sugar solution like with a dog or a cat? I work at a veterinary office so it wouldn't be hard for me to do that, but no one there is a reptile specialist. . . just dog/cat stuff.

I plan on getting a lot of stuff for him to feel comfortable in the cage and I plan on making it a front door opening versus top lid if I make it myself.

I will try a small rat next time, I just don't know if he is that thick around. I will see if I can get more pictures of him when he is more calm.

[littleindiangirl]

Can I just do a fecal float in sugar solution like with a dog or a cat? I work at a veterinary office so it wouldn't be hard for me to do that, but no one there is a reptile specialist. . . just dog/cat stuff.

Yep, that's all a reptile vet would do.

[Lesto]

Thanks, I'll get that done as soon as possible!