New Python, some problems...

[StormSerpent]

I recently acquired my first ball python from a local reptile expo on Sunday. I brought him home and put him in a 10 gallon terrarium, lined with the green "Reptile Carpet/Liner" with two different hides, one a small cave and the other a half log propped against the wall. He also has a water bowl in the middle of the cage, and the back and right walls are blacked-out with a piece of sheet. He has two lamps, on the right side, one red for night, and a regular 60W for daytime use, he also has a UTH under the right side, but it does not touch the glass bottom directly to prevent any overheating. Half of the screen top is covered by a piece of glass to keep some humidity inside. He also has a bendable vine that he climbs over while out and about.

The terrarium is currently 86-92 on the warm side and 78-82 on the cool side. The humidity tends to float around 50%.

Now here's where the problems arise.

1. He was a bit dehydrated when I first brought him home, he found his water dish and started drinking. My question is, I know that skin folds are a sign of dehyrdation, but is this in any direction? I have not noticed any vertically, just some horizontally when his body is curved.

2. Respiratory Infection. I have seen him yawn twice in the 4 days he has been home, and just this past evening I saw him rubbing his face at an angle, but only in his "less explored" area of the cage. I have not heard any wheezing or popping nor mucus from his nose, but I am assuming respiratory infection none the less and he will be visiting the vet. I have already increased the temperature, is there anything else I can do to help him before I can get a scheduled vet appointment?

3. Now this is where I get really scared. He was climbing up one of the side walls as I was watching him and noticed a bit of reddish-tinge on his belly. I looked to my "Ball Python Manual" by de Vosjoli and found out that this was a symptom of necrotic dermatitis/scale rot. Is there anything to help with this? I will be talking to the vet about this as well.

4. As he is just a baby and just recently moved in, I have not attempted to feed him. I tried a small pinkie but gave up quickly as I figured all the stress would prevent him. My only problem that I will be changing some of the set-up (replacing the half-log hide with an identical cave, etc) and he will likely be going on very stressful medication/care, and now I am worried that he might not be all up to eating. Do I wait to change cage set-up? Do I feed him a couple of days before he might start treatment? I feel bad for this poor guy.

I know this is quite a lot of questions, and pictures would be a big help, but its late and pictures will be put up tomorrow in order to clear up some confusion.

Thanks a ton in advance,
Nic

[eMonk]

2. Respiratory Infection. I have seen him yawn twice in the 4 days he has been home, and just this past evening I saw him rubbing his face at an angle, but only in his "less explored" area of the cage. I have not heard any wheezing or popping nor mucus from his nose, but I am assuming respiratory infection none the less and he will be visiting the vet. I have already increased the temperature, is there anything else I can do to help him before I can get a scheduled vet appointment?

The 2 behaviors noted in bold is what my new BP is doing aswell. However my humidity was about ~80 the last 2 days due to over misting. I have it to in 50 range now. More info on these 2 behaviors would be much appreciated!

[llovelace]

His belly is it pink tinged? if so it is probably going into shed. pics would be helpful. Bp's yawn, unless you hear noticable wheezing (if you put him up to your ear), increased saliva bubbles or mucous in it's mouth.

Get rid of the reptiles carpet and use aspen bedding.
Use a rheostat or thermostat with the uth.
Get rid of the half log and get 2 identical cave type hides.
Let him settle in for a week before any handling or feeding.

[Kaorte]

1. I don't really know what you mean by horizontal folds, but I doubt it is anything to worry about. If he is drinking, he is fine. It might take a while for all the liquid to absorb, it won't happen right away.

2. They "yawn" to realign their jaw. It is not uncommon and happens almost 100% of the time after a feeding or a strike. It is not always a direct sign of a RI. As for the nose rubbing, probably just them trying to escape. If you notice wheezing or a mucousy mouth or nose, then see a vet.

3. Both of my snakes have gone into shed right when I got them. Sometimes they go into shed because of the stress of moving. A pink belly is the first sign of an approaching shed. Keep an eye on it. If it starts to look like it is getting worse in the next few weeks, see a vet.

4. Try to feed him a week after the day you got him. Just keep offering once a week until he starts eating regularly and then you can move to every 5 days until he is around 300-400 grams.


You are heading in the right direction. It is probably better for you to be super paranoid then to not care at all. I think you are probably imagining all of these possible illnesses though. You sound very concerned and like you are doing your best to care for your new darling. Sit back and relax a bit. It hasn't even been a week. Give him some time to adjust before you start jumping to conclusions about his health. From what I gather, he is in great hands and is probably completely healthy.

Still, keep a close eye on him and if you notice anything else unusual, don't hesitate to post on the forum We are all here to help!

to ball-pythons.net! And welcome to the addiction!

[StormSerpent]

ilovelace: I plan on going out tomorrow and getting some of those things, I was just unsure on changing some much in his little changing world! I want him to be comfortable and have very little stress. Thanks again for the quick and helpful post!

Kaorte: I know I was probably a bit paranoid, but I always feel better safe than sorry, I had a leopard gecko who was never checked out by a vet and I lost him to internal parasites and gastrointestinal disease. So I just wanted this little guy to grow up big and strong!

What I meant about horizontal folds is that when he moves he has almost a fold running down his back, about a quarter of the way down his body. I figured that this might just be normal snake stuff, as I am a bit inexperienced when it comes to snakes.

Thanks Again!

[frankykeno]

1. He was a bit dehydrated when I first brought him home, he found his water dish and started drinking. My question is, I know that skin folds are a sign of dehyrdation, but is this in any direction? I have not noticed any vertically, just some horizontally when his body is curved.

Sounds like he's a bit underweight to me. Once he has a regular access to water and is on a gradually increasing and appropriate feeding schedule this will likely resolve itself. Since you are taking him in for a vet check, however, I would recommend a fecal float. It's not very expensive at all. You can either wait for him to pass some feces or have the vet do a vent wash to check for internal parasites that can affect his health and ability to gain/maintain a healthy weight range.

2. Respiratory Infection. I have seen him yawn twice in the 4 days he has been home, and just this past evening I saw him rubbing his face at an angle, but only in his "less explored" area of the cage. I have not heard any wheezing or popping nor mucus from his nose, but I am assuming respiratory infection none the less and he will be visiting the vet. I have already increased the temperature, is there anything else I can do to help him before I can get a scheduled vet appointment?

Stable temps, stable humidity, keep the tank out of direct sunlight and drafts. See a vet if there's a concern about an RI. A good herp experienced vet is your new best friend.

3. Now this is where I get really scared. He was climbing up one of the side walls as I was watching him and noticed a bit of reddish-tinge on his belly. I looked to my "Ball Python Manual" by de Vosjoli and found out that this was a symptom of necrotic dermatitis/scale rot. Is there anything to help with this? I will be talking to the vet about this as well.

A pinkish tinge is the first sign of a shed cycle. There's an excellent sticky here about that as well as what to do if a shed goes wrong. The beginning of scale rot is different but to a new keeper it can be hard to tell the stages apart. Again, since you are visiting the vet I'd have him/her check that as well. I would suggest you change your substrate though. That carpet you are using tends to be a breeding ground for bacteria and is very, very hard to keep clean for any time at all. If there's concerns about a belly condition putting the snake on a simple papertowel substrate is a good idea. Viva brand paper towels makes a great towel that is absorbent, pure white and soft as cloth.

4. As he is just a baby and just recently moved in, I have not attempted to feed him. I tried a small pinkie but gave up quickly as I figured all the stress would prevent him. My only problem that I will be changing some of the set-up (replacing the half-log hide with an identical cave, etc) and he will likely be going on very stressful medication/care, and now I am worried that he might not be all up to eating. Do I wait to change cage set-up? Do I feed him a couple of days before he might start treatment? I feel bad for this poor guy.

Make cage changes now and get that over with. Don't feed him close to a vet visit as you don't want a stress induced regurge (feed at least 48 hours before or skip the feeding). Even if he's a baby, as long as he's of decent weight and has access to water he'll be okay skipping one or two feedings. Speaking of feeding what prey and what feeding method was used successfully with this snake before you purchased it? Any idea of weight and length. That's helpful along with pictures of both the snake and your enclosure for him.

I know this is quite a lot of questions, and pictures would be a big help, but its late and pictures will be put up tomorrow in order to clear up some confusion.

Thanks a ton in advance,
Nic

Better you ask the questions Nic than you don't. Lots of questions is quite normal for a concerned and caring new owner. We've all been there and in the end, helping newcomers is a huge reason this site exits so no worries - keep asking.

[TheOtherLeadingBrand]

I agree he is probably going to shed soon

[ItaiBenAmram]

I have a question (sorry for inturrpeting the subject)
you were talking about measuring his weight.. how do I do that?

[Kaorte]

I measure my snakes weight with a food scale I bought from target. They are about 20 bucks. Make sure they go up to at least 3000grams and have a tare feature.

[StormSerpent]

This picture gives the best reddish color I was talking about: