My last hope...

[Melissuhhh]

I'll start the story from the very beginning...

I got my first ball from a pretty indecent pet store (which i now know i shouldn't have done) that had their pets just as items to sell. Soon as i seen my pyote i had to get him so i did. I did my research (an till this day still do) on husbandry and all that good stuff and i thought everything was great. Few days after getting pyote i come to find he has mites, not much longer i get p.a.m an few days later hes clear. I also realized he was a bit skinny for a ball but i figured that would change in time as well.

Feeding day came around an he wasn't interested at all. I waited another week an still the same reaction. I did some extra homework an researched all the possibilities an tried most of all the little tricks you guys do on here to get them to eat but none worked. So i felt i should force feed because he started looking pretty skinny with a lot of extra skin. Since i had him i've force fed him which i always hate doing. I've even considered giving him back to the pet shop but i didn't want to give up on him.

Recently its been looking like his skin wants to shed but it just hasn't happened ever since i had him. So im going to try soaking him for a while today.

I talked to some people at the recent reptile expo an they are pretty sure he was an imported snake or not captive breed. Im guessing thats whats making him so difficult. Its really hard to not be able to do much in order to help my pyote but im trying.

If any of you guys have any suggestions or anything please let me know? Thanks

[rabernet]

Is he an adult, or a juvenile?

Can you post a picture of your set-up? What do you use to measure temps? How do you heat your enclosure (under tank heater, lamp, etc)?

Are you offering him live or f/t?

[Melissuhhh]

He's a baby. Im not sure on the exact age but im guessing no more than 7 months. I can post pictures tomorrow but hes in a 20g flat i have the petco thermo and humidity gages and according to those temp is always 80-90 an humidity is between 50-70. Theres a uth 2 hides one cool one hot, and a plant for extra security.

[DarkComeSoon]

move him to a tub and use a digital thermometer amd hygrometer it should read 92

[rabernet]

He's a baby. Im not sure on the exact age but im guessing no more than 7 months. I can post pictures tomorrow but hes in a 20g flat i have the petco thermo and humidity gages and according to those temp is always 80-90 an humidity is between 50-70. Theres a uth 2 hides one cool one hot, and a plant for extra security.

Are the Petco thermometer and gauges the stick on dials? Those can be terribly inaccurate, unfortunately (and cost more than a more reliable Accurite that you can buy at Walmart).

I'd recommend first getting a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer that also measures humidity. The Accurite costs about $12. You may be amazed at the difference in temps.

A 20 gallon "could" be part of the problem, it may be a bit overwhelming in size for a baby. You may want to move him down to a 10 gallon, or even consider moving him into a tub set-up for now to offer additional security to him (more opaque, and less clear, lower ceiling, etc).

Are his hides small and snug enough that he can feel them touching him from all sides, including his back?

How much time does he spend in his hides vs. roaming around his tank?

[Melissuhhh]

Just want to thank you for helping me out...

i'll see what i can do about moving him into a tub soon as i can as well as the acurite i've heard a lot about. His hides may be slightly bigger but i'll manage to make them better as well.

He used to roam around alot but after eating he acts like a 'normal' ball by hiding. But he occasionally roams and doesn't use his hides as much as id like but i guess i now see why.

[BallPythonGeek13]

thats really sad kingsnake.com has some great info

[DarkComeSoon]

also r u using a half log because thats no no

[BallPythonGeek13]

half logs are great what are you talking about i mean you don't want to get one from out side but other wise if you get say a zoo med one there great!

[Beto510]

zoo med half logs actually any half log is not good at all for a ball python they need to have only one opening in order to feel secure they prefer dark places they feel they can't be found in