Concerned with my BP after assisted feed

[Frost33]

After talking with the vet I preformed an assisted feed last night with my baby ball python. I've had her for about 4 months and up until last night she had only eaten once and was starting to loose weight. Last night I did an assist feed with a pinky, which she ate and kept down. Only thing is today she seems VERY lethargic. When I gave her fresh water today I picked her up and she didn't wrap around my hand like normal. She moved around and wasn't limp but she just wasn't her "normal" self. When I put her back in the cage she just layed where I put her, not really moving. Is this normal behavior for a BP after eating or something I need to be concerned with?

Thanks in advance.

[dr del]

Hi,

How much does she weigh? And how much has she lost?

Have you double and triple checked all the husbandry with the caresheet to see if there are any possible issues?

The problem with assist feeding is it is quite stressful so, while you want it to be the last thing you try, you also don't want to wait too long.


dr del

[Frost33]

To be honest I'm not sure of her exact weight, I say she was loosing weight based on appearance. Her skin was getting much more loose, etc. I actually got her as a gift so I'm not sure on her husbandry, so there may be issues, but I don't see what I can do now. Unfortunately the gift giver and I broke up (in a way that would not allow me to call her up and ask questions).

So I guess my question now is. What do I do now? Is it stress that is causing her to be so sluggish today? I just need help and guidance.

[RichsBallPythons]

Pictures of snake and setup.


Also pinky is too small even for hatchlings. Depending on its size offer pre killed Hoppers-sm adults when assist feeding.

[Frost33]

Here she is a few weeks ago:



Here is the set up:

Even if the pinky was too small shouldn't she have eaten it?

[RichsBallPythons]

Here she is a few weeks ago:



Here is the set up:

Even if the pinky was too small shouldn't she have eaten it?

She will eat anything when hungry enough. At her size offer Hopper mice pre killed when assist feeding every 3 days.

Right now the Cage is TOO BIG and is the reason shes not thriving. Drop down to a 10gallon or 6qt tub. Also ditch the stick on thermometer hydrometer readers. Go buy a digital one at walmarts for $12 and get a accurate measurement.


Be sure if you go to a 10 gallon tank get 2 identical hides. If you do the 6qt tub all you need is one hide and water bowl.

[Frost33]

She will eat anything when hungry enough. At her size offer Hopper mice pre killed when assist feeding every 3 days.

Right now the Cage is TOO BIG and is the reason shes not thriving. Drop down to a 10gallon or 6qt tub. Also ditch the stick on thermometer hydrometer readers. Go buy a digital one at walmarts for $12 and get a accurate measurement.


Be sure if you go to a 10 gallon tank get 2 identical hides. If you do the 6qt tub all you need is one hide and water bowl.

<sigh> She was in a 10 gallon take for 4 months before I got this tank about 2 weeks ago when it was suggested I get her a larger tank. This snake is quickly becoming more work than she is worth

I forgot to add, the twig is gone, and I have new thermometers and hydrometers in the tank.

[RichsBallPythons]

<sigh> She was in a 10 gallon take for 4 months before I got this tank about 2 weeks ago when it was suggested I get her a larger tank. This snake is quickly becoming more work than she is worth

I forgot to add, the twig is gone, and I have new thermometers and hydrometers in the tank.

Im sure you were told bigger by petstore. Ignore them all together as they want $$$$ from you.


GO back to the 10 gallon and clutter it up A LOT. Wait few days for her to re adjust and assist feed her a hopper mouse pre killed.

Be sure the temps are measured by digital no analog like those stick on ones.

[Frost33]

Ok, I'll move her back into the smaller cage, only problem is, its very difficult to have a warm and cool side. So when you say clutter it up, you mean set it up with multiple hides and a water dish (which is the very small dish in the bottom right of the pic, its the only thing that fits).

Thanks for the very quick help, I really appreciate it.

[RichsBallPythons]

Ok, I'll move her back into the smaller cage, only problem is, its very difficult to have a warm and cool side. So when you say clutter it up, you mean set it up with multiple hides and a water dish (which is the very small dish in the bottom right of the pic, its the only thing that fits).

Thanks for the very quick help, I really appreciate it.

Yes just add as much stuff to the cage as much as possible. you can use small deli cups if needed for water bowl.

10 gallon tanks is very easy to have cool and warm side when using under tank heater. If your using over head heating its harder but manageable.