Concerned with my BP after assisted feed

[RichsBallPythons]

Ok, done, and you're right, it isn't pretty lol. Since I just fed her last night, how long should I wait to feed her again? And if she doesn't eat at that time should I again assist feed since she has now eaten only twice in 4 months?

Feed her every 3 days till she fills back out. First offer her a pre killed from tongs if no strike then assist feed it to her. Wail till this Saturday to offer food so she can adjust.

[anatess]

Here's an example of a really cluttered up 10 gallon:


There are 2 hides, a big water dish, and lots of fake plants. You don't have to make it pretty but it is better if he has lots of nook and crannies to pass through from hide to hide. Bundled up newspapers and fake plants from the dollar store can be used. In this picture, the big log is heavy and does not move. Part of it goes over the water dish so that even while drinking, the bp has some kind of cover. It is important that anything heavy in the tank cannot topple over the snake when they crawl over/under/around it. They can push things around with amazing strength.

One side of the tank has an Under Tank Heater controlled by a thermostat. This maintains the belly heat under one hide at 90. There is also a low wattage ceramic heat lamp on a timer for this particular set-up that I used to raise the ambient temp to 80.

The entire back of the tank is covered by cork board. You can use any dark paper (magazine covers work). When using paper, tape it to the outside of the tank so that your tape is not inside where it can accidentally get stuck on the snake.

I didn't cover the sides with corkboard because I have plants criss-crossing the sides. Just wrap the magazine covers to the sides as well.

Humidity needs to be between 50 and 60% that's why that water bowl I used was that big so that with the heat lamp, a lot of water evaporate to provide the needed humidity.

This set-up should provide a better environment for your snake to thrive.

If this is too much trouble, I suggest to move your snake to a sterilite bin type of set-up. Your snake can probably fit in a shoe box size. Then you don't need anything much but the UTH with thermostat, paper towels or newspapers, and a water bowl, and maybe one small hide.

Good luck!

[Jeremy78]

Thanks Rich, seriously.

If Rich didn't intervene you would have had a snake covered in duct tape with a belly too big to move and half eaten.

Just one more correction...

Please NEVER leave a mouse in with a stubborn eater (live that is). With how small your snake is a small adult mouse in the hide with your snake would be a tragedy.


Stick with Rich's advice .

[ericzerka24]

I didn't read all the way through this thread cause I'm a little buzzed up right now but I've noticed that with any snake, moving to a different enclosure can cause them not to eat for a bit. Also, you shouldn't hold your snake for a good 24-48hrs after you feed it.

Little balls tend to struggle with f/t. Starting them off with live and then gradually switching them over works best. I would toss a rat pup in and leave it alone for about an hour and if it doesnt take it, try again the next day. I have a mojave that finally after 8 months will take food from my hand. He would only eat in private after being with the prey for some time. Hopefully I didn't repeat anything but I just got home from the bar and my attention span is much shorter than usual

[seeya205]

I would feed a live rat fuzzy or really small rat pup. Don't handle it or disturb it from now until the next feeding which should be in 5 days! Put the rat near the tank in a container with holes for a couple hours to prescent the room well then drop the rat in the tank and watch from a distance where the snake can't see you and leave it in for about a hour(supervised) or until it eats it! If it didn't eat than try again in another 5 days. Keep repeating until it eats. After 3 attempts then assist feed with a fuzzy rat. Good luck and be patient!!!

[anatess]

I found the sterilite bin set-up thread that I had in my favorites...

This is a complete sterilite bin set-up. The ranco thermostat mentioned is a bit expensive. You can go with a Reptitemp 500R or a Hydrofarm MTPRTC Thermostat for under $30 if you're strapped for cash. The Ranco is, of course, the much better option.

[Frost33]

Well bad news. Daisy died last night I was pretty worried about her because of her very lethargic attitude last night and this morning when I got up to check on her, she was gone.

Not sure I'll get another BP when we get another snake.

Thanks a ton for everyone's help, I wish this would have had a happier ending.

[coldbloodaddict]

Sorry she didn’t make it…Unfortunately You waited too long to assist feed and she couldn’t digest the meal.

[dr del]

Aww,

I'm sorry to hear that.

I wouldn't let this put you off the species though - just remember why you chose her in the first place.

If you do decide to try again I would recommend getting one from a private breeder with a great reputation and you shouldn't have these unfortunate experiences happen again.

When your ready ask us and we will help you get everything set up perfectly and then recommend someone to you.


dr del

[Frost33]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. My daughter is pretty upset, she really liked the snake. I liked the BP because they are slow moving, unlike a breed like a corn snake, so I wasn't afraid of it getting away from her.

A person I know, knows of a breeder in Madison, WI (I live close to there) that he has had very good luck with. I'm going to wait a little bit to get another snake I think.

When I do buy, would I be better off getting an order snake? Or should I stick with a baby? Also, if I get s smaller snake, is my small tank, with proper set up ok to house a baby BP?

Thanks again for all the support and advice, this has really been a great community.