Change in behavior has me concerned

[theJuju]

Well, I was gonna take pics to show how skinny she was, but she's fattened up since I looked at her before feeding yesterday afternoon. She's had 2 fuzzies in her since then, and offered a third tonight, which she snatched in less than a second. She's still in a coiled "S" position, poking out from her rock, though, waiting for still more. Any movement gets her instant attention. I was hoping she'd appear more full after a third fuzzy.

[Skittles1101]

These are fuzzy mice, she's not full, and most likely still hungry...

[AK907]

These are fuzzy mice, she's not full, and most likely still hungry...

Yup.

[theJuju]

Here is a photo of her I just took. She was pretty pissed I removed her hide rock for a photo. She's significantly bigger since the 2 fuzzies yesterday and 1 an hour ago.


And then a fuzzy. Arctic Mice brand.


EDIT: Her eating a fuzzy yesterday, for more size comparison.

[Skittles1101]

Get that girl a rat fuzzie asap, she is so skinny! Mice fuzzies will not do it. Does she have stuck shed too?

[Homegrownscales]

I doubt she's significantly bigger. She does look like she needs a little tlc. Definately has had some shedding issues. But she looks like she could go for a small adult mouse no problem. Unless I'm just miss sizing her by the pic.


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[AK907]

Yeah, she is in rough shape! Skinny, dehydrated and a stuck shed. She needs RAT fuzzies and to be put on a proper feeding schedule.

You should also read this link below!
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hed-No-problem.

[theJuju]

I don't think PetsMart here sells rats. I initially fed her 2 pinkies after her 1.5 month feeding hiatus, came here and found out they were too small, so got fuzzies. The next size up is small mice, Arctice Mice brand. Then medium, then large. The small mice looked way too big when I opened the box up to look at them. But there are no rats at PetsMart, and IDK where to get them.

Could I feed her one or two more fuzzies? I have 3 left and don't want them to go to waste.

And ya, I was an ignorant new owner until I found this site. I didn't even know she had went into shed until she came out from hiding and was only half shed. I've regulated humidity and temp since then, but may need to try the tub soak that's a sticky in the husbandry forum (I think) once she digests food. I'm trying to get educated, though.

Edit: How can you tell is she dehydrated? I always make sure she has plenty of fresh water and have watched her drink many times, cause I think it's neat to see.

[AK907]

Dehydrated balls often look/feel wrinkly, but its hard to tell with a dark pic, especially when they have a bad shed and skinny. But that is my guess from what I can tell.

Definitely use up the fuzzies, it won't hurt her. And judging by her size, she shouldn't have any problem with small adult mice if you can't find rats. I'd give her a few days to digest, though. Set up a 5 day feeding schedule. I would call local mom & pop pet shops for feeders. Most of them carry rats and feeders at such places are usually a LOT cheaper. To give you an idea, I have never paid more than $0.25 a piece for fuzzies the size you got. I bet you paid more than $10 for a box of 6 of them, huh? PetSmart is a rip off.

[xFenrir]

I don't think PetsMart here sells rats. I initially fed her 2 pinkies after her 1.5 month feeding hiatus, came here and found out they were too small, so got fuzzies. The next size up is small mice, Arctice Mice brand. Then medium, then large. The small mice looked way too big when I opened the box up to look at them. But there are no rats at PetsMart, and IDK where to get them.

Could I feed her one or two more fuzzies? I have 3 left and don't want them to go to waste.

And ya, I was an ignorant new owner until I found this site. I didn't even know she had went into shed until she came out from hiding and was only half shed. I've regulated humidity and temp since then, but may need to try the tub soak that's a sticky in the husbandry forum (I think) once she digests food. I'm trying to get educated, though.

Edit: How can you tell is she dehydrated? I always make sure she has plenty of fresh water and have watched her drink many times, cause I think it's neat to see.

Someone feel free to correct me but I'm 99% sure he's referring to the way her skin is wrinkly. She can be drinking tons of water, but like the skinny issue, it'll be a slower fix, with time and TLC (and proper care) she will get better.

The best and cheapest way I've found to buy prey is to find a reptile expo or convention near you. It's almost a positively sure bet that at least one or two people will be selling every type of prey item. It's a great option if you can't order them online, and you buy in bulk so you won't have to keep spending $5 for ONE prey item every week. If you can order online, http://www.rodentpro.com is a great website to order from.

Keep feeding her the fuzzies, something is better than nothing right now. Just make efforts to get some appropriate size rat feeders for your little girl and get her on a 5 day feeding schedule, it'll help her put the weight she needs back on and fill her up more. And keep asking questions, reading the forums and checking caresheets on this website, it's an excellent place to get educated! Lots of helpful people.