Quote Originally Posted by angllady2 View Post
I know this is hard for you. And not having all the things we in America take for granted only makes it harder.

Right now, you really are stressing yourself out and being way too hard on yourself. You don't want to know how awful a keeper I was when I got started. I shudder to think of it now. I don't know how I didn't kill that poor snake.

One step at a time is the way to go. I know you have already devoted a lot of time and money, and like I was then, you have had it. But, if you make up your mind to see this through, you can be a successful ball python owner.

First thing is the temps. Like it or not, you need a good thermometer to measure them, and a good thermostat to regulate them. Do be aware that what feels warm to you is not a good method to use, because your body temperature is about 98. Even in your hands it is about 95, and that is excessively warm for a ball. Once you get the temperatures stabilized, then you can focus on hides. Depending on the snake, sometimes three or four hides are not a bad idea.

Once the temps and hides are good, then you can move on to feeding. By the time you get the temperatures and hides right, chances are he will be more willing to eat. Can you do live or only f/t ? If live is an option, that might help. The reason you would cover the entire viv is to help him de-stress and relax a little. You can do it for a few days to a week, or longer if he needs it. Just peek in at him once a day and leave him alone unless he needs water.

I sincerely wish you the best, I hope you will give keeping this ball another try.

Gale
For now I am going to transfer him back to his tub and leave him alone for a few weeks. I still need to waterproof varnish his vivarium anyway. It's about 10am here and I am going to the petshop to pick up a live mouse see whether or not he is interested in it or not. The last time I fed him was a live mouse so I am hoping he will eat this one as well. If he does, I'll keep him on live mice.


Thank you guys for the advice and help I really appreciate it. I apologize for the swearing and my bad temper but you can imagine how stressful this all is for me. Snakes are so fragile :/