Baby Ball Python Overheated?!?

[MorphMaster]

I'd really complain to that vendor and get your money back. I know the money isn't the important part. It's sad he had to go. But you can't do business like that to people. When I sell snakes I tell people what works best to feed and keep them. As well as any health issues that may pertain to the animal. This bugs me and I'm gonna be angry about this for awhile!

[TXpythons]

I'd really complain to that vendor and get your money back. I know the money isn't the important part. It's sad he had to go. But you can't do business like that to people. When I sell snakes I tell people what works best to feed and keep them. As well as any health issues that may pertain to the animal. This bugs me and I'm gonna be angry about this for awhile!

I agree that you should talk to the vendor/breeder. I live down in San Marcos, TX and I've driven with my snakes back and forth from several areas in that type of heat with no problem. This seems like he had something going on before the car ride, especially since the other two were fine. How much did this guy weigh?

Also, what did you transport him in? In this weather a tub that is closed without holes can heat up very quickly.

[Jaynelle]

Ok, so this may seem really stupid, but I am just trying to make sure that I am doing the right thing here...

I went to a reptile expo today, and I purchased 3 hatchling Ball Pythons; two females, and one male. To make a long story short, the male was in my car(in which the AC is currently out) for a total of about 15-20 minutes. I had the windows down, and the vents blowing. The temp was definitely cooler than it was stationary outside, but I drove as fast as I could home just in case. The two females were fine, however, when I got into my room with them all, the male was laying his head to the side, and breathing heavily with his tongue slightly poking out. I IMMEDIATELY rushed him over to the tub and began cooling him down with lukewarm water, and as he drank it and began to regain consciousness, I turned the temp down gradually. I was hoping with would successfully lower his temperature without putting him into shock or something similar. This was at about 5pm today, and it is now 930pm my time. He is still alive. He's breathing more normally now, and is responding to touch, but only slightly. I am hoping that because he has made it this long it means he will recover. He drank a LOT of water, and I currently have him soaking lightly in a small water bowl, off center to a heat lamp. I don't want him to get too warm, but he seems to stop breathing as well when he gets cool. I am very worried, as I have never had this happen with any reptile I have owned(I know, hard to believe here in Texas). I am normally very careful, and I really didn't think the quick drive from where I was to my house would get to him so badly. I don't want to lose this guy; he's incredibly sweet and beautifully coloured. I would have taken him straight to the vet, however, I didn't want to risk the heat again, and, being a Sunday, the only vets in town had closed at 5pm. I am going to take him to the vet on Tuesday(I get paid then) if he is not significantly improved by then. Can anyone here please tell me if I am doing anything stupid? I know I screwed up letting him get hot like that, so please don't be rude about it. I am genuinely asking for help, because I don't want to lose my baby!

Also, I'd like to add that the outside temp today was sitting at about 96 degrees Farenheit when I was driving home with him.

Thanks everyone!

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My 7 month old ball python was coming with me to a reptile club meeting. I put her in a steriite container with holes for ventilation, a bowl of water and paper towels, just as I have seen other do. I ran into the store on the way there, and was in there for 20 minutes. When I came out she was dead. I was heartbroken and feel horrible, as I did not think that would do anything. I am glad you were able to save yours.

[KMG]

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My 7 month old ball python was coming with me to a reptile club meeting. I put her in a steriite container with holes for ventilation, a bowl of water and paper towels, just as I have seen other do. I ran into the store on the way there, and was in there for 20 minutes. When I came out she was dead. I was heartbroken and feel horrible, as I did not think that would do anything. I am glad you were able to save yours.

You do realize that people have been arrested for that?

And I doubt the others went in a store for 20 minutes.

[MrLang]

I bring a thermometer in my car every time I transport a cold blooded animal. I am always surprised at how much hotter it is inside my little greenhouse of a vehicle than it is outside.

Sorry for your loss... I wouldn't rule out some other factor at play though.