Arroyo Ball Python is SUPER BAD SHAPE!! HELP ME SAVE HIM PLEASE </3

[DylanandhisBalls]

Wet pillowcase trick:

• Use a standard pillowcase...cheap is best in this case, lower thread counts are more breathable.
• Turn it inside out. Check seams for holes or unraveling threads and secure as needed with a few stitches. Keep it turned inside out so the snake doesn't get snagged on any loose threads.
• Wet it thoroughly with warm water and wring out.
• Wet and wring out a terri-cloth washcloth or hand towel and drop it inside the case. (This gives the snake something to wrap around, crawl through and rub against.)
• Place snake and case and tie the top securely.
• Place the bundle half on and half off the warm side of the snake's enclosure.
• Leave alone for 1-2 hours.
• Open case and remove shiny, new snake.

This trick has always worked for me. And while the poor thing looks pathetic in the original pictures, I have a feeling it will look like a whole new animal once it gets that old skin off. That, plus a few good meals will set it all right.

Thank you so so much for the detailed instructions. I'll pick some new pillow case for him and try it out this afternoon!

[MrLang]

sarcastic

[angllady2]

Do keep us updated on your new baby. First snake or not, we want you both to succeed. And if we are being honest, I bet more long time owners than not got started with a "rescue" ball. Either from a pet store or an ad online or in the paper. My first two were rescues, and I'm not ashamed of that. Of course, I was way in over my head and was too stubborn to seek help, so I am kind of ashamed I didn't care the kind of care of them I could have. But I learned from my mistakes, and my current collection are all very loved and well cared for. And I still get my fair share of rescues. My last group of rescues came from a Meth house, so believe me I've seen just about everything that can happen to a ball python.

Gale

[DylanandhisBalls]

Do keep us updated on your new baby. First snake or not, we want you both to succeed. And if we are being honest, I bet more long time owners than not got started with a "rescue" ball. Either from a pet store or an ad online or in the paper. My first two were rescues, and I'm not ashamed of that. Of course, I was way in over my head and was too stubborn to seek help, so I am kind of ashamed I didn't care the kind of care of them I could have. But I learned from my mistakes, and my current collection are all very loved and well cared for. And I still get my fair share of rescues. My last group of rescues came from a Meth house, so believe me I've seen just about everything that can happen to a ball python.

Gale

That was really well said Gale, thank you so much for the support. I definitely will keep you guys updated on how is doing. I wish there was some way that i could pay you guys back with haha

Right now, i just put him in the pillow case. He's so inactive, he barely moves at all in a day. he literally feels like he has no meat on him. I could feel all of his bones. He barely even moved when i put him in the case. I really hope he gets better.

[DylanandhisBalls]

UPDATE ON BALL PYTHON!!

So i gave him an hour inside of the damp pillow case with a damp towel inside. He didn't really move much so it didn't really help him shed. After the hour was up i took him out, then use the damp towel that was inside and gently wiped the stuck shed (from the head towards the tail direction) about 2/3 of it came of which was good. But there still little pieces around his head area and neck area. I thought he would be too stressed out so i just let him back into his cage to cool off and maybe give him another round tomorrow in the pillow case to see how he does.

Here are some pictures after:

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Yeah so this is how he looks like, I'll feed him tomorrow. Also, anyone knows how i can better help him with removing shed from his face and his eye caps?
Lastly, he doesn't seem to want to drink water at all so i dont know what to do about that

p/s Yes i have bad skin, stupid eczema

Thanks again for the help!

Dylan.

[OsirisRa32]

its rare that you will see them drink water...just make sure you give him clean water every day...they are most active while we seem to be sleeping so more likely than not that is when he is drinking water...also realize they get the majority of their dietary water content from prey animals.

[ViperSRT3g]

I don't recommend doing this right now, or anytime soon because that poor snake is probably stressed out. But you can help take stuck shed from those areas using tweezers. You'd have to be really careful though. Considering his condition, it's best to just leave him alone until the next time he's going to shed. Until then, just ensure the ambient humidity is stable so that he can shed properly.

[DylanandhisBalls]

Oh another thing i just thought of,
Since i cant go get him a new hide till the weekend and he is staying in his half log for now (i know its not recommended cause its too big for him) but would he feel more secure if i close up one end so he might feel a little more secure?

Thanks!
Dylan

- - - Updated - - -

Oh another thing i just thought of,
Since i cant go get him a new hide till the weekend and he is staying in his half log for now (i know its not recommended cause its too big for him) but would he feel more secure if i close up one end so he might feel a little more secure?

Thanks!
Dylan

[Darkbird]

I would agree that the remaining stuck shed is not a huge issue right now. Keep its temps and humidity up and get it feeding and anything left will come off with the next regular shed. No need to stress it more right now.

[ViperSRT3g]

The half logs aren't recommended not on their size, but because of their openness. Covering up one side will do wonders in making them feel more secure. You can even put plants or substrate around the entrance to make it feel even more enclosed.