new ball python mommy >>>>please help!!!!<<<<

[elbee]

First of all, a 55 gallon tank is going to be large for a ball python, especially if it is young and more than likely if he does not feel secure, he will not eat. Secondly, if you have only had him for a week, he needs time to settle into his new surroundings. If the tank is all that you have, try cluttering up the area with hides, logs, plants, or even crumpled up newspapers to make him feel secure. You may even cover 3 sides of the tank so that he cannot see out. Secondly, try to get precise temps inside the cage. Heat tape hooked up to a thermostat is the best way to go in my opinion. I keep my warm side at 90 degrees, and cool side around 80. Humidity in a 55 gallon tank will drop quickly, so you may want to cover part of the top on the tank and/or mist when it comes time for him to shed. What substrate are you using? Also, if you have a picture of his setup this can help us give specific advise as well. You've come to the right place and good luck. Patience is key to getting them to eat, so just stay calm and get his setup worked out and then go from there. Also, if you have a picture of the snake itself we can tell more of his weight and condition since you have received him recently from someone.