Very weak ball python

[Commandokev]

I didnt even catch the all in one tank problem......

That was the first thing I noticed. Talk about fighting for space/heat! I'm sure that snake is pretty stressed.

[weak ball python]

thank you for the suggestions.

i took him this morning to the exotic vet. he was still very weak when i dropped him off and the vet called 10 minutes later saying he had died before they could finish the exam. I am having a necropsy done to see what caused the problem and if there is any chance the others may have a similar problem. for now the 2 others appear in perfect health with active movement, excellent feeding drive, and nothing to indicate illness. i should have necropsy results some time next week. the tank sits in my computer room that runs 80f ambient and the heat lamp gives a 90f basking spot. they have a large hide half under the heat lamp half not where they spend most of the time although they will lay around the water dish on the cooler side or bask on top of the hide. im not sure of the humidity, but its high enough that the dont have shedding issues.

i will update the thread when i get the necropsy results or something changes with the remaining snakes.

[Galaxygirl]

I'm assuming he has been over-bred, in there with two females.. :l

[weak ball python]

They shared the tank for 10 years and I only ever saw him breed once. There were never any eggs.

[bcr229]

You don't always see them "doing it".

I put my male Brazilian Rainbow in with the female earlier this year (on purpose) in the late winter and early spring. I never did catch a lock... but she presented me with a litter of 25 worms last June.

[200xth]

thank you for the suggestions.

i took him this morning to the exotic vet. he was still very weak when i dropped him off and the vet called 10 minutes later saying he had died before they could finish the exam. I am having a necropsy done to see what caused the problem and if there is any chance the others may have a similar problem. for now the 2 others appear in perfect health with active movement, excellent feeding drive, and nothing to indicate illness. i should have necropsy results some time next week. the tank sits in my computer room that runs 80f ambient and the heat lamp gives a 90f basking spot. they have a large hide half under the heat lamp half not where they spend most of the time although they will lay around the water dish on the cooler side or bask on top of the hide. im not sure of the humidity, but its high enough that the dont have shedding issues.

i will update the thread when i get the necropsy results or something changes with the remaining snakes.

Good for you getting a necro done and finding out for sure one way or another what happened to him.

[Ballpythoncrazy]

I hope you separated the two females that are/were living in the tank with the male. Ball pythons are solitary creatures and do not want company. Some of your excuses might include "they look fine", "they've been together for years and get along" or "I don't have the room/supplies to separate them". They may look fine but at the least, being together is stressing them both out. If you do not have the room or supplies for both to live separately then you need to do what's best for them and give one away to a home that will take proper care if it.

Sorry if I'm coming off as rude but I absolutely hate when people are not taking proper care of their animals and don't take the time to do the research and see that ball pythons should not live together. It's basically a form if animal abuse/ neglect


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stargazer735]

... Sorry if I'm coming off as rude but...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup, you are.

The author posted on this forum because he was concerned and was seeking advice, which was the appropriate thing to do. Employees at PetSmart, Petco, etc. often don't know what they're talking about, so it's nice to have a place like this to find some real answers.

The loss of the animal was hard enough. I doubt the mistakes will be made again, so play nice. Judgments aren't going to make him feel any better and they certainly aren't going to generate any sort of positive reaction.


Commandokev, I'm sorry for the loss. Take the responses here with a grain of salt, but do try your best to learn from them. Remember that if you feel/notice anything odd, even if it's probably nothing, it's a good idea to give the vet a call first, then post here.

Best of luck with your two females. Keep them safe and healthy.

[Eric Alan]

Commandokev, I'm sorry for the loss.

​Pssst... this wasn't the OP...

[Stargazer735]

​Pssst... this wasn't the OP...

Ahem, like I said...

weak ball python, I'm sorry for the loss. Go change your screen name to something a bit more uplifting.