new ball python : malnourished

[angllady2]

Poor little lamb. Take things slow with him, in his condition he will need small meals frequently, rather than larger ones. You heart wants to stuff him and help him gain weight fast, but you should not do that. Feed him a hopper mouse or rat, whatever he will take every 5 days if he'll eat them. Don't fuss at him over the whole mouse/rat debate, just get him eating if you can. Give him a small, warm, clean enclosure with a tight hide and fresh water and let him relax for a day or so. His poor weakened system has already been through a lot, and taking it too far too fast will only make things worse.

try not to disturb him any more than is absolutely necessary, as hard as that is to do, he'll be better for it. Keep his area a little on the dim/dark side and as quiet as you can. If you have access to f/t feeders you can try those, otherwise try live. But remember small live prey, he's too weak to take on a properly sized meal right now, so going small and feeding more often is what he needs to begin to recover. You can worry about prey size in a few months once he's gained some size and strength back. I've dealt with a number of badly malnourished snakes myself, most of them came around given time and care, but I've lost two that were simply too far gone when I got them. So do your best, but keep it in the back of your mind there could be something wrong inside from the neglect that you cannot see.

If he refuses food again, wait at least 2 days before trying again. Forcing food on him over and over and over is only going to stress his already weak body and may cause him to take even longer to get feeding. If he seems to be having a hard time, or is not interested in hopper mice/rats, try to get your hands on a crawler rat. Hoppers get that name for a reason, and may be a little too crazy for him. You won't know until you try. If he seems interested but too weak/slow to hit a hopper, you can always p/k the hopper and then offer it. A hard thump to the back of the head, or a quick cervical dislocation is your best option if that becomes necessary.

Please let us know how he does.

Gale