Adopting Unknown Ball Python

[AllieKin]

Hello!

I was contacted by someone who wanted me to adopt their ball python, so I am letting everyone know that I am adopting a ball python from a stranger on Saturday. I'll post pics and updates when I receive her. I'm a little nervous. I know that unknown animals can be potentially very sick. I hope she's not.

All I know is that the BP is more than three years old, the owner thinks it's female, and he feeds it 2 live mice every other week. The BP also currently lives in a 20 gallon tank.

The snake will definitely be QT because my other babies are happy, healthy, and mite-free.

Any tips on what I should do upon receiving her other than QT?

Thanks everyone!

[cdoak1017]

Just QT her and look very close to make sure she seems ok maybe a vet visit if you think she needs it and besides what you should already now (letting her settle in, etc.) ohh and post pics and good luck

[AllieKin]

Just QT her and look very close to make sure she seems ok maybe a vet visit if you think she needs it and besides what you should already now (letting her settle in, etc.) ohh and post pics and good luck

Thanks! I will definitely post pics.

[BoiseBallz]

Did they say why they wanted you to adopt it?

[AllieKin]

Did they say why they wanted you to adopt it?

They said they didn't have enough time to take it out and spend time with it anymore.

[BoiseBallz]

Uh, riiiiight... I'm sorry, but that is bs. If one really wants to keep their BP but doesn't have enough time to take it out and spend time with it, then one keeps their BP and doesn't take it out and spend time with it.

The real reason may be innocuous, but they aren't really being honest with you. That sets off alarm bells in my mind. Tread carefully, and hopefully everything works out.

[lorrainesmom]

Three years old and 2 mice every other week? That sounds like you may be taking possession of a very underweight ball python. I really hope that isn't the case, but if it is, at least the snake will be going to a better home.

[AllieKin]

So, I picked her up today, as planned. She is very thin. If she's three years old, she is tiny for her age. She also had very badly stuck shed on her face and both her eyes. Poor thing. She was very lethargic and didn't flick her tongue the whole hour and a half drive home. She came alive a bit more when I soaked her, but even then she didn't move for at least 10 minutes. I don't know how clearly the pictures show the stuck shed, but... It made me sad.





Also... It's not important, but he said he got her from a breeder around here. The only one I know of around here breeds yellowbellies. Anyone see yellowbelly? If not, she's my first ever normal (and I have 8 other BPs)!

[hazzaram]

I don't think it's a yellowbelly. This is my yellowbelly girl. I could be totally wrong though!



Good luck though Nice looking snake.

[EMSPrincess]

This looks like a pastel....but if it's a yellowbelly you've got one nice BP!
OP - looks like a normal to me. Thank you for rescuing her!!

I don't think it's a yellowbelly. This is my yellowbelly girl. I could be totally wrong though!



Good luck though Nice looking snake.