Hatchling care

[EddieMac]

I was sold a hatchling banana ball python at a reptile show in White Plains on September 11th of this year. I was told it was due to shed but to date it hasn't wanted to eat or shed. I've done all I could do for the animal. Kept it moist, upped humidity, shoebox. All to no avail. I've had to force feed it on 3 occasions and its gained and lost weight in the month that I've had it. All my other Bp's have grown well except for this one banana. He is still hasn't had its first shed as his shiny coat is still on him. Any advise you can give me? I've reached out to the seller from the show and he's offered to exchange it. I'd hate to 'give up' on him but don't know what else I could do. What will the breeder do that I haven't tried yet. Currently at 76 grams but got him at 73 grams at purchase. He's in a hatchling rack with a herpstat thermostat running. Any help/advise would be appreciated.

Eddie


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[PitOnTheProwl]

Explain "force feeing"?
This is a last resort and shouldn't be done to an animal that has fed on its own, huge stress and possibly deadly action.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I would exchange it, buying a snake that never shed or eat is a big mistake, because you do not know whether the animal will eat or not, some just fail to thrive even in the hands of the most experience keepers.

I do think you have jump the gun a little in assisting already especially 3 times.

At 73 grams upon purchase and knowing it just hatched I would not have done anything just yet, when I have trouble hatchling I usually offer 6 to 8 times before resorting to force or assist depending on the weight and based on his weight you jumped the gun and assisted too many times already and too soon considering the hatchling is about a month old.

Now if you want to keep him there is a 101 for hatchlings in the advance husbandry section.

[EddieMac]

It's still moving around a lot. It's not sickly but the not eating troubles me. I've force fed it pinky mice over 3 week period. It's a very curious snake so I've grown attached to it. In the end I'll probably exchange it but didn't know if it's not eating meant it was sick. The exchange is for next Sunday.


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[Albert Clark]

It's still moving around a lot. It's not sickly but the not eating troubles me. I've force fed it pinky mice over 3 week period. It's a very curious snake so I've grown attached to it. In the end I'll probably exchange it but didn't know if it's not eating meant it was sick. The exchange is for next Sunday.


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Inappetance in hatchlings is usually attributed to husbandry, in the form of lack of security. They really need very tight hides and clutter in a 6 qt. tub mostly. Also about a week to 10 days of no handling seems to really work, or no handling until they have taken 3 or 4 meals on a regular schedule is even better. Good luck next Sunday.

[EddieMac]

Hey guys just wanted to update you on the bananas progress. I followed the recommendation of the breeder and put it inside a paper lunch bag and a fuzzy inside....low and behold it worked. It ate I was so relieved. Now next step is wait on its shed.


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