Need advice on a ball python rescue

[redshepherd]

Ball pythons are really not that hard if the OP has done the research. The main issues that newbies miss are not knowing what a thermostat is (thermostats are required to regulate the heat pad/heat source) and hides that aren't small enough. Keeping humidity up in a tub setup makes things much easier too (add some sphagnum moss in the hides if needed and spray it down a little)

The OP already knows to start with a tub setup, has the caresheet and setup guide, and is on this forum asking for advice, and I'm sure is prepared for the worst going into a malnourished adult rescue anyway. It's their choice and it'll more than likely be okay!

[redshepherd]

I went ahead and picked him up this morning and got him settled in here. Things aren't nearly as bad as I was afraid they'd be. When I was setting his enclosure up he showed no signs of aggression or stress to being handled, and actually chilled on my shoulders while I worked. He is basically skin and bones though, I wish I'd weighed him while I had him out, but I didn't want to do anymore than I had to. I called my reptile buddy to come over and take a look while I was getting him set up. As per his advice he's been being fed food that was way too small for him not often enough. He came with a half empty pack of frozen medium mice from Petco. He recommended jumping to 'large mice' and feeding a pack of those, and then jumping to small rats after that. Since he didn't seem stressed about the move I went ahead an thawed one of the mice he came with and offered it to him. He took it immediately and downed it quickly.

The only thing that's worried me so far, is his lack of 'constrictor-ness', which could be normal for a malnourished animal? When he was hanging out on my shoulders he didn't really grip on much, and when he grabbed the mouse he didn't constrict it at all. He just grabbed and began the munching process. Maybe he'll get more lively with a regular feeding schedule.

Sorry I didn't get pictures, after he's had more time to settle and digest I'll see what I can do! Hopefully get a weight too!

Large mice to small rats is actually a really big jump. You'd rather go from large mice to weaned rats, if what your friend told you about prey size is correct.

That's not abnormal, some captive snakes do just start swallowing and don't bother trying to kill the dead thing. LOL

[Kenye]

Just a quick update for anyone following. I've been handling him for about 15 minutes everyday since I've had him. He seems to start looking for places to go after that, so I figure that's his way of saying I've had enough. He's still shown no signs of aggression and is quite a sweetheart, he's actually coiled around my neck as a type this. I got a weight on him this morning, he only weighs 341 grams. I'm finding it really hard to believe he's as old as I was told, he's just so small. Maybe chronic malnourishment can stunt growth that severely? I'm just finding it hard to believe he's at least 3 years old, but the person I got him from could just he fibbing to get rid of him.

[alittleFREE]

I mean, they don’t grow if they don’t eat. So while crazy, if he’s a male and he’s skinny and has an empty stomach.... I don’t think it’s impossible he’s three years old. That does seem pretty dang small, but again, I wouldn’t say impossible.




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[JodanOrNoDan]

Just a quick update for anyone following. I've been handling him for about 15 minutes everyday since I've had him. He seems to start looking for places to go after that, so I figure that's his way of saying I've had enough. He's still shown no signs of aggression and is quite a sweetheart, he's actually coiled around my neck as a type this. I got a weight on him this morning, he only weighs 341 grams. I'm finding it really hard to believe he's as old as I was told, he's just so small. Maybe chronic malnourishment can stunt growth that severely? I'm just finding it hard to believe he's at least 3 years old, but the person I got him from could just he fibbing to get rid of him.

It's not good but it is possible for him to be that small. That said the good news is they do not "stunt". Once he starts eating normally he is going to grow fast to catch up then taper off to a normal growth rate.

[redshepherd]

Just a quick update for anyone following. I've been handling him for about 15 minutes everyday since I've had him. He seems to start looking for places to go after that, so I figure that's his way of saying I've had enough. He's still shown no signs of aggression and is quite a sweetheart, he's actually coiled around my neck as a type this. I got a weight on him this morning, he only weighs 341 grams. I'm finding it really hard to believe he's as old as I was told, he's just so small. Maybe chronic malnourishment can stunt growth that severely? I'm just finding it hard to believe he's at least 3 years old, but the person I got him from could just he fibbing to get rid of him.

Remember to avoid handling for 2 days after he has a meal, and over-handling also causes them stress (which you will know if he starts refusing his meals).