Sick ball python question

[zina10]

I agree, tube feeding is not something I would attempt just yet.

Stress is poison to a immune system, and his has taken a beating as is. What he needs most is 1. the correct meds and treatment 2. PRIVACY and as low stress as possible.

Of course you have to do treatment and maintenance, but that should be the only stress he has at this point. Tube and force feeding adds a lot of stress to a snake. Ball Pythons are literally perfected for the lifestyle of eating lots when there is plenty (in the wild) and then fasting and living off of what they have eaten for months, during the time when food is scarce or non existent. (by season) This is completely normal to them.

Of course things change when you factor in a sick animal, a starved one, or a hatchling that has never eaten.

But your boy has eaten, is still at a good weight, and it shouldn't hurt him to fast some more. Right now you have to concentrate on getting rid of the URI and secondary infections/bacteria.

Make sure husbandry is spot on, and give a ton of privacy. If you haven't done so already, I would black out the sides and back of the tank. You can use black construction paper (on the outside). You can even put a thin sheet of insulation such as styrofoam around the sides and back of tank, it will help hold the heat in. I would also cover most of the top, leaving it open around the light of course, and for enough air flow.

You want him to feel as safe as possible in between treatments.

Good luck, sounds like you are on the right path now!