What is 'stargazing'?

[kurgan]

I've recently (yesterday) got my first BP, Monty (imaginative I know):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29542045@N00/30081797/
and he seems to be doing fine, he's settling in and I will try his first feed next weekend.
Reading around BPs and especially about warning signs I keep coming across the term 'star gazing', my copy of The BP Manual doesn't englighten me as to what this is but I wonder if anyone else could, so I can recognise it if I need to.
I'm sure this won't be my last question

[daniel1983]

'Star gazing' is when a ball python will appear to be looking upward for an extended amount of time without moving. It is usually related to a neurological problem.

[kurgan]

'Star gazing' is when a ball python will appear to be looking upward for an extended amount of time without moving. It is usually related to a neurological problem.

Thanks for the speedy reply!
Do you mean the snake lifts it's head up and tilts it in the air for a long time? I don't think I would know where he is looking if he kept his head flat.

[daniel1983]

The bp will lift its head up into the air.....like it would be 'looking at the stars'

I have never seen this personally (thank god), but that is how it was explained to me when I asked the same question you did

[rex322]

star gazing is exactly what daniel said it is. its basically when they are staring straight up. if you see it, youll know it. its a common symptom for IBD (inclusionary body disease). although, if you do catch your snake doing this, dont worry right away, because snakes do do it sometimes, i have caught my female boa doing it for no reason a few times. if you catch your snake doing this, and it concerns you, then you can flip it on its back and it should right itself immediatly.

[frankykeno]

Welcome to the forum Kurgan. It's a great place to ask your questions or brag on your new baby's accomplishments (we all get silly over first sheds, worry over them if they don't poop, etc).


~~Joanna~~