Help

[dreamer34]

hey everyone...i just joined today because my wife rescued a 2 year old ball python from a person who had mistreated "kept in dirty tank,never fed,burned on bottom"it and being new to snakes i need any information on getting to feed it and taking care of it in general...thanks alot

[Regal Boids]

Read this first http://ball-pythons.net/modules.php?...warticle&id=52 Also make sure you get it to the vet ASAP if i has burns on it.

[dreamer34]

took it to the vet...burns were not serious thankfully but with this being my first try with a snake i just want to make sure i do everything right

[tigerlily]

Definitely look over the caresheet. Basically you want a digital thermometer with temps reading. 82-84 cool side and 92-94 hot side. Two hides that are identical and nice and small. You want it to be crammed in there. I'd also advise letting it settle in for at least a week or two, maybe more considering it's history. Lots of open space is not good for a bp. It stresses them out. I wouldn't even worry about feeding it for a week. Let it settle in, then offer it whatever was previously fed. (preferably a rodent that is no bigger than the widest part - start small especially if it hasn't eat in awhile) If you have any other specific questions ask away!!

Oh and

[Karma]

Welcome!! Makes me so happy to read when people rescue snakeys!

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet and good for you for rescuing that poor snake and getting it to a vet right off the bat.

Just get it setup as per our caresheet (pls ask if you need any advice with that) and let it settle in quietly with no contact other than changing it's water and checking for feces/urates or applying any meds the vet has prescribed. Handling will come in time and that poor snake must be stressed very badly right now. Try to put his/her enclosure in a very quiet, low traffic part of your house. Wash well before and after handling the snake (especially if applying meds to that sore belly). When we did a burnt belly rescue we put him on the softest, whitest paper towels we could find until he was fully healed. Just give the snake lots of peace and quiet and in a week or so once his belly is much improved then perhaps offer a small meal to start him off slowly. Is he/she underweight or otherwise in ill health other than the belly issues?