newbie here...

[jakepatch]

Hi guys and girls, just thought I would intruduce myself. My name is Jake and I just recently purchased a ball python. I purchased it from a pet store that looked really bad, wasn't clean, didn't look like they took care fo their animals at all. I felt bad for every animal in there, but couldn't afford to buy them all. I found this one ball python, who seemed very freindly, very active, and just seemed to take to me right away, so I had to bring it home.
The details(not much); they didn't know the age or sex, told me they fed it pre-killed about once every three months, did not take last feeding, so last time it was fed was Jan. 12th. It is about 4 ft. long, about 1 1/2" diameter in the largest part. I'll try to get a pic posted up soon.

[rabernet]

Wow! They only fed him once every three months? Poor little guy! Please take a look at our caresheet if you haven't already:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

You've definitely come to one of the best sites out there for providing the best home and life possible for your new friend!

[JLC]

Wow... First off, welcome to BP.net! : And kudos for rescuing that poor snake. Sounds like a petshop worthy of avoiding in the future, though! LOL


Based on the size fo the snake, it sounds like an adult, so no telling how old it really is, so far as I know. Maybe some of our more experienced folks will know of other clues to age.

Are you experienced with keeping herps and/or snakes? Or is this your first? If you're new at this, or unsure about ball pythons in particular, please check out our care sheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

I imagine you'll want to plan a trip to the vet as soon as possible to check for any health issues it is likely to have, such as respirtory infections or parasites. Take a fecal sample, if you can. And other than that, just let the poor thing get completely settled into a calm, proper environment.

Even though it hasn't eaten in awhile (I can't believe they would only even attempt to feed every 3 months???)...I would let it get settled in for a good solid week, at least. Once it's had a chance to live at the proper temps and humidity, and feels safe and secure, it will hopefully start pounding rodents for ya!

Anyhow....hard to give advice since you didn't really ask for any. LOL I hope I didn't offend by offering basic advice to an expert or seomthing. Please feel free to ask for help here, if you need it!!

[jakepatch]

Thanks for the replies. I have been reading some info on here and gathering knowledge. I did have one once before a LONG time ago for a short time. I ended up having that one put to sleep for health reasons(the snakes). I recall feeding that one about every two weeks, and remember that one being a LOT bigger.

I'm sure I'll ask more questions as they come up. I am an active member of another forum online, so I'm sure I'll get settled in. Thanks.

[recycling goddess]

welcome!

this is really a great, friendly place to cuddle up and get a comfy chair in. nice place to visit... may wanna live here LOL

and... we need pics!!!

[frankykeno]

Welcome to BPNet Jake and glad you've found your way here. If there's anything we can do as far as directing you to threads on specific issues or answering questions on husbandry, finding a good herp vet, rehabbing ball pythons or whatever comes up please feel free to ask. Our forums such as husbandry, general BP, etc. have a wealth of information there and a great search function but don't hesitate to ask specifics or just keep us appraised as your rehabilitation of this snake proceeds. If your state has laws regarding pet shops you might want to give someone a call if this store was in such an awful state. Good for you for at least trying to give this snake a better chance than that awful store.

[4theSNAKElady]

Yeah, like rec godess said, pull up a comfy chair,beanbag, of wahtever, grab a cup o' tea, and come on in...we welcome you new member!!! Offering food only every three months???:eek: ...that's really harsh....almost like a cruel, drawn out death sentence. How horrible and sad. However, i'm glad he's in your hands now. Sounds like you got your work cut out for you te next month or so. Stuff that guy like a turkey!!!

[recycling goddess]

yup... stuff him up! feeding once a week would be a great start!

were they feeding f/t or live? perhaps start with live and see if his feeding response is better that way... but either way... no handling or bothering it for one week!!! (i give extra exclamation marks on that cause i'm trying to remind myself of the same... just picked up a new snake friday and i soooo want to hold him LOL)

[jakepatch]

They said he has been fed pre-killed large rats, but I do plan to try live first, just not sure what I should try. Should I stick with rats? It's actually much easier to find mice here than rats. Should I jump straight to trying to feed once a week, or should I gradually move up to that? Don't want to overstuff and have problems becuase he's not used to it or something.
Thanks again for all the replies.

[Karma]

Welcome to b-p.net!