Probably a simple question

[Shaffer]

Got my ball python the other day from petco. He/She seems to be in good health. Very curious about it's new home. Doesn't like my cats...but neither do i...

From what I've learned from attending different pet stores is that the snakes they sell are all males. I can kind of see this as being true, price wise because the females tend be a lil more $$$. I'm thinking about taking it to a vet just to make sure. Good idea?

Shaffer

0.0.1 Ball python (no name yet, any suggestions?)
0.2 Stupid cats (Schnarph and Biffen)

[xdeus]

That's a great idea! Not just to sex it, but to get it checked over by the vet. If you can, try to bring along a fecal sample so the vet can check for parasites.

I'm not sure where you heard that they only sell males, but I don't believe that's true. I think Petco gets most of their Balls from Africa as captive hatched, and you probably stand a 50/50 chance of getting a male or female.

[Shaffer]

how much longer after they eat do they poop? he ate on thursday, i got him sat morning. i see no dookie yet.

[xdeus]

LOL. Anywhere from a week to a couple of months. Don't sweat it... he'll go when he wants to.

[Mendel's Balls]

That's a great idea! Not just to sex it, but to get it checked over by the vet. If you can, try to bring along a fecal sample so the vet can check for parasites.

How "fresh" does a fecal sample have to be?

[joepythons]

How "fresh" does a fecal sample have to be?

I think its best within a day or two of collecting it.

[joepythons]

how much longer after they eat do they poop? he ate on thursday, i got him sat morning. i see no dookie yet.

I am not making fun of you but it has been years since i heard or read the word DOOKIE

[Mendel's Balls]

I think its best within a day or two of collecting it.

Thanks Joe!

[xdeus]

How "fresh" does a fecal sample have to be?

I've been told that you should get it to the vet within a day, but you can preserve it by keeping it in the fridge for up to a couple days. However, some parasites will be more difficult or impossible to detect depending on the age/temperature of the sample.

[cassandra]

How "fresh" does a fecal sample have to be?

As soon as you find it, put the poo in a ziplock baggie (or a baggie inside another baggie) and throw it in the fridge, then get it to the vet as soon as possible.

If you call ahead, you should just be able to drop it off. =)