My Ball Python has a Problem

[starmom]

A trip to the vet will more than likely cost far less than the pastel or albino ball you are looking to purchase in our 'classifieds' section of the forum

[STORMS]

sorry to say we might have to put her down if it costs to much money my mom said we will get a new one but choker won't be replaced in my heart

Im sure the vet bill would be cheaper than and Albino or a Pastel. You need to tell your mom to make Choker an appointment at the herp vet ASAP.

There are always other options, putting her down should not be what your thinking about right now. Worst case senario give her to some one that can help her.

[Riokeshen]

umm a humidity gage and she has a trip to the vet tomorrow I hope she stays alive long enofe to go....and I'm keeping the humidity at 60 to 70% and her heat is 80-90 F
and I thought she had parasites and yes I weigh her before eating then weigh her after pooping I weigh her at least 2 maybe 3 times a week every time we feed her or she poops

[STORMS]

umm a humidity gage and she has a trip to the vet tomorrow I hope she stays alive long enofe to go....and I'm keeping the humidity at 60 to 70% and her heat is 80-90 F
and I thought she had parasites and yes I weigh her before eating then weigh her after pooping I weigh her at least 2 maybe 3 times a week every time we feed her or she poops

How often are you offering her food each week? weighing her 2-3 times a week seems a bit excessive. Are you using digital or anolog gauges?

[Riokeshen]

anolog gauges

[starmom]

Analog gauges are notoriously inaccurate! You can inexpensively purchase a digital one called Acurite. These measure both temps and humidity and can be purchased on-line and sometimes at Lowes and Walmart for around $12. I encourage you to check these out.

Also, you'll want to save some of her poo so that the vet can do a fecal float to determine what, if any, parasites are present.

[Riokeshen]

yeah but she hasn't pooped for a while

[starmom]

Understood.
You're still taking her in today, right?

[missi182]

yeah but she hasn't pooped for a while

She likely hasn't pooped because she hasn't eaten. You NEED to look over this link CAREFULLY

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

If your bp does not make it, please do not buy another one before you consider the costs (INCLUDING VET BILLS) of owning one. I realize you are trying to help your bp now which is the right thing to do but if you or your mother cannot afford the requirements of owning one of these snakes, consider giving this bp to someone that can care for it properly.

If you do make it to the vet and discover what is ailing your bp, you MUST put out the money to attain a proper enclosure and husbandry habits.

I wish you all the best of luck, and I do not mean to scare you but it is gravely upsetting to see situations like this that can be prevented with a little bit of education.

Continue to ask questions and we will all try to help you, but just keep in mind that a Ball Python is not like a gold fish, it requires much more attention to detail and persistence on your part.

[missi182]

To help you see where you may have husbandry issues, read over this SUMMARY version of bp care. The link I have provided in my previous post is much more informative and will provide the solutions to any husbandry issues you uncover.

1) To measure your humidity and temperature accurately - Use DIGITAL gauges (stick on gauges are NOT reliable, and a waste of money unfortunately) The most cost friendly device you can purchase is an accurite digital thermometer/hygrometer from wal-mart for $12. The gauge does not have to be this brand, but something with an outdoor/indoor measurement will work because this means the device uses a probe.

2) You need a belly temperature (right on the glass under the hide on one side of the tank) measured by a probe (which comes with something like an accurite) of 90 - 93 degrees. This is where your bp will spend his time digesting and hanging out A LOT. A UTH (under tank heater) costs about $20 at a pet store but MUST have a control.

The safest and most reliable type of control is a thermostat ($70 - $300) but the minimum requirement for a control is something like a lamp dimmer (a rheostat, which is something that must be manually adjusted). Lowes sells piggyback lamp dimmers for about $10.

3) You need a hide on the cooler side of the tank with a belly temperature or ambient temperature in the low 80's. This can be achieved through a heat lamp with the correct wattage bulb, or simply a nice warm room. Keep in mind that the two hides you choose should be the same so your bp feels EQUALLY secure in BOTH hides. Your bp will choose where it feels safest, whether or not it is the correct temperature.

4) HUMIDITY = very important - just as important as temperature. 55-60% humidity is required for proper shedding. For tips on how to achieve this please see the care sheets.

5) A sturdy water dish with fresh water can be put anywhere in the tank, if placed over a UTH (under tank heater) it can help raise the humidity.

6) Substrate can be anything from newspaper or cage liners to aspen. Cedar is TOXIC. Do not use cedar. CYPRESS mulch is good - don't mix it up with cedar.

7) Security - ball pythons are shy. They hide more than 80% of the time so if your snake is hiding a lot, thats a good thing. Cover three sides of your tank with paper/aquarium background - what ever you would like to help your snake feel less exposed. Snug, identical hides are a MUST, one on the cool side one on the hot side.