i'm not flaming but i think all pets should see a vet once in a while. i dont have but 4 snakes and all of mine go to the vet once a month for regular check ups and every other month fecal exams done. i love my animals =) lol not saying others dont care for all of their reptiles or anything and i know some people either cant afford to take them to vets all of the time or vets are a good ways from them. i know they are many reasons why alot of people cant but i do because i have a very decent vet and i only get chaged $48.00 a month for my check ups on all 4 and 52.50 for the 4 fecal exams every other month. long story short if you are going to keep it and its a pet you care for even if a drive is long just to ease your mind and and in the welfare of the snakes well being you should try very hard to take it to the vet just to make sure it does not have any parasites or any other problems that could keep the snake under weight or from being healthy.