Need your help/advice

[L.West]

Hi Everyone, I have had my female ball "Bella" for about 3 months now and everything is going along fine.

I've read on this forum about having fecal checks done periodically so I decided to call a local reptile vet to inquire about this. They said they will do a fecal but if it turns out that she does have parasites that she would need to be seen in order to prescribe meds (which I totally understand) but they seemed very insistant on me bringing her in now for a full checkup - I hate to do this for several reasons (1) it will stress her out. (2) the cost. (3) it is cold here and I fear her getting sick just from taking her out.

What do you all think - should I simply persue the fecal check and go from there if some parasites show up - then I could schedule a full checkup visit if needed, this makes more sense to me.

As a side note, Bella is eating great and is doing fine - no problems to speak of at this time.

Any advice is appreciated.

[JayBP]

I think you should just take in the fecal sample and if she needs medication, then you can take her in.

[L.West]

That does sound like the more logical place to start. Why disrupt her and stress her out when nothing may be medically necessary.

I will take her next pooper into the vet for fecal and go from there.

As a side note, how do you all transport your snakes in the winter months??

[ohyeahnow]

I would put the snake in a pillow case and tie the ends. Carry the bag under your coat, to a pre-heated car. If you are really concerned you could take an accurite thermometer and make sure the car is warm enough where you place the snake. I know heat packs are used in shipping, but I personally do not know much about them or how hot they get.

[giaach]

That does sound like the more logical place to start. Why disrupt her and stress her out when nothing may be medically necessary.

I will take her next pooper into the vet for fecal and go from there.

As a side note, how do you all transport your snakes in the winter months??

I have a small sterilite container lined with paper towels that I use to transport my snake. I put holes in the top and sides for airflow and it works great. If you have never gone to the vet there gonna want to see the snake, not just take the poop and let you go on your way. At least thats how it was for me in the beginning. Once you get to know your vet then things will be a lot easier. If the journey is just across town don't worry too much about the temp, she will be fine. Ball pythons are pretty resilient when it comes to cold temps for short amounts of time. Ask Ralph Davis ha!

[Spaniard]

I would just get the fecal float done. Unless your snake is showing any visible signs of illness all they're going to do at the vet is take a weight, maybe probe and send you on your merry way. Unless you were worried about a possible RI, I wouldn't see the point to taking the snake in.

[L.West]

Thanks everyone for your input. I plan to take her next poop in for a fecal check and go from there.

I have to drive about 30 minutes to the vet so I might get a heat pack and wrap that it a towel to keep her warm if I ever need to take her in.

I'll pray for a parasite free fecal check!!