Let me start by saying I have kept BP's for 2 decades now and still have my first. I have NEVER however had a sick animal and now dont know what to do!!

Well after browsing online the other day I came across an ad for a 2yo normal BP with 55gal tank, stand and all accesories for VERY little money. The people were moving out of state and decided not to take the BP with them. Naturally I think to myself "Hey! Isn't this to good to pass up!" After discussing with the wife as to why we need a 9th Ball Python I make the trip to go pick up my new family member.

After a 45 min drive to the middle of B.F.E and meeting the people at the door, they take me to the living room and see the most hideous conditions I have ever seen. Dried fecal matter smeared all over the enclosure, branches they obviously pulled off the tree next to the 5 beat comaros and trans ams in the yard and a water bowl actually GREEN and SLIMEY on the inside. I will say that at least they did have a UTH and a hide. Though the hide looked like what my baby corn uses. Not a 3ft BP.

Oh. And the substrate they have been using? Cedar shavings! Yep, all in the tank and a big ass bag sitting right next to it as well. All of the sudden I start thinking "This snake is probably going to die. But if it does I'm making its last days as comfortable as possible!" So I plunk down the cash knowing I'm at least getting a 55gal tank for next to nothing and load up the truck and race home. Since it was almost 10pm I decide it's not going to hurt to wait until the morning to start.

6:45am my 8month old decides he's hungry so after diaper change and feeding he takes a nap and I tackle the most disgusting task I have ever done since my son managed to pull his diaper off AFTER a nice big one. I put the snake in a rubbermaid container after giving it a much needed bath and spent the next 5 hours vacuming out cedar shavings, tossing out said slimey water dish, branches (which were freakin pine!) scraping off BP crap with a razor blade, bleach/water solution, virosan, windex on the outside and MORE virosan, I was covered in sweat and God knows what else and ready to get the set-up back together. And holy crap! I can actually see through the glass now! What a novel effin concept!

This whole time I'm thinking "It was dark last night and I really havent inspected this snake totally yet?" But I have OCD so the cleaning took precedence for the moment. Replaced redneck homemade out of 2x4's and chicken wire top with clamp on screen top. Made sure UTH was in good condition and heating properly. Fresh aspen layered in tank (aspen haters the snake room's humidity is perfect), new hides on warm and cold side, new water bowl and some driftwood and plastic vines for asthetic purposes. Damn! This tank looks so good I might move into it!

Time to get the little guy out and see how he likes his new home. He's very calm, good squeeze, looks like he's been fed well, no noticable skin conditions, one retained eyecap which if doesnt come off next shed hey I can take care of that. Wait a minute....whats that weezing sound? And it's HEAVY weezing. You stressed little guy? Let me take a closer look. What are all these bubbles coming out of your mouth and nostrils? You look like you drank dish detergent! Damnit. I knew I was taking a chance.

So, enclosure and snake are now in living room seperated from all the others, heat lamp added to dry things out and hopefully the mucus in his head some and now I wait. I have never had to deal with an RI and sadly the closest herp vet is 200 miles away. My little reptile store closed about 3 months ago and I'm left with petco which I never go to. Now what? I know this is long for a simple "Hey, my snake has a RI and I have no vet so what do I do?" post but I'm drunk. It's my birthday. So give me a present and tell me if there is anyway possible I can treat this myself. Thanks a ton everyone.

George.
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"What are you afraid of? What ever it is, it's here. That and things your little irrational mind couldn't even dream of."

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