Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We recently acquired an 02 Male Ball Python from a highly reputable breeder.
He weighs anout 400 g, and looks well proportioned and healthy. We keep him in a freedom breeder that has a hot side of about 94 and ambient of about 80.
The problem is we have had him about 3 weeks and he has eaten, although he seems alert and will look at food, maybe even strike at it. The other peculiar thing is that he spends 90% of his time in the water bowl.
Anyone have an idea of what is going on? We are fairly new at this. Thanks

TYPO - he HAS NOT eaten.
Sorry

Ball pythons are quite shy and can take awhile to settle in and start feeding again in a new environment. I ususally recommend against handling new ball pythons until they have begun feeding in their new home. Three weeks is not yet anything to worry about. The constant soaking is the worrisome part. It is often the red flag for a mite infestation, a problem that even highly reputable breeders can have. I'm assuming that you have other suitable hiding spots in the enclosure. Occasionally snakes will attempt to "hide" in their water dish if no other option is available. They will also sometimes soak before an upcoming shed but usually only for a couple days. If this has been going on for most of the three weeks I strongly suspect mites. You can check for mites by looking for drowned ones in the bottom of the water dish or around the eyes and heat pits (upper lip area) of your snake. They appear like small poppy seeds. You can tell the difference between a mite and dirt debris by crunching it between your thumb nails. Mites will detectably "crunch" and a brownish/red fluid will be inside. There are a number of treatment options.

T.B

>>We recently acquired an 02 Male Ball Python from a highly reputable breeder.
>>He weighs anout 400 g, and looks well proportioned and healthy. We keep him in a freedom breeder that has a hot side of about 94 and ambient of about 80.
>>The problem is we have had him about 3 weeks and he has eaten, although he seems alert and will look at food, maybe even strike at it. The other peculiar thing is that he spends 90% of his time in the water bowl.
>>Anyone have an idea of what is going on? We are fairly new at this. Thanks

I would definately check for mites first...if no mites then I would lower the temps in its tank...it might be hotter than 94degrees if your thermometer is not accurate. Too hot = lots of soaking to cool off... Also, ball pythons are ambush predators, meaning they like to hide and wait for an unsuspecting prey to come along for them to attack. This means it is vital to have a dark/black hide box for the snake to hide in. Put the hide box on the cooler end of your tank...if its too cool for him then he'll go to the other end of the tank on its on. I have never had a problem feeding any (healthy) ball python by dangling a frozen/thawed mouse (thawed in warm water) in front of its hide box. Most will burst out and constrict...I suggest using feeding tongs, otherwise you may get bite. Also, leave the mouse in with him over nite ... he may prefer to eat it later. NEVER leave a live mouse in with any snake though... just trust me on that one! GOOD LUCK