Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new girl (maybe guy) defecated in her cage and I think I have enough of a sample to take to the vet. I'd like to get a fecal done on her. I've also found that if I gently stroke her sides a bit, she'll sometimes let out a heavy breath that I can hear. If she's being particularly active, I can sometimes hear four or five of them over the course of a few minutes. I hope that she's okay. I've redone her cage so that she won't be able to move her thermostat probe as easily. This change will let me maintain temperatures more carefully. I'm getting warm side paper surface temperatures in the low 90's. She likes her cave hide, and when I pulled her out of the hide to clean soiled papers, she felt nice and warm. I've added paper inside her cage to cover more of the glass so that she'll have more privacy.

Between the fecal sample, the heavy breathing, and the nicks on her skin that she had when I got her, I'll be glad to get her to the vet's office tomorrow. I may have to pay for a little medication for her, but I'll feel better knowing that she's either healthy or on her way to being healthy. I'll also know for certain whether she is a she or a he.

I'm open to any advice that anyone has.

Thanks,

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

This picture shows an example of the skin irritations that I'm going to ask the vet to check tomorrow. If these were the only issue, I would wait to see whether the next shed cleared things up. As it is, I can get the fecal done, the breathing checked, a sex check, and the sores at one time. I'll be happier with that stuff done.

I still think she's a beautiful little ball python. The little blush spots between the spots on her back are cute.

Bill

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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.