Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have just been reading about diseases in ball pythons and other boids, and was reading about Inclusion Body Disease (IBD). Various articles define 'stargazing' as one of the symptoms of IBD but nowhere does anyone say what they mean by this.

Can anyone tell me what this means? Does it mean the snake lying on its back, or what?

I only got my BP last Sunday and a few times I have noticed him/her raising up her head and upper body at a 45-degree angle and staying very still for minutes at a time. I am probably just being paranoid, but I am now worried this sounds like 'stargazing' - because I can't find a defintion anywhere...

Help much appreciated!

Simon
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1 x normal corn - "Slinky" | 1 x normal ball python - "Humbug"

it is just what it sounds they stare straight up for long periods of time like they are watching the stars. Snakes have weird habits, and if this is the only thing you notice and it isn't bad (from your definition I don't think it is) you are probably just the overprotective parent. But always, just in case, watch for other symptoms. I think your BP is just trying to show you how long he/she can hold herself in one position, or looking for something. Food?
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you're not."

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! ~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~

I am sure you are right, it's just me being overprotective

The snake is definitely not looking straight up, more of a ski ramp type angle! It was just very noticeable this morning before I left the house, and then I saw stuff about stargazing and thought 'omigod' (as you do)

I haven't handled her since she went into her new viv on Sunday, I am trying to restrain myself and leave her alone for a whole week (I say her but I have no idea of sex)

Thanks for the quick feedback

Simon

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1 x normal corn - "Slinky" | 1 x normal ball python - "Humbug"

no problem and good luck with "her"! Hope "she" turns out to be a she for you!
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! ~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~

Not really bothered about its sex (but my girlfriend would love it be a her, most of our pets are!) as long as it does well

Good luck with your new boy - I would imagine he is a similar age and size to my new baby! Cool pics BTW - I will try to post some of Humbug next week...
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1 x normal corn - "Slinky" | 1 x normal ball python - "Humbug"

Yeah females are harder to get than males, and Thanks! He is 2003 I believe in may, he is a buthead! LOL I love hime though!
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"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." - Kurt Cobain

"You laugh at me because I am different; I laugh at you because you are all the same."

~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! ~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~

Simon. Stargazing is, as you rightly state, an indication or symptom of IBD, but it applies to the snake - usually boas, but pythons can and do get infected - holding it's head vertically, and often past 90 degrees. It is very common for ball pythons to hold their heads at a 45 degree angle, but this is a controlled movement. With IBD the movement is NOT a controlled one, a snake with IBD is making an involuntary movement and can not leave it's head in that position for long.Don't worry, we have all read books and thought that we had seen symptoms that were not there!

Don't mistake a normal behaviour for stargazing..... BP's are known to 'fish' for a scent when they are hungry or 'hunting'.... The typical action when 'fishing' is a frozen 'stance' 45 degree body angle with approx >3 inches of the upper torso hanging with head straight... This is more common in PM hours on the nights preceeding feeding.

Thanks for all your comments and re-assurance. It doesn't matter how many books or care sheets you read, or how many BPs belonging to other people you look at and handle - when you get a BP of your own for the first time, you can still see things to worry about
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1 x normal corn - "Slinky" | 1 x normal ball python - "Humbug"