Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK...so when I read care sheets and things on different herps I read that one thing you look out for is if the animal is "stargazing." I cannot imagine this is good, then, but I can't seem to find anything else out about the phenomena on the net.

The problem is that I've been observing my Ball staring off into space, looking upwards, and he seems completely oblivious to his surroundings (no reaction from what he NORMALLY responds to). This is DEFINATELY new behavior for him, (began with the last feeding, on a friday) and its beginning to worry me. Maybe I'm just freakin' out over nothing, but I've had the guy for 2 years, and sudden, new behavior in a reptile is always something to be wary of, right?

So the question is: what does this mean? I mean, what is it a symptom of (if anything)? And is there anything I can do for him?

Your snake could simply be waiting for his next meal. However, if you want to get more info on star gazing you might want to start looking up IBD in ball pythons.

That's what I was afraid of.

I don't think that he's waiting for his next meal. When he's hungry he cruises the tank. Typically.

It's normal for a ball to occasionally zone out - you should be concerned if he flops over to the side, looses balance or tremble while hes zoning - or if you can't get his attention - usually if you open the lid or something they'll pop back to normal - if he doesn't then you might have something to be concerned about.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

The term 'stargazing'is often used when referring to snakes suffering from IBD (Inclusion Body Disease). if you want to frighten yourself, read the article at http://www.anapsid.org/ibd.html

All pythons and boas will at sometime, stare aimlessly upwards without there being the slightest thing wrong with them. If your BP is otherwise active, healthy and eating, I wouldn't worry.
It is much like the old addage of giving a layman a medical dictionary - before long,he will have symptoms of most of the ailments listed in the book!!

whew. That put me at ease; at least mostly. You're totally right - I'm no vet. My eyes are still peeled - this IS new behavior for my BP, afterall.