Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a ball that looks fine in his cage but when you pick him up he wants to roll from his head to about the middle of his body and has stopped eating any one ever had this happen

That is why they are called BALL pythons...the roll into a ball when they feel scared or threatend by a predator aka you...over time this will wear off if you continue to handle him...looks like you have not had him long so majority of the time if the ball is a baby it will refuse to eat for the first 3 weeks...then it will start eating...sometimes you get luckey and get one that will eat the same day...but majority of the time if you buy it from petco...stupid store...they will not eat...rip off artist...but dont worry till it is like 4 weeks into not eating...or till it dies...just kidding...lol...lmao..im so funny...not...ok hope this lesson helps...how long have u been into herping...kid...just kidding.....

John
ZINGER REPTILES
I GOT BALLS!!!

he is not a baby he is about 3yrs old and he was fine i let someone take him to breed with his female he started it he dont ball up he twist his head like he is hurt but thanks for the info but i know why they are called balls ive had one for 7yrs and he is the best snake ive got out of my 5 snakes

Take him to the vet for a x-ray and a ulltrasound he may have a tracheal tear from a claw or tooth ? just a suggestion

ok...yeah i would take him to the vet if there seems like there is something different with him from normal...if you know ur pet well enough and you notice something different chances there is something...is wrong...if you live in california the BEST vet that treats like 60 reptiles a day is Tom Greek...very good guy... he has opperated on my kingsnakes eye and my savannah monitors hemipenis..

John
ZINGER REPTILES
I GOT BALLS!!!

I had a boa that did the exact same thing. Freaked me out. Didnt know if it was natural or a disease.

Deffinitely take him to a vet. If I recall correctly that odd rolling over is one of the symptons of that boid disease....IBD or something like that. I also suggest double checking with the owner of the female you bred him with is completely healthy. Hopefully you already did that before loning him to stud with her.
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PHLdyPayne