Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Someone brought in a ball python to the shop I work for and gave it to us. It is a hatchling (still has the ambilical scar) and is so thin that its skin hangs over your finger when you hold it. We set it up with its own private tank in the back and tried feeding it last night. I came in last night and it had bitten the fuzzy we gave it but apparently was too weak to kill and swallow it. So I took the fuzzy out of its mouth and while it was still open gave it a mouse pinky instead. He ate it just fine with a little assistance. He is so weak that he can barely keep his head up. I am sure he is better off now that he has some food in him and a little water. (he drank when I held him up to the water bowl) Any advice other than let him relax and keep him eating?
-----
.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"

Since he ate the pinky, I suggest leaving him alone for a week, then offer another pinky. Make sure temps and all that are perfect. Maybe use a very shadow dish of water to make it easier for him to drink, fill every day if needed. After hes had a few meals, offer food that is pre killed of appropriate size, since he seems willing to take already dead food. IN time he should get his strength up and be able to eat and drink without any assistance.
-----
PHLdyPayne

Wasn't really willing to take dead food. Had to put the pinky in his mouth after he was too weak to kill the fuzzy. It is a good sign that he was willing to eat and even better that I was able to get some food and water in him. I think as long as he doesn't regurge then he will be able to make the slow trip to recovery. If he keeps this down you don't think it wise to feed him every 4-5 days to get his strength up?
-----
.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"

It is probably more dehydrated than thin. He is probably a CH that was never taken care of properly. I would soak him to re-hydrate. Just keep an eye on him if he is as weak as you describe. Keep the water shallow. Post a pic if possible
-----
John Vandegrift

I just got him set up in his cage. I don't want to bother him for a few days just to keep the stress levels down. He had a small drink this morning and honestly looks a little bit better. He is just so weak that I don't know what to do with him. I am hoping that his little meal this morning will get him back on track. BTW I took him home. I knew he was done for if I left him at work (too many animals to deal with) and he needs EXTRA special attention. Funny how giving a snake special attention usually means leaving it alone I don't want to disturb him yet so no photos. But maybe one of my old python will do for now.


-----
.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"

He does not look as bad as I was expecting. Just keep him hydrated very well and I am sure he will come around for you.
-----
John Vandegrift

That was not the snake in question. It is a another of his.. Good luck with the baby and keep us updated.

LOL, I was wondering why that snake did not look sick.
-----
John Vandegrift

He died. He was just too far gone. I got a replacement so my fiance wouldn't feel bad though.
-----
.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"

"Have you ever tried simply turning off the T.V., sitting down with your kids... and hitting them?"