Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up a snake that was left by its owner in the care of someone that did not know anything about snakes. Stats of the snake are, looks to be adult size but extremely skinny, it has not had any food since may and has not had water in a month, It has old burns that look ok. I soaked him for 40 min and it drank alot of water. I have it set up and it is scouting around. It was eating rats, I have small rats, When do I offer food. Normally I would let a snake settle but I feel it needs to get food in it as soon as possible. I wanted to get water into in, It looks hungry. I personally think it has been way longer than may. Mine went off feed for ten months and never looked like this. I am taking it to the vet monday to get a fecal. Any help would be appreciated.

Keep fresh water in with him all the time ( He needs that more then food right now) Take him to the vet (Good Luck with that HAHA!)
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http://www.jasballpythons.com./

There is no harm in offering food. If he does not take it after a couple minutes take it out so he does not get stressed. If he does take it just leave him alone for a few days.
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John Vandegrift

well I offered a small rat and he ate it in a minute. It is a adult and was 655 grams. I am so glad he ate now I will wait and see how it all goes. I actually have not probed it yet, I just want to get some weight on it and make sure it is going to be ok. It was sad to see the conditions it was in, I actually started to cry as I was taking him out. The persons friend is in jail has been since may, and the guy that he was left with did not like snakes, I asked when the last time he had water and he was not sure, after that I just left with it. Heartbraking what people will do to a living creature.

I would wait a day or 2, just to make sure the snake is hydrated. Then offer something small, like an adult mouse. I wouldn't doubt that the snake will grab it up in a hot second.
I have found that all of my previously starved snakes (from other owners, of course) are my most agressive feeders now. It's those well cared for balls that are brats

offer a small meal, if it takes it thats good, if it doesnt give it time.

all i can say is plenty of food and water, minimum handling

i also think smaler meals more often would be better right now. instead of rats i think you should give it 3-5 mice a week until it looks healthy.
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jake

my addiction:
0.2 normal ball pythons (lazlo and izzy)
0.1 amelenistic corn snake (maizy)
0.1 blizzard corn (blizz)
1.0 albino cal king (zeus)
0.0.1 wc garter (zim)
hybrid breeders association
hybrid haven

All I had last night was a small rat. It did eat and it is drinking alot.