Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was given a young ball python in mid-September. He has eaten every week but I am not finding noticeable fecal remains in his cage. Is this normal? If not, what do I need to do?

Just a "head's up" - this is the wrong forum for ball pythons. No big deal, though. It happens.

Anyways, as far as moving their bowels, ball pythons can "hold it" for quite a long time. I've noticed that my boas move their bowels much more often than my ball pythons, even those that are fed the same size of prey and with the same frequency.

If the ball is very young, it's feces will be pretty small. Depending on the type of substrate you are using it might be pretty difficult to find it (if he actually has moved his bowels since you received him).

Generally, they will defecate when they shed. If by the time he/she sheds you still haven't noticed any b.m. in the cage/tub then a warm soak (feel the water with your wrist or use a thermometer to determine the temperature before introducing the snake to the water. Use a temp gun to take the snake's temperature also - the water doesn't need to be "hot" - a difference of 5-10 degrees F above the surface temp of the ball is sufficient).

Make sure he is always has access to fresh water as constipation is generally caused by a lack of hydration.

I really wouldn't worry about impaction. I know a lot of people seem to give it a lot of attention which makes it seem like a much more common problem than it is. Their digestive system is designed to dissolve bones (as long as your temperatures are in the proper range their metabolism should have no problem achieving this task). Cellulose which is what most plant matter is made of, is more difficult for non-herbivores to digest which is one reason various plants and fibers work so well to relieve constipation - the plant fibers pass through the digestive system without being broken down and in the process "push" out the fecal matter that is blocking the way. It also absorbs extra water and will help to loosen up any feces that are too hard.

Essentially, what I'm saying is that IF your snake did happen to swallow some substrate you shouldn't have too much to worry about (as long as the substrate is not sand or pebbles - which I'm sure you aren't doing).

Keep an eye on him. If he begins to look very bloated in the lower 1/3 - 1/2 of his body he is most likely getting close to moving his bowels and a soak could be all it takes to push him over the edge. However, if you notice that he is having difficulty moving around or constricting his prey it would best to bring him into the vet in the off-chance that he does have an impaction.

Of course, if you REALLY want to get him to "go" you could always do what seems to work with surprisingly great results for me - Clean his tub! I swear, it seems like as soon as I'm done changing the bedding, washing the water dishes and hides and washing out the tubs in all of my racks - it seems that 75% of my snakes think this is their cue let go of whatever they've been holding onto! Never fails! LOL
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Stay United!

I'm still not sure if it's weird that my best friend is a two year old boa named Ronin. He's quiet, non-judgemental and listens... what more could you want?