Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey guys, i just recently rescued a 3.5 ft ball python from a out of town tattoo shop, and im having issues, just not sure if theyre stress related or my own doing. He/she is in a 50 gallon tank with a 75 wt infared bulb on almost 24/7 to keep temps up at 24-27 with a basking spot underneath at about 30. Ive had him/her for just over two weeks and he/she wont take to a small frozen rat. Hasnt left the exo terra hiding spot, there was no lining in the cage, so i got some ecocarpet too. His eyes have clouded over, so ive been misting 3-4 times a day to increase humidity, and that was 3 days ago with no shed.

Any suggestions on how to make sure this little guy is happy would be greatly appreciated.

First off...
give it time to adjust to a new environment. At least a week.
Hiding is what ball pythons do best.

Second: shed can last about a week. Don't worry. Eyes will blue over, then clear up, THEN it will shed.

third: Get an under tank heating element. (Heat pad) Ball pythons are nocturnal...so they are not much for basking in the light.

Fourth: If after the adjustment period and shedding, it will still not take a frozen/thawed meal...try live.

Good luck.
-----
"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)

www.youtube.com/reptilenexus

Will a python eat normally during a shed? And if so, can you suggest a feeding method? Thanks for the advice

MOST snakes will not eat while in shed.
-----
"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)

www.youtube.com/reptilenexus