Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, so my ball python had not eaten for a while, and then I had to evacuate Ocean City NJ (where i live) due to the storm. I got back, and he is half in his shelter, half out. It is very cold, maybe 55-60, and he isn't moving. i cant tell if he's breathing or not, if it is its miniscule. He BARELY moved when i slid the screen open, BARELY moved when his UVA light flickered on. He has a heat pad on him now, a ceramic bulb heating him, and another ceramic heater on the side. He had water the whole time I was gone. He is cold to the touch, but I haven't picked him up. Just please help, i need to hear your thoughts and what i should do. cold shock syndrome? his eyes are milky blue like he needs to shed. help please.

Take the heat pad off of him, you're more likely to burn him than save him. Warm him up slowly, like over the course of 4-5 hours.

I didn't mean it was directly on him, it is under his tank haha. He's starting to move verrrry slowly. Its still scary though. I hate to see him like this

How big is he? Put him in a snake bag with some paper towels and keeping rubbing the bag. It will help to warm his whole body versus just the belly. You can also put him in your car and run the heater for a bit as well. But like Dale said, do it slowly over time. To much heat at once can burn him.

He's better. A hefty rat is all he needs, and he'll be good to go. He's sitting on top of his hide box now gettin warm. His eyes cleared up too. I was just panicking before, i never really had any problems with him until this, and he's only 8. thanks guys

I wouldn't feed him just yet....he was cold...really cold....his system is not ready to eat...especially a "BIG " old rat.....

let him warm for a week....then give him a fat little small rat.......then wait a few days / week and feed him again if he is ok.....he may be sick inside....you cannot see what is wrong with him.....

.....keep him at like 85?.....he might be fine....he might have respiratory problems waiting to happen.....

so cold his eyes were blue....not good.....

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........JY

I agree, I'd wait on feeding him too.

Wait a few days before trying to feed him. And watch for signs of Upper Respitatory Infection
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Sed et serpens erat callidior cunctis animantibus terrae quae fecerat Dominus Deus...