Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm still doing research for my first ball python and I was wondering. When a hatchling, bp should be fed every 5-7 days. Some of the websites I have seen say to not feed durring a shed cycle. Does this mean it's okay for them to go longer than the outlined 5-7 day feedings? Or do you still offer food anyway? I feel kind of odd posting since I don't actually have a bp soon, but I'm trying to be an informed owner. Also, I was in my local pet shop the other day and there was a small bp there, (not a hatchling) that was being offered up for sale. ($50.00) The lady told me it had bitten her, and was not eating. I feel very badly for the snakes misfortune of ending up in her uninformed hands. She knows very little if any. The first time I saw it was in with a hopper mouse and was obvious the snake was not interested. I have since gone in 2 weeks later the snake was still without water and no hide spot. I can't save this snake as I am not experienced enough, and it is sad to see its being stressed so much. What if anything can I do?

Again, I'm sorry for the long post, but you guys are a great resource.

Please don't feel awkward about posting, I am so happy that you are becoming informed BEFORE you buy! I actually lecture at grade schools about this sort of thing, the responsibility of owning an exotic pet, and why it is so important to be educated first.

For the shedding phase, I still offer my guy food, and he does eat, though usually only about half of what he normally would (one mouse instead of two). I think the main reason for recommending not feeding during shedding pertains more to those who feed live food. The milky eye scales of the shed make the snake nearly blind, and it could easily be bitten by live prey. If you will be feeding pre-killed, this shouldn't be a problem. Some snakes do not want to eat at all during a shed, so don't be alarmed if this happens (they can go MONTHS without food and survive, so a few extra days is nothing). Just have food ready after. Monty comes out of his shed ready to eat an elephant!

Terrible about the poor pet store snake! You can always call the local humane society or ASPCA and report the situation.

Wendy

Personally, I think you'd be able to give that pet store snake a wonderful home. You seem to know how to set up for it, and you've done your research. You know where to ask questions, and what you don't know. I say get it, just be sure to take it to the vet right away and make sure there aren't any problems with parasites.

I would love to help him out, but I was told he has bitten people. Balls dont typically bite, could this be stress? I guess I'd bite too if 500 people had their hands all over me and didnt have the sense to treat me right. I would bey he's probably hungry too. I'm gonna keep my eye on him, maybe i can find their little flunky "reptile man" and set him straight..LOL

ok...

pet store balls can be very nippy, for the reason you stated (stress) plus they're almost all wild caught... so, scared, wild, underfed (and stressed all to heck during that feeding)...

oh, and about the "saving" of the ball at the pet store... that's what they want you to do, so they can pick up their $40 profit on that $50 snake they paid $10 for. go to a breeder. get usa cbb. the only thing you'll do "saving" a pet store ball is send a screaming message to the pet store that their strategy works, they'll buy more wild caught balls, and then you'll be in there next week thinking about "saving" another... and another...
don't do it.

plus think of the vet bills getting that wc ball fixed up, wormed, deparasited, etc... then balance that against $30 shipping from a known, respected breeder...

good luck!

bc

You make a good point!

Sorry, I don't know what happened. I dont ever think I was going to buy that snake. I',m new to begin with and I dont need the extra stress that goes with a wild caught snake. Thanks for all the advice.. keep it comming.