Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just in a pet shop and some fellow came in trying to 'dump' his ball because he had to move that day. The pet store wouldn't take it so I did. I hate to call s/he an 'it' but 'it' hasn't been sexed yet. The guy estimated it was about 3 yrs old. It looks in good condition except that there might be a small piece of scale over one eye that didn't shed. Unfortunately it's never eaten anything but live so that will be a challenge.
I also have a ball that is 11 months old in a 50 gallon container. She's a she. Here are my questions:

1) Can I house them together?
2) If not, is the 50 large enough for a full grown Ball? I can move my smaller ball into a 29 for now if necessary.
3) How long should I try to feed it F/T before giving it live? I figured I'd work on F/T for 4-6 weeks before giving it live but I'm not sure if that's correct.
4) Can I remove the scale from the eye? I'll take it to the vet but that will probably be a week or so before I can go.

Thanks
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Kane

1) Can I house them together? It's been done but I personally don't suggest it...say if it's for a few days until you get a new enclosure sure but not permenantly.
2) If not, is the 50 large enough for a full grown Ball? I can move my smaller ball into a 29 for now if necessary. I'm not sure of the measurements but i keep in racks the tubs are 33" long x 18" wide x 8" high
3) How long should I try to feed it F/T before giving it live? I figured I'd work on F/T for 4-6 weeks before giving it live but I'm not sure if that's correct. this can be a pain in the but..lol if she doesn't take F/T try fresh killed...kill the rat & toss it in there. if that works give it that a few times then toss in the F/T & hopefully it'll make a smooth transition. If not there's tons of problem feeding threads on this forum alone that will have advice 7 answers
4) Can I remove the scale from the eye? I'll take it to the vet but that will probably be a week or so before I can go. it's no big deal..keep the snake in ideal humidity & after awhile it will either come off on it's own or during the next shed...i had one hold onto the eye cap for like 3 shed & then bam it was just gone..lol if it's driving you nuts try wetting rags with warm water (around 80 degrees) & put the snake in a bag or pillow case with a bunch of these wet rags...then put it bag in it's enclosure in the bag for like an hour or two...hopefully it will be wandering the bag inquisitvely & this will cause the rags to hopefully get alot of the dead skin on her

I have also rescued a really "beat up" ball.

First you may want to quarantine the new ball for a couple of months or so to make sure it has no illness or parasites. They typically can be housed together but they sometimes stress each other out and one may refuse food.

My rescued ball was fed live, but immediately (I never offered live) took to frozen since she has a voracious appetite. She also had eye caps. I removed them by soaking her for at least 1/2 hour. Then I gently pulled back on the cap with my fingernail. IT IS NOT GOOD to use sharp objects like tweezers since the snake may flinch and you could damage her eye. Your own finger should work fine. If you can't take it off relatively easily then I would wait until the next shed and let it come off on its own, or try again.

Good Luck.

Thanks. I moved my 1 yr old Violet into a 29 gallon for now. Plenty of room for her. The new Ball is one of the friendliest snakes I've ever had. Active as soon as you take him out & almost never goes into a ball other than in his hides. Looks like he's been handled a lot. Now the challenge is to get him to eat F/T. I can see a few small scars, probably from the live feedings.

Is a normal size rat the appropriate food for a full grown ball? I bought a couple frozens and they look kind of big to me but maybe it's just because I'm used to the mice.
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Kane