Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I'm a total novice here. I'm a police dispatcher for a small agency in Fl. My squad was called to an animal complaint and found a four foot Bald Python. It was going to be turned over to animal control and I stepped in and said I'd take it. (Our animal control sux-they'd kill it for sure)

I'm taking it to my vet (he has herp experience and has been a rehabber for 30 yrs) because it has a 2" boo boo on it's belly. I'm about to order a 48" snake cage (dang these things are expensive!), water bowl, lighting, and I guess frozen mice. I want to be prepared once I get it home from the vet. I'm trying to find good info on the Internet to read up so I don't cause further distress to this poor animal. I'm not rolling in money-this agency's pay scale stinks. Any input or suggestions...anyone..please? Do gooder-idiot, Morg
e-mail: totheleft@excite.com

PS: I've caught & immediately released wild snakes since I was a kid (including venemous)...native Floridian, so I know how to "handle" them. I just don't know the ins & outs of herp care.

Hello,
Are you sure you have a ball python? As requirments can vary for different pythons~ and I'm pretty sure they are all "Bald" (Bad joke, sorry) Any way~

First make sure you have a ball python. Here are a couple pics of some very "normal" looking Ball pythons. They are not all alike by any stretch, but if yours is a ball it should look something like these guys~

If you've got a ball python~ run on over to Petco or Petsmart and look for a book called "The Ball Python Manual" by Dave and Tracy Barker. It's about a $10 book, and you will use it as a reference for years. Worth every penny~ and will be much better than me re-inventing the wheel by typing it out.

If your local Pet Mart does not have a Ball Python Manual~ you can order it online from:
www.Ballpython.com

Hope that helps.
Good Luck!
Careful, they are addictive~ before you know it you'll be fibbing to family and friends about exactly how many snakes you own now!
-----
Cheryl Marchek
AKA JM
Check out my website at:
The Red Dragons Den

Oh gosh,

I'd better do some reading. Now I'm not sure? The marking are the same..the head is the same, but where yours have black patched this one has dark brown. Thanks for the info! As soon as I get it to Dr. Moessler I'll know for sure. I'll find that book as well. Thanks so much! )

.

-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Will do. I can't find my darned Nikon, so I get a pic as soon as possible. ;o)

Me again. Just letting you know the reason I haven't posted a pic is the vet kept Monty. He has him in an incubator. Vet was so busy he didn't have time to talk with me today, but hopefully tomorrow I will find out whats going on with him. Such a sweet snake!

did he just keep him to examine him later or did he keep him because something is wrong (hope not)? Hope all is well.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

He kept him for the weekend in an incubator and is giving him multiple antibiotics. Monty had a boo boo on his belly when he was found, but I guess its worse than I realized. I'm hoping hard all will be ok for the lil guy. I went ahead and ordered him a 48" cage, heat mats, hiding rocks & a hiding stump thing (fake), rock like water bowl, and some other stuff. (There went this paycheck )

I just love this snake! He is so docile and gentle. I don't know if snakes can associate, but when I first got my hands on him he was **cold**, so I put him inside my uniform against my chest to get him warm. Police stations are freakin ice boxes. I have no idea if he "knows me"? I doubt it...got a lot to learn here!

I personally think that at the least they learn our individual smell. My Mexican Black Kingsnake will musk on anyone who holds him, but not me. At least I like to think so.

Please keep me posted on how things go with him. Email me or post on the boards.

So did the vet confirm he's a Ball Python?
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

The vet and I have been playing phone tag. He was to call me at 18:00 when I came on duty and didn't. (Not like him) I called & called all day, but he was super slammed and couldn't talk to me. This not knowing is driving me batso. I haven't talked to him yet. You can be durned skippy I will either speak with him via phone or pick my snake up tomorrow! I cannot imagine what this bill will be.

To top that off: a Cpl. here at work just asked me if I wanted her 5 foot male BP. Good grief people...gimme a chance to get a grip with the first one! I told her I'd need time to think on that. She wants to adopt him out because her spouse already let one snake die of neglect (no food/water). Man, I'd have kicked his butt! She has a 3-4 foot wood wire cage that goes with him, but all I care about at this juncture is poor lil Monty. If I get him home safe & sound that will be one loved snake!

Sorry if I sound emotional. Lost a cat tonight...spent my dinner break walking the blocks calling & looking for her. (Shes never seen outside, much less been there) DH came home & found our front door ajar! I don't know if someone started to 21-opps..police speak..burglarize our house & got interrupted or what. Anyhoo, the durned door was ajar and my rascalina is gone. Just aint my week.

I can only imagine how you must feel. I do hope that you find your cat (I'd be a wreck if I lost my dog) and that all turns out well with your BP. Please let me know how things turn out, my thoughts are with you.

-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Thanks hon. DH found the cat at 05:30 this am before I got home from work. I can't see any injury, but she is favoring on hip/leg big time. I'm hoping this won't be another vet visit...waiting a day to see if it clears up. At least I have her! *VBG*

As for Monty: I am so disgusted. My vet must be "losing it" with old age is all I can figure. He never called me as I was told he would. I parked my arse in his office from 07:30 this am until he finally saw me at 10:00 (mind you I'd just worked a 12 hr shift and was fried...and had to get sleep to work tonight). He berated me telling me "do we have a miscommunication here!?" "I explained this to you-we've fought 3 separate infections (bacteria?) in that wound, and I'm trying to work him into my surgury schedule!!"

I wanted to say, ummm...Dr. M..love ya, been with ya almost 30 yrs, but we had *no* such conversation. I didn't go there. I have always been given excellant care and help by this knowledgable man, so respect and allowances are due. My gawd, this vet bill is gonna drown me! The snake is still in ICU in an incubator. No feces to check for internal parasites...dunno how he plans on handling *that* issue. Methinks I will just get past the durned injury/surgury with Dr. M and then find another herp vet...and quietly slip away from my beloved Dr. M. for good. This whole scenario is so not him. Let someone else check him for internal parasites after I've had him home awhile & got him calmed enough to feed. (Boy aint I the positive thinker tonight?) LOL!

What a soap opera.

Wow! Glad you found your cat...and at least you know a bit more about Monty's situation. That must be frustrating with the vet. Keep me posted.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

I get to bring Monty home tomorrow. I've read & read, but I can't find any info on post surgury care. Hopefully the vet will have instructions. (Ex: do I still have a water bowl down?) I'm seriously shocked at the vet bill! $175.00 is all it was. For as long as they kept him in that incubator, fought off 3 separate infections (meds), and did surgury to boot...I thought the bill was going to really gouge me! Relief!

Now if that darned cage would just get here, lol. A story with a happy ending. Thanks to all of you and your help. *Big smile* Pics will be forthcoming...promise.

That is great news! What a great price/deal. Can't wait to see pics!
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Thanks. *G* I had to get him home and then haul butt to work. I'm going to let him have some quiet time, then the vet wants to see him again Tues. Would you believe I *still* haven't spoken to the vet? Arg. He's a very busy man, and we *are* on opposite shifts, but hes promised once again to call me here at work...and I'm sitting here waiting. I got no after care instructions, so I put him in with a heat pad at one end and no water becacuse I don't know about the stitches.

I have to admit he looks great! I didn't realize how unhealthy he looked until now. Now I know he must have been seriously dehydrated because he looked thin and dull. Now hes all perky, almost has a sheen to his skin, and looks hydrated. I carried him to the vet in a cat carrier because it was all I had, and on the way home he was raised up looking all around and exploring all over. (wanted to try to get thru the grated door-but I kept sticking my hand up there afriad he'd try to squeeze thru and re-hurt himself) Didn't seem agitated...just curious.

I will be so glad when all this vet mess is over and I can feed him! Its bugging me no end that I have *no* idea when this poor lil guy last ate.

I know I'd be frustrated with the lack of communication as well. But at least you have him home and he's looking better. Hope the vet visit tomorrow goes well and you're able to finally get some answers. Can't wait to see pics of the little trooper.

-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

LOL, bear with me here. He's so feisty now this is the best pic I could get without any help holding him. I am SO happy. After the vet visit today (last antibiotic injection into body cavity) I stopped by a pet store and a nice man there killed me a small rat. (Pic taken before feeding)

Talk about total shock: after all the horror stories about eating I was scared this wouldn't work out. I took some kitchen tongs and jiggled the rat in front of his face. WHAM! You didn't have to ask him twice if he wanted this meal. Man he hit it fast & hard...I wasn't prepared for *that*!! I backed up, closed the door and let him swallow the meal. Checked on him a few mins later and he was at his water bowl having a drink. Hes staying on the higher heat end (digesting I guess?) of the cage.

I am sooooo happy. The Doc says its looking real good, and soon I'll have fecal I can finally give him for internal parasite checks. ::smiling like a fool:: Morg

Hope I did this right...the pic is at http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.pl?photo=152024

That's great! He is gorgeous - I bet he was hungry. Thanks for sharing the pic and keeping me updated. I love a happy ending.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

YW ) Now I'll probably get snake fever and want a Blood or something, lol.

Thanks again for al the help & concern.

.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

I just saw your album. Nice grad pic! *G* And I love the coconut hide idea..way cool.

.
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

Conrad’s to you for taking on this responsibility of rescuing the python. You don't really need to order an expensive cage or spend lots of money on a setup. All you need is:

1. 32 quart Rubbermaid found at your local Wal-Mart,
2. Digital thermometer also found at Wal-Mart
3. A plastic dish that’s used to catch water under a pot of flowers, this will be used as a hide,
4. A small container for the water,
5. A dimmer switch, found for $10 at Home Depot, that you can plug your heating pad into
6. Heat pad, found at your local pet store

Drill some holes around your container, set the heat tape to cover about 1/3 under the Rubbermaid and make sure it’s around 90 degrees.

Here is a similar setup that I'm talking about.
Good luck Dave.

no post

I'd like to add that the flower bases make great hides, and you want a minimum of 2 hides (one for the cool side 80-85 degrees and one for the warm side 90-95 degrees). Also get a hygrometer (the cheap analogs are okay, but don't use those analog thermometers-go for a digital w/ probes) to make sure your humidity is good. You can use paper towels or newspaper as substrate to save money.

And I just want to say - thanks for caring so much!

P.S. - email me and I'll send you a caresheet (collection of info I've saved from various message boards).

tigergenesis@comcast.net
-----
Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
1.0 Saharan Sand Boa "Frodo"
0.1 Rough-Scale Sand Boa "Arwen"
0.1 California Kingsnake "Gentoo"
1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Indigo"
1.0 Snow Corn snake "Chile"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

More good tips..thank you! I'll e-mail you right away.

OMG! That is so much cheaper and simplier. Thank-you so much! I appreciate the quick reply. You guys are great. )