Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a baby ball python from a local pet store, which is reputable. The knew the girl who sold it to me and I saw her put a fuzzy in with it in a separate container and she tole me it ate is later on. I bought the snake the next day. When I bought it, it defecated on me, it was primarily clear liquid. When I handle the snake he holds his head up but is quite wobbley and cant keep it straight for long. There are two very small folds of skin near his tail, almost as if he is two small for his skin. All of these actions make me believe that the snake is just starved.

I tried putting a real small fuzzy (all I could find until today) yesterday and he didnt take it after like 6 hours. I am going to try some more lively fatter fuzzies today, but if he doesnt take those I dont know what to do. Should I take him out of the cage and put him in a dark container until he eats it? What should I do before I have to resort to force feeding, because I want that to be my very, very last resort.

Thanks for any help.

If you're uneasy, take it back.

The reason it may have regurgitated on you was due to handling it too soon. It's recommened to give it a 24-48 rest period before handling. Many snakes need time to acclimate before they will feed. Give the snake a week or so time to acclimate to its new home. Don't handle it nor disturb it while it's acclimating.

Make sure the temps are ok (hot side, cooler side) and make sure it has a hide, water, etc.

Let us know how it turns out next week.

Judging on the description you give from your ball python, I think it is indeed starving and mayby also invested with parasites.
I advice you to see a vet a.s.a.p
Try to assist feed it with a small fuzy. If you wait too long with it, force feeding or assist feeding might be too much for the animal and will die because of it.

Chris van Kalken
The Netherlands
Dragonmaster

Post is titled Poll: 15 inch 35g...
It was also very wobbly in its movements within 5 days of receiving it and would even fall over on itself when it raised its head more than 4 inches or so. Upon observing this behavior on Saturday I believed the snake may be going beyond the point of no return, so I assist-fed it a fuzzy mouse. The snake's movements do seem more steady now and it has picked up about 5g in weight, obviously taking in more fluids to digest the probably 2g fuzzy mouse. I have a vet appointment for tomorrow at 4:00 (good herp vet that keeps BP's). You can either return it to the store where there is a good chance it won't survive, or plan to spend more $ than you did on the snake for treatment expenses and make your best effort to save the animal. Best of luck to you and the snake!
Paul

If needed, the link to the thread the previous poster is talking about is here:

http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=525376,525376

I THINK that will take you directly to the thread ...

It does sound like it is starving.. and I'd strongly advise you to get it to a vet asap.
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1 Ball Python
1 Rock Python
1 Bullsnake
5 Cats

Love 'em all ...

thank you guys for your help, I am going to assist it in feeding tonight. I have found several herp vets in my area and if he doesnt get better in by friday I am going to take him.