Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello Everyone. Thanks for taking a few minutes. I went to a local exotic pet shop/breeder from which I purchased my first CB ball python June 04. I searched through their many (40 ) ball hatchlings and found a few with interesting patterns and then came across this one that caught my eye. The manager sexed her (popped) right there and told me it was a female. The one I already have is male and I was looking for a female to make a first attempt at breeding (planning about 2 yrs from now). I looked her over for probably 5 minutes. She looked good. The manager gave her a once over and I bought here. I left to head back home (2 states away) and when I got her home today and set up her permanent cage I got her in some good light and noticed a problem. This is something I am unfamiliar with. Her eyes look very different. The left eye looks clear, alert and active. She react to stimuli on the left side. But after looking at her right eye closely I noticed it is much smaller and seems more recessed than the other eye (like it only sticks out 2/3 the distance from the face compared to the other eye). She does not seem to react to stimuli on the right side and the eye does not have the typical color but appears darker and almost void of color. I have had one retained eye cap in my days with my other ball (only one) but he was much older and I don't remember it looking like this. Could this be a retained eye cap? What do you guys think? It makes me worried. I was hoping to breed her but she is so beautiful that if it is something more serious I think I would just keep her as pet quality. I can't take her back and show her to the store because I am now 2 states away. Any suggestions would really be appreciated.
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Jessica

0.1.0 Sharpei-Husky mix...all attitude
0.0.1 Ball Python
2.2.0 Corn Snakes
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko
1.0.0 Blotched Tiger Salamander
...and a saltwater tank!

have you taken any pictures of her eyes? i have never heard of this before.
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Under a dead ohio sky,
Eleven has been and will be waiting,
Defending his light,
And wondering...
Where the hell have I been?
Sleeping, lost, and numb.
So glad that I have found you.
I am wide awake and heading home.
TOOL

I have seen numerous balls with one small eye, or with two small eyes, and even some with a missing eye. If they eat fine for you, then I wouldn't worry too much about it. I think it just gives her a little character.

Good Luck,
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Tim and Monica Bailey
Bailey & Bailey Reptiles
website on the way

While I have not seen this sort of problem, I have seen a similar problem in an Indian python, some gopher snakes, and a litter of wild-bred timber rattlesnakes. These eye problems have even been reported in turtles. The cause is unknown. As it has been reported in a wide variety of species, I think it is caused by something in the environment rather than something genetic. Odds are that your new snake will feed fine for you. Good luck.

Paul Hollander

Could be dehydration. Check the humidity and make sure to always have a clean bowl of drinking water.

Thank you all for your help and information. I really do think it is either something shes always had from birth or an injury before my purchase. There is a tiny dent in the center of her eye - similiar to one like a retained eye cap - but the eye itself looks so different that I think at best she has a smaller eye with minimal vision.

But the good news is SHE ATE yesterday. A bit strange. I pre-killed the bug hopper and as soon as she smelled it I am guessing she struck - but at her own tail! Then struck a few more times and was way off - then finally struck and got it. And she finished up just fine. So thats a good sign. So thanks!
And if anyone has more ideas please let me know
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Jessica

0.1.0 Sharpei-Husky mix...all attitude
0.0.1 Ball Python
2.2.0 Corn Snakes
1.1.1 Leopard Gecko
1.0.0 Blotched Tiger Salamander
...and a saltwater tank!