I just got my first ball python, and I had a few questions about it. The only snake I've had before was a gopher snake, so I'm not sure if some of the differences between that snake and the python are actual differences in the snakes, or potential problems.
The store said that the python was 3-4 years old, male, and captive bred. They said it should be hungry, and should shed soon.
I got a mouse for it, just to see if it will eat, and it hasn't touched it. The snake growls at the mouse and it spits at it. Other than that, it ignores it.
About the shedding. The snake has dry/flaky skin around its nose and on top of its head, but thats it. It's eyes might be a bit cloudy, its hard to tell. I've had the snake for about 2 weeks now, and it hasnt really progressed. How long does shedding take for these guys?
Any advice or tips will be appreciated.
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
A Few Questions
Replies (4)
provide good humidity..if it is close to shedding mist him and warm end of encloser once a day. Provide a tight hide box where he can hide and leave him alone for a while. Once he sheds he should be hungary. Try a frozen/thawed meal at night once you notice him out and about. I used to set my alarm clock for 1am just to look and see if he was active. They are nocturnal and tend to prowl around more in the dark. I believe this is when they naturaly hunt for food. Leave the pre killed meal in all night and check the next morning to see if he has eaten. Handle him as little as possible until he acclimates well (several weeks) and has eaten a few meals. If he appears otherwise healthy then he can go a few months with out eating, especially this time of year. The key here is just patience.
Good luck.
Thanks. I put a heating pad in and I made a little cave for him to go in. I also wanted to know if its normal for him to spit like he does... he makes a lot of it. It leaves big marks on the side of the cage.
No it is not normal for a Ball Python to spit...take him to a vet....sounds like an infection. It will not go away on its own and will only get worse if not treated.
Also, temp in warm end should be about 90 degrees with cooler end about 80. A degree or two difference to the cool side should be ok as well.
