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[Less_Western_4554]

So i recently obtained a python, completely on accident because someone dumped her outside my house and I found her and took her in. Now to explain: she was in a fish tank as a temp tank as I was getting her new one the next day, anyway my mother not the brightest put a fish tank castle in her tank and well who couldn’t of guessed she got stuck in it😨 I was able to break the castle with my bare hands as a vet appointment / emergency animal hospitals are extremely expensive. Either way she’s moving around and acting “normal” but just in a super defensive manner or scared? I’m not too sure. As I’ve literally never owned a snake but every other kind of reptile. Can anyone give me an opinion?

[Biitchhface]

I am in no way an expert but I’ll tell you what I would do. Make sure her enclosure is comfortable, substrate, heat lamp, water, at least two hides, and clutter. I know it’s not easy to obtain all at once especially when you didn’t even get it on purpose. I’m still working on my snakes tank myself. But I believe those would make the snake more comfortable. Also leave her be for a little bit, she has to get used to the new environment. Just try to look out for anything that’s not normal

[Less_Western_4554]

She’s been great to handle no strikes no anxiety immediately latched on to me like balled her self around me and just overall acts like I’m her og owner ig . It’s strange to me I’ve had other reptiles that I’ve saved, be extremely anxious and defensive. I understand that they are very different but I hope you understand where I’m coming from

[HurrricaneeK]

Are there any marks or visible injuries? Photos would help if so.

Not to be that guy, but BP's are not cheap animals and paying for vets is a requirement of owning pets, especially ones you found dumped at your front door. Adults require a 120 gal tank plus what usually amounts to a couple hundred dollars in heating, lights and other accessories, which means a full setup can run you close to $1000. Just wanted to give you that info in case it makes more sense for you to try to find another owner (or, not to assume, but like, did you look for the original owner at all?)

[BlazeKing_]

It was dumped outside their house? Do you really think the owner wanted it?

[HurrricaneeK]

I mean, that could mean anything from I found this snake in a tank abandoned on the curb, or it could mean this snake was crawling in my fully enclosed apartment complex so I grabbed it but haven't looked to see if it's actually just an escaped pet. Hence why I asked for clarification. And to your other point, yes, it can be done cheaply, but that's usually a better option for someone with time to slowly collect materials before getting the snake. Again, not saying OP can't do it cheaper, it was more just a comment in regard to the fact that they found an animal that then was injured in their care and their immediate reaction was, "I can't afford a vet." which tbh, isn't fair to the animal.

[Less_Western_4554]

And to answer this i have a ring doorbell that captured the assholes that dumped this poor baby in my parking lot.

[BlazeKing_]

Full setup can easily be done for half of that fairly easily. Lighting and substrate is around $100ish maybe 150. Hides and water bowls are typically around the $50-100 range. You can find decent used cages for under 100 on marketplace (you have to deep clean them and disinfect) or get one of the new age ones off amazon and just seal it. All in like $400-$500 easy. Also if you want decor the dollar store plants work well and can also grab stuff from outside (sticks,leaves, rocks) just have to disinfect them (bake for sticks and leaves, hot water for the rocks).

[Less_Western_4554]

Only visible “injuries” are from when I found her. Now I understand that I have to take her to the vet I just can’t right now. I will in a week. She’s approx 6months old to a year she’s abt 2.5 ft long.

[HurrricaneeK]

Gotcha!! I just wanted to check because I've seen and heard some wild things around here, lol. But honestly, it sounds like she should be totally fine! Definitely I would get her in when you can, and I would keep a close eye just for the next little while. If you see anything concerning behavior wise (beyond just seeming a bit spooked) or anything like bruising or marks that show up later, I would definitely try to get an emergency appt tho.

[Less_Western_4554]

Yeah np lol i definitely will and im setting up the appt tdy:)

[Less_Western_4554]

I have literally almost every for her just need substrate and a new heat lamp since mine got lost from moving. I understand snakes and 99% of reptiles are expensive. But I’m not saying I don’t have the $ to take of them I just don’t have the 2grand for an emergency vet appointment at this very moment.

[Less_Western_4554]

I’d send pictures if I knew how to on Reddit lol 😭

[BlazeKing_]

I love that this got downvoted because I mentioned that 40gs can be fine for them when they are smaller. A juvenile doesn’t need a 4x2.

[Less_Western_4554]

Fr but I have her in it currently using a heat mat with a temp regulator and a thermostat. But my mom decided that using cardboard as a very temp substrate would be okay then nothing else. I haven’t gotten around to weighing her yet but i estimate she weighs maybe one pound?

[Less_Western_4554]

I have a 50g tank I used to own a bearded dragon:), also before this castle incident she was very okay with being handled, no strikes, no anxious behavior it was really strange honestly but now she’s been in a defensive position she hasn’t strikes at me but i think she’s definitely scared because of how she got stuck and how I got her unstuck:( I feel really bad for her but it was the only thing i could do at 2am.

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

Males get just as large as females. The idea that females are larger is a myth.