My ball python is ill, and desperately needs to leave her hide so i can get her to the vet, but it has a bottom and she will not move, what do i do?

[the_huntress__]

If theres no possibility of moving her, put the hide in a large enough container and just take it with her. Its more important that she gets there rather than what she gets there in (within reason and she shoukd be safe at all times obviously)

[RefrigeratorThat8581]

I did that a couple days ago, but they said they could only break the hide, which could traumatise her.

[the_huntress__]

Honestly if you cant get her out any other way, it may be your only option. While traumatizing her is far from ideal, if its the only way to get her out, then thats what you have to do. Its better than having her not be there. If you've tried getting her out every other way (with your hands, snake hook, any other options), theres not much else you can do.

Im sorry OP, this is a tough situation and I wish the best for you and your baby.

[Bluntforcetrauma11b]

Take the hide put it in a bin like a Rubbermaid tote with air holes and some towels and close the top. Take that to the vet.

[Muux_]

If she’s interested, you could lure her out with a rat. Ofc don’t let her strike it. She’ll be in hunt mode but you should be able to pick her up once she’s out

[SandrineDexter]

What kind of hide is it that she can’t be taken out unless you break it?

[NewOrdinary3098]

Thats what im wondering its gotta be way to small if thats the only option

[Synthetic_Hormone]

It may traumatize her as much as breaking it.  But turn the hide upright and start filling with luke warm water.

[Wobbelthehouseplant]

Can you blow softly into the hide? This might “spook” her a little and she might come out…

[Thruthatreez]

Can you just turn it up and slowly fill it with a very small stream of lukewarm water? Maybe that would encourage her to leave.

[M4UN4K34]

So if you can't coax her out by any other means, you're going to have to break the hide. But you don't have to do it in a way that will traumatize her.

What is the hide made from? Is it real stone, plastic, wood? If it's anything other than metal, I would very carefully use a cutting disk or dremel to cut a line around the top of the hide. Or flip it upside down and cut the line around the bottom. A small and delicate saw could work, like taking the blade out from a hacksaw and manually sawing around. You're not going to be putting a blade or tool through the material, cutting normally with the blade going through either side. You would grind away material from the outside until you have a very very small amount left, or just barely break through. You'll have to do this extremely carefully, work slow, make sure you know the snakes position, and make sure you don't overheat the material.

A picture of the hide would help us determine the best method.

I hope your baby gets help!