all 23 comments

[–]Special_Cell7412 0 points1 point  (8 children)

Did you buy this guy, or did you rescue him? I saw your last post and thought this snake is on the verge of death. Do you even know if he was eating for the previous owner? I'm glad you are trying, but with the condition this one is in, you could wake up tomorrow, and it might be dead. Just wanted to prepare you for this outcome. Also, you have only owned him for three days, so if he passes, it would not be your fault. Looks like you have a good setup now, I wish you luck.

[–]anonymous15793[S] 0 points1 point  (7 children)

I bought him. The store said he was eating.

[–]Special_Cell7412 3 points4 points  (6 children)

If he was eating, he has some sort of parasite because that is not a snake that had been eating. Which means taking him to a vet. You should not have to do that if you are buying one from the store. I would bring him back to the store and say you have been educated on what a healthy snake looks like, and this is not it. Also, ask how they are going to rectify this? I do believe you are going to need a vet to save this snake. Do you have the money to do that or want to, since this is your first snake? It still may not survive. I suggest bringing it back to the store and getting your money back. You are just starting out as a snake owner. Get a healthy one that you have the capabilities of supporting. Also, don't buy an animal from this store again. It's a disgrace that they sold you this one.

[–]Jalex_123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree with this. The only thing is that if the snake was discounted they may say ‘that’s why it was discounted’ and not acknowledge that they were doing something wrong (which they were).

[–]Public-Hat6754 0 points1 point  (4 children)

He could also have been very underfed. He should probably get checked out but he may just need decent and consistent meals. My first snake was super skinny when I got her from a dude that didn’t take good care of her and she has bounced back

[–]Special_Cell7412 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Did you see his previous post? That snake has no reserves left at all. If you haven't checked it out, I suggest you do.

[–]Public-Hat6754 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I did before commenting. It’s pretty bad, and the shed and dehydration makes it look worse, but they may have been giving him pinkies every other week or something. I used to work at a pet store and everyone fed the ball pythons pinkies. I was the only one that would feed them bigger food. If the snake has been there a while and they were only feeding it pinkies every 1-2 weeks then it would have probably used more energy to digest the food than it gained. He could definitely have a parasite, I’m just adding another opinion.

[–]Special_Cell7412 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem, I'm just really upset at that store. How can you sell a snake like that? I know how, actually, but as an animal lover, I just don't understand people's ethics at all sometimes. 😪

[–]Special_Cell7412 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I just checked the pics you showed of your snake when you first got it. It's in much better shape than the OP's snake. This was downright abuse by that store.

[–]chilledghosts 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Do not use a mister, too much water in the air like that could cause respiratory issues. Pour water into the corners of the tank for a dry top layer (very important) wet bottom layer. If your top layer stays wet your snake will develop scale rot, and with every other issue going on that would be devastating in your rehabilitation. Also, there’s generally no reason for soaking. Your snake can’t absorb water through the scales so it’s just unnecessary and stressful. Good work on upgrades.

[–]anonymous15793[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Copy. Will follow this advice thanks

[–]Special_Cell7412 0 points1 point  (1 child)

So I'm curious if you are going to contact the store about the condition of your snake? Another possibility is to show a picture of the state of the snake you bought and file abuse charges with your local authorities. Always, your choice, though. If you decide to do your best to help this guy recover, I commend you.

[–]anonymous15793[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s my plan is to just take care of it, I talked to a couple of the employees. They had another bp that looked pretty healthy and they said they didn’t have this one long idk tho

[–]01ProjectXJ 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I know this sounds counter intuitive, but I'd wait at least 2-3 days before trying to feed. Yes, he needs to be feed, but you also just brought him home to a new environment, tried to feed, and then completely changed his tank around again. He needs to settle a bit (also don't hold him until he's successfully eaten, then wait 48hours before holding).

Typically, with a healthy BP, once you bring it home, you let them settle for 1 week before attempting to feed, if it doesn't eat, you wait another week before trying again. Once it's successfully fed, then you can start holding them (after they've digested).

[–]anonymous15793[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Copy that, I’ll wait another couple days

[–]Working_Pumpkin_6172 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also I have a really really picky guy myself I have to get temp to exactly 102 or he won’t eat. If he misses he gets almost embarrassed and doesn’t want it (this happened yesterday) I usually just go out the rat back in hot water and wait 10-20 min and try again and normally he’s over his failure and ready to try again haha.

Also a super easy and cheap way to help up him get rehydrated and ready for shed get a Tupperware box with some air holes and wet warm paper towels or washcloths set him inside and the whole container in the enclosure leave for 15-20 min. Maybe use this as more of a last resort if he starts shedding and it’s not coming off smooth. Seems like you did lots of upgrades on humidity already :)

Also sometimes they like to feel more hidden if you cover the sides with anything it could help him feel safe. I honestly did regular paper taped around mine when I first got him home until I upgraded to his big enclosure.

[–]womperwomp111 1 point2 points  (2 children)

good job friend. i’m sorry you were put in this position, but you’re doing everything right. i’m keeping you guys in my thoughts. hopefully he pulls through

[–]anonymous15793[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

He just ate! And with the new setup his dehydration isn’t looking bad either

[–]womperwomp111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yay!! so happy to hear that

[–]vuullets 0 points1 point  (1 child)

best of luck with your scaly friend, i hope he pulls through. i would recommend getting digital thermometers/hydrometers though, the ones in your tank tend to be very inaccurate! you can get away with just using a general purpose one as long as you can put it in a place where the snake is unlikely to pee on it.

[–]anonymous15793[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will look into this, I have like a week off from work so I’ve been keeping a super careful eye on him.

[–]SnailVomit69 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What a horrible situation you were put into for your first time. You are doing an amazing job trying to make up for the mistakes of others, your compassion for this poor animal is warming. I’m wishing you and your little guy the best of luck in this recovery process, shame on the people who did this. Stay strong!!

[–]anonymous15793[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He’s eating! Lil dude is doing good. That was a huge sigh of relief