Ball Python Health?

[Vengeance]

There was a thread on the general forum a few weeks back that brought up the topic of signs of good health in a snake. So it really got me thinking, what are the signs of good health in a snake?

One of the points was through generations of breading was a good indicator that snakes were in good health. But what about those of us who merely collectors and not breeders? What are the signs of good health?

Another point brought up was behavior, if a snake is not nippy, has a good temperament, not acting "strange" that this were indicators that the snake was in good health. The rebuttal to this point was that just because a snake may be acting normal does not necessarily mean they are in good health, snakes are notorious for being able to hide any problems they may have, so behavior is not a good indicator.

What about feeding? Well I'm sure as most ball pythons owners have experienced, Ball's have the tendency to go off feed, so that may not be a good indicator either.

Weight, sure when a ball is young if they are being fed properly they should be packing on the pounds. But what about older snakes ones that have stabilized their weight, sure drastic weight loss would be a good indicator that they were in bad health. But does maintaining weight indicate good health?

Regular urate a fecal matter deposits? Are these good indicators, some balls go every other week, some go months, so is this a good indicator?

Basically what I'm trying to get at is, how as a casual collector is anyone supposed to know that the ball python is thriving? I'm sure after you know a snake for many years and really get to know them, they will have tells and you might be able to tell because they aren’t acting themselves. But I'm looking for more of what people think are good indicators as to what constitutes good health in Ball pythons for the casual collector?

[marisa]

if a snake is not nippy, has a good temperament, not acting "strange" that this were indicators that the snake was in good health

Well I don't really think nipping is a sign of bad health. Many snakes just have a bad attitude. Although extreme nipping all the sudden from a normally calm snake should make one check things out.

But does maintaining weight indicate good health?

For sure! There is really no reason a healthy snake will suddenly start losing weight. If your healthy snake is losing it, then something could be wrong.

some balls go every other week, some go months, so is this a good indicator?

Well its best to know YOUR snake. If your say adult snake goes every two months (just example) but is suddenly going every few days...maybe something to check into...and vice versa. But they are all indivuduals.

I think the best way for the casual collector to know their snake is healthy, is regular habits....good weight....take a fecal for exam now and then. And if all those things are going well, your snake is most likely very healthy and happy IMHO.

Marisa

[mykee]

You brought up a very good point. Snakes hide any illnesses or problems very well, and once they are visible, it is usually far along. Since there are so many variations in eating, behavior, temperment, activity level and bowel movements between snakes, there really is no way of telling if you have a healthy snake or not. Though there are things that you can do to ensure that if your snake IS healthy to keep him/her that way. Pay attention. Handle your snakes, look for abnormalities. If you pay attention, you'll know that each snake has their own personality or and way of doing things. Pay attention. Assuming that maintaining proper husbandry is utmost on your list, maintain and hope for the best.