Have to leave ball python for 3 weeks, will he be alright ?

MooseChild · 12-13-17, 10:07 AM

Hi everyone

Searched as much as possible and could find anything to put me at ease. So yesterday something happened it the family and I am leaving for 3 weeks but have no one to take care of my new ball python, he is 2 months old now and is eating well, sadly I really do have no one to feed him. I can't not find anyone in my area to take care of him. People say that if I feed him a bigger meal right before I leave when he defecates and is left with it, it will harm him. If anyone has advice or knows that he will be fine. Please let me know. I was looking at getting one of those water bowls that automatically top the water up. And my heaters are on a controller so I know the temps will be fine my biggest concern is him starving.

And thanks in advance everyone

Bandit · 12-13-17, 10:18 AM

Snakes can go MUCH longer than three weeks without eating. Your snake should be fine. Just fill the water bowl up to the top and feed him before you leave. If you want to get one of those water bowls that automatically fill up, go for it. Not sure how big the current bowl is, but if it's small, maybe just put a bigger one in there for the three weeks (even a Tupperware or similar container would be fine). While it's not ideal to leave poop in there, it likely won't harm it this one time.

Don't sweat it too much. You have an emergency, and that needs to take priority. Luckily, snakes can be on their own for a while and be okay. Again, just make sure to clean the enclosure, fill up a big water bowl (or get the auto fill bowl), and feed him before you leave. Maybe set up a humidity box that will at least last some of the time. Good luck!

Albert Clark · 12-13-17, 10:24 AM

Three weeks for a 2 month old ball python is a long time. How far away are you going/ travelling? Are you getting on a plane, driving , taking a train? Is it possible to take him with you? I mean, some temporary housing while he's with you should be considered. It's not the feeding so much as it is the spot cleaning and enviornment cleanliness that concerns me.

Bandit · 12-13-17, 11:57 AM

I hadn't seen that it's only two months old. That does raise a bit of concern for me as well. And might I add, if you leave him you may want to add a second water bowl so that if he poops in one, it won't contaminate his only source of water.

MooseChild · 12-13-17, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

Snakes can go MUCH longer than three weeks without eating. Your snake should be fine. Just fill the water bowl up to the top and feed him before you leave. If you want to get one of those water bowls that automatically fill up, go for it. Not sure how big the current bowl is, but if it's small, maybe just put a bigger one in there for the three weeks (even a Tupperware or similar container would be fine). While it's not ideal to leave poop in there, it likely won't harm it this one time.

Don't sweat it too much. You have an emergency, and that needs to take priority. Luckily, snakes can be on their own for a while and be okay. Again, just make sure to clean the enclosure, fill up a big water bowl (or get the auto fill bowl), and feed him before you leave. Maybe set up a humidity box that will at least last some of the time. Good luck!

Hi Bandit

Thank you so much for the help. You have helped me set my mind at ease a bit, if you don't mind me asking since I am feeding him adult mice should I feed him something a bit bigger, like weaned rats, just before I leave. Again thank you so much for the help. Since this is my first snake, a hatchling and I didn't expect to leave I am really worried.

MooseChild · 12-13-17, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

I hadn't seen that it's only two months old. That does raise a bit of concern for me as well. And might I add, if you leave him you may want to add a second water bowl so that if he poops in one, it won't contaminate his only source of water.

I just finished my other reply then I saw this and now I'm worried again haha, do you think it will be a big problem?

MooseChild · 12-13-17, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Three weeks for a 2 month old ball python is a long time. How far away are you going/ travelling? Are you getting on a plane, driving , taking a train? Is it possible to take him with you? I mean, some temporary housing while he's with you should be considered. It's not the feeding so much as it is the spot cleaning and enviornment cleanliness that concerns me.

Unfortunately I am unable to take him with as we are flying tomorrow unfortunately.

DJC Reptiles · 12-14-17, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MooseChild

Unfortunately I am unable to take him with as we are flying tomorrow unfortunately.

Make sure you have the proper temps right. I would recommend a friend come by and check on him every week.

TeamSlitherin · 12-14-17, 07:02 AM

I second the idea of an extra water dish. Make sure all your heating devices are on a thermostat and check the settings if you have a controller that regulates day/night cycles. Definitely feed him right before you leave. Have you checked any local pet stores to see if they board reptiles?

IDvsEGO · 12-14-17, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeamSlitherin

I second the idea of an extra water dish. Make sure all your heating devices are on a thermostat and check the settings if you have a controller that regulates day/night cycles. Definitely feed him right before you leave. Have you checked any local pet stores to see if they board reptiles?

yeah, try that too. My local reptile shop boards sometimes.

Scubadiver59 · 12-14-17, 03:20 PM

I think they're already gone on vacation...keeping my finger's crossed for the snake's survival!!

DJC Reptiles · 12-15-17, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadiver59

I think they're already gone on vacation...keeping my finger's crossed for the snake's survival!!

I think the snake will do just fine surviving, but, I wish he could have gotten a friend to check on it once a week. God forbid the snake starts to shed without proper humidity, stuck eye caps are the worst thing next to snake mites (of course not taking in the thousands of different diseases snakes can have).

jjhill001 · 12-16-17, 06:31 PM

Feed right before you leave. Leave a slightly larger water bowl to account for evaporation and have someone stop in once a week to do a water change. No worries.