A quick question..

Tom P · 07-16-02, 10:54 PM

I picked up a Ball python today that someone didn't want. The Ball I picked up today is 6 years old. He was kept on a heat rock (

) and in a very small enclosure. I have now got him in a comfortable home. The question I have is to do with his shedding. He was not fully shed when i got him, so I gave him a nice bath. Helped him with the rest of his shed. Then I noticed that another layer was coming off!!

So I then proceeded to help him along with that. So, he was about to shed, without fully finishing the previous shed?? He was kept in a desert set-up, very dry. I assume that is why he wasn't doing well. He eats well though, and is very nice.

I just need to know is there anything else I should check?/ I will be taking him to the vet soon. To get all the internal stuff checked.

Thanks Guys.

Tom P

Jeff_Favelle · 07-16-02, 11:42 PM

Keep him in a warm Rubbermaid with a bit higher-than-normal humidity. When the next cycle of ecdysis comes around, spray the crap out of him and keep him super warm. He should shed everything away and be brand new snake. Easy.

CMR · 07-17-02, 12:38 AM

:monkey: Sound like a plan to me. Let us know how it goes…

Dom · 07-17-02, 05:39 AM

Your one your way man!

Kepp us posted!

Dom

Big Mike · 07-17-02, 08:49 AM

Good job on the "rescue"

Nicky · 07-17-02, 09:42 AM

good for you poor snake keep us updated
did u name him?

BoidKeeper · 07-20-02, 08:43 PM

Did you say Ball Python or Bearded Dragon? Heat rock, desert, man I'm a glad you got him out of there.
Best wishes with him,
Trevor
PS
And yes keep us posted.

SilverTongue · 07-20-02, 11:08 PM

Man that is sad!!! If a BP is anything like a corn make sure you check his tail tip to get all the shed off. He might have been so dry he couldnt shed. Did you $#$@#%$# slap the last owners??

>(

Tom P · 07-20-02, 11:36 PM

No name for him/her yet, but I got all the shed off, and he/she looks fantastic. Is there a quick way to sex a 6 year old abll python?

No I didn't slap the owners ( though I felt like it) but they had like 20 cats, 4 dogs, countless birds and who knows what else in that house.

BoidKeeper · 07-21-02, 12:04 AM

Some experienced keepers can tell by looking at the tail so posting a pic might help. But there is only one way to be sure, probe it.
Cheers,
Trevor

SilverTongue · 07-21-02, 12:13 AM

hehe and a 6 yr old BP is not gonna like that. Your best bet since the past owners didnt take care of it you should take it to a vet who also treats herps. Have it checked for worms ticks mites and parasites and he/she should beable to see if it a a boy or a girl

Darren Hamill · 07-21-02, 12:27 AM

Ball Pythons yave too shot of tails to tell by simply looiking at them. They need to be probed to tell for sure.

BoidKeeper · 07-21-02, 06:53 AM

You could also check for sperm plugs. I just brought home a male that is about 1.5 to 2yrs old and while giving him a bath I checked and sure enough he had sperm plugs. The plug can be removed in the same way as manually inverting the hemipines. Gently role your thumb up the tail towards the vent while placing a thumb in front of the vent, if there is a plug it should come out no problem. Just because no plug appears does not mean it is a female it may just mean that he is not producing sperm. If however a plug does pop out then there is no question.
Cheers,
Trevor

sSNAKESs.com · 07-21-02, 07:43 AM

Tom, soak a pillow case with luke warm water, put the bp into the pillow case and tie the end on it, put the case on the floor and just let him crawl around in there... that should take AlOT of the old sheds off. It works like a charm for me

Jeff_Favelle · 07-21-02, 11:27 AM

I new the BP would work out. Now you have a killer BP that you rescued. Now what if it ends up being a female and a good eater? Dude, you will have scored a snake that's worth its weight in gold!! Good luck man, and I think we all deserve to see some pics!!! LOL!!

Jeff Favelle