Switching Ball Python to f/t mice? - Page 3

Lankyrob · 07-27-14, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

So I should try and maintain 60% humidity?

I used to keep mine at a minimum of 60-65% and up it to 75% at shed time.

vypr · 07-27-14, 12:14 PM

Another update for awhile -- the pre-killed mouse I left in his a hide across from another hide he was in didn't work out. He actually slept right next to the mouse in the same hide, curled up next to it.
I removed the mouse and I will not mess with the terrarium for another week.

EDIT: It's strange, not sure why but he is rubbing his nose against items in his terrarium... kind of like he is shedding. Strange.

EDIT2: He is really going at it, he is rubbing his nose on a branch, rock, and substrate.
The same way my Milk Snake does to shed.
Did the breeder give me a younger snake or something?

vypr · 07-27-14, 03:55 PM

He is shedding now, I thought since he was 3 weeks old when I got him he wouldn't need to shed for awhile. He showed no signs of shedding (no blue eyes, pink belly, etc).
I placed a big container full of water (slightly warm), the humidity is 75%. I sprayed down the whole terrarium.

FWK · 07-27-14, 05:30 PM

I've only raised one BP from a hatching but it shed every four weeks like clockwork for the first six months or so. Yours may have just had his second shed. It doesn't seem likely it was his first unless the breeder you got him from is really shady. But then he said he didn't have time to switch it to F/T so who knows... I've heard of snakes who shed without ever showing signs of being in shed but I've never seen it myself. Either way he has been in a shed cycle the whole time you've had him and that is probably just another part of the not eating equation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

Another update for awhile -- the pre-killed mouse I left in his a hide across from another hide he was in didn't work out. He actually slept right next to the mouse in the same hide, curled up next to it.
I removed the mouse and I will not mess with the terrarium for another week.

You are only adding to his stress by repeatedly offering food when he has made it clear he isn't ready to eat. Follow through on leaving him alone this time. Cover the front of the tank to remind you to leave him alone if you have to.

vypr · 07-27-14, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWK

I've only raised one BP from a hatching but it shed every four weeks like clockwork for the first six months or so. Yours may have just had his second shed. It doesn't seem likely it was his first unless the breeder you got him from is really shady. But then he said he didn't have time to switch it to F/T so who knows... I've heard of snakes who shed without ever showing signs of being in shed but I've never seen it myself. Either way he has been in a shed cycle the whole time you've had him and that is probably just another part of the not eating equation.

You are only adding to his stress by repeatedly offering food when he has made it clear he isn't ready to eat. Follow through on leaving him alone this time. Cover the front of the tank to remind you to leave him alone if you have to.

Yep, other than misting and replacing water I'll not mess with his terrarium.
Next weekend he will probably eat

**Aaron_S** · 07-28-14, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

He is shedding now, I thought since he was 3 weeks old when I got him he wouldn't need to shed for awhile. He showed no signs of shedding (no blue eyes, pink belly, etc).
I placed a big container full of water (slightly warm), the humidity is 75%. I sprayed down the whole terrarium.

Don't buy from this "breeder" again.

Anyway it looks like the shed may have stopped the eating. It's okay. I would just offer a new pre-killed meal on Wednesday.

vypr · 07-28-14, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Don't buy from this "breeder" again.

Anyway it looks like the shed may have stopped the eating. It's okay. I would just offer a new pre-killed meal on Wednesday.

He did seem kind of strange, I just purchased from him because he was selling his BP for $20.

So far he seems to be doing better, his shed seems to have went well... but there is still a bit of flakiness, nothing too serious.
I am also thinking of upgrading to another substrate that absorbs moisture better, is Repti Bark good?

**Aaron_S** · 07-28-14, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

He did seem kind of strange, I just purchased from him because he was selling his BP for $20.

So far he seems to be doing better, his shed seems to have went well... but there is still a bit of flakiness, nothing too serious.

It's a sign your humidity is low is all. I know you didn't know he was shedding so don't worry about it this time.

When you notice the next time I would dump the water dish into the enclosure then refill it. It's what I do with my bins and I get perfect sheds every time.

vypr · 07-29-14, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

It's a sign your humidity is low is all. I know you didn't know he was shedding so don't worry about it this time.

When you notice the next time I would dump the water dish into the enclosure then refill it. It's what I do with my bins and I get perfect sheds every time.

It's very wet and humid, but about you saying feeding him penkilled on Wednesday.
I probably won't be able to go to the let store for a bit, should I retry f/t or what?

vypr · 08-02-14, 06:23 PM

Just an update on everything so far:
I last tried to feed him the 30th of July (f/t)
The cool side is now 78-82f, hot side still around 90 +-2
The humidity was 75% during his shed, now 50%. Full shed finished two days ago.
The hide he is using is very small and he fits snug
The sides are enclosed - I keep the area quiet and hardly ever open the terrarium.
I have him on a daily/nightly schedule with a fluorescent bulb.

What is my next step?
Feed him Wednesday, this weekend, or another time?
What should I feed him? Retry F/T, prekilled, live?

Any other recommendations, I'm going to try to do everything perfect.
Also I'm wanting to switch him to either repti bark or coconut bark, should I wait until he is more comfortable?

Teal · 08-02-14, 06:47 PM

I always cringe when I see posts like this. I rarely hear good outcomes.

My advice - DO NOT try to feed him for 5-7 days. Try whatever prey you want him to eat. If it is f/t, you can live it in overnight. Never leavei live prey unattended with your snake.

Best of luck.

vypr · 08-02-14, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teal

I always cringe when I see posts like this. I rarely hear good outcomes.

My advice - DO NOT try to feed him for 5-7 days. Try whatever prey you want him to eat. If it is f/t, you can live it in overnight. Never leavei live prey unattended with your snake.

Best of luck.

Yep as I've mentioned in my previous post I've switched to every 7 days.
This upcoming Wednesday will mark the 7th day.

franks · 08-02-14, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

Just an update on everything so far:
I last tried to feed him the 30th of July (f/t)
The cool side is now 78-82f, hot side still around 90 +-2
The humidity was 75% during his shed, now 50%. Full shed finished two days ago.
The hide he is using is very small and he fits snug
The sides are enclosed - I keep the area quiet and hardly ever open the terrarium.
I have him on a daily/nightly schedule with a fluorescent bulb.

What is my next step?
Feed him Wednesday, this weekend, or another time?
What should I feed him? Retry F/T, prekilled, live?

Any other recommendations, I'm going to try to do everything perfect.
Also I'm wanting to switch him to either repti bark or coconut bark, should I wait until he is more comfortable?

I have used coco bark before in mixtures but I am convinced that the fine fibers irritate some snakes when dry. If you try it just keep an eye and be ready to switch if the snake starts acting differently

vypr · 08-02-14, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

I have used coco bark before in mixtures but I am convinced that the fine fibers irritate some snakes when dry. If you try it just keep an eye and be ready to switch if the snake starts acting differently

That makes sense, I just want to get a better humidity maintaining substrate other than my aspen.

**Aaron_S** · 08-03-14, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

Just an update on everything so far:
I last tried to feed him the 30th of July (f/t)
The cool side is now 78-82f, hot side still around 90 +-2
The humidity was 75% during his shed, now 50%. Full shed finished two days ago.
The hide he is using is very small and he fits snug
The sides are enclosed - I keep the area quiet and hardly ever open the terrarium.
I have him on a daily/nightly schedule with a fluorescent bulb.

What is my next step?
Feed him Wednesday, this weekend, or another time?
What should I feed him? Retry F/T, prekilled, live?

Any other recommendations, I'm going to try to do everything perfect.
Also I'm wanting to switch him to either repti bark or coconut bark, should I wait until he is more comfortable?

Just wait to switch the substrate. Aspen does fine. I used it in my bins for awhile.

I would feed on the 7th day whatever prey item you choose.
Personally, since we've written off the breeder at this point my guess is it's used to eating live and I would do that but you can try f/t before going that route if you wish.