Hello, may need assistance with ball python

Pikamba · 10-04-20, 04:08 PM

I have 2 ball pythond and the one is a banana and has only eaten once since i got it on August 12th. It's shed is in patches and I'm worried wondering if anyone could look at these pictures and let me know if it is okay...

**EL Ziggy** · 10-08-20, 09:30 AM

I doubt anyone can give you a full and accurate assessment of the animal’s health from a picture, but the snake looks a bit dehydrated and underweight to me. I would start by making sure the husbandry is dialed in. What are the temps and humidity inside the enclosure? Hopefully the snake will eat once you have everything dialed in. Best wishes and keep us posted.

kazz · 10-08-20, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikamba

It's shed is in patches

It's not ok. You need to gain humidity or use humidity box.
You need to remove unshed scales after soaking in warm water for 15-20 mins. Unshed scales can lead to rotting as far as I know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL Ziggy

the snake looks a bit dehydrated and underweight to me.

I agree. Looks skinny.

**Aaron_S** · 10-08-20, 07:40 PM

Increase humidity. I dump the water dish into the enclosure when they go into shed and refill it. I then do a full clean once they shed.

chairman · 10-09-20, 08:04 PM

I have a candino ball python, it can be difficult to tell when they're shedding.

I'd agree that getting your husbandry properly adjusted, including increasing humidity during shed cycles, is probably the best approach.

Pictures of the enclosure would be helpful.

Pikamba · 10-10-20, 06:53 PM

Thank you all so much! This is the first time I've owned snakes and while I did research I obviously didn't do enough. I've added some sphagnum moss under a hide and have been spraying it with water twice a day to increase the humidity in the enclosure.