Snake Question
- Thread starter jimmy g
- Start date
Jimmy, that is a common problem with balls and probably most snakes in captivity. The answer is humidity, or lack of humidity. Where do you keep the snake, and what heating devise are you using? Do you have a large container for him to soak in and is he soaking?
What have you don't to help the snake get rid of the shed when it can't do it?
What have you don't to help the snake get rid of the shed when it can't do it?
jimmy g
Member
The snake is kept in my room along with my aquarium. Well I do have a large dish for him to be soaking in but I have never seen him in it, I just have a ordinary heat lamp on him now.
When the snake has trouble shedding I take him in the sink and soak him for a while then start rubbing him softly and the skin pretty much melts Righ off him.
Thanks for the help,
JIm
When the snake has trouble shedding I take him in the sink and soak him for a while then start rubbing him softly and the skin pretty much melts Righ off him.
Thanks for the help,
JIm
The procedure that you are using to help with sheds is the correct thing to do. Three things you will also need to do is:
Use a magnifying glass to:
Check the eyes and make sure that the lens have come off completely. Take care, because these snakes' lense tend to be wrinkled so you could mistake old sheld for the actual eye of the snake.
Check the vent to make sure that the skin is not stuck there.
Check the tip of the tail to make sure that no skin is lodged there.
Of course, using the mag. glass, a good once over all over is a good idea following a shed.
Are you saying that snake is just kept in your room, or does he have some sort of housing that he stays in?
I can tell you one thing that you must do and that is get the snake into the water dish regularly. Don't assume that the snake will drink or soak when he needs it, because he won't. He is out of his element and now it is up to you to help him stay healthy in captivity. You should change his water daily, and when you do change it then introduce the snake to his pan of water. [Use luke warm water. Not warm but just not cool either.] Place him in the water. Spend some time getting the snake used to this and even gently submerge the snake's head for moment into the water. The idea is to get the snake comfortable with the water. Be gentle and just encourage, not force, the snake into the soak dish.
I can assure you right now your snake is dehydrated. It is very important to take steps to help him along.
Can you explain the housing cage area that he is in? How long do you have the heat lamp on?
I have some experience with these snakes and dehydration issues. I also take my snakes to a well-known herpetolist vet who knows snakes very well and I have learned a great deal about them through him.
Use a magnifying glass to:
Check the eyes and make sure that the lens have come off completely. Take care, because these snakes' lense tend to be wrinkled so you could mistake old sheld for the actual eye of the snake.
Check the vent to make sure that the skin is not stuck there.
Check the tip of the tail to make sure that no skin is lodged there.
Of course, using the mag. glass, a good once over all over is a good idea following a shed.
Are you saying that snake is just kept in your room, or does he have some sort of housing that he stays in?
I can tell you one thing that you must do and that is get the snake into the water dish regularly. Don't assume that the snake will drink or soak when he needs it, because he won't. He is out of his element and now it is up to you to help him stay healthy in captivity. You should change his water daily, and when you do change it then introduce the snake to his pan of water. [Use luke warm water. Not warm but just not cool either.] Place him in the water. Spend some time getting the snake used to this and even gently submerge the snake's head for moment into the water. The idea is to get the snake comfortable with the water. Be gentle and just encourage, not force, the snake into the soak dish.
I can assure you right now your snake is dehydrated. It is very important to take steps to help him along.
Can you explain the housing cage area that he is in? How long do you have the heat lamp on?
I have some experience with these snakes and dehydration issues. I also take my snakes to a well-known herpetolist vet who knows snakes very well and I have learned a great deal about them through him.
jimmy g
Member
Well there is a little bit of skin in the top oh his head but he wont let me tought his head, He pulls back extremly scared.
Yeah, The snake is kept in a 20 Gallon Long tank 30"x12"x12" I am using reptile bark for the bottom, Also had the large water dish and a piece of drift wood for his to climb on or whatever.
For christmas I am looking into a 40 Gallon long for him, or should I go even bigger?
Thank You so much for the help Beth,
JIm
Yeah, The snake is kept in a 20 Gallon Long tank 30"x12"x12" I am using reptile bark for the bottom, Also had the large water dish and a piece of drift wood for his to climb on or whatever.
For christmas I am looking into a 40 Gallon long for him, or should I go even bigger?
Thank You so much for the help Beth,
JIm
Jim: How long have you had this snake? The Ball Python is actually the smallest of what is considered the “giant” snakes. They will go to around 5’ maybe even 6’. My largest snake, and oldest, is 5’ now. So, you can see the need to get a large enclosure for your snake, unless you are going to have him out a lot.
As for housing, I would suggest getting him an enclosure within the enclosure. These snakes live in holes in the ground during the day, and come out to feed at night. They like tight confines so a box that is warm, dark and snug is good, but don’t lock the snake up in the box. It should have a small hole exit where the snake can go in and out. Don’t leave this snake out in the open without some sort of cave area. Without this “cave” to sleep in, the snake will be uncomfortable and stressed. If your snake is around 1’ then try using a shoebox or a small box that you can put together with tape, then cut a hold for it to come in and out.
Do you spend any time handling your snake? This is a debated issue. Some snake-keepers say don’t handle them much, and some say do. I say, what is the point of having a pet if you can’t interact with them. With snakes, making them feel comfortable with you is very important. If your ball recoils from you all the time, then it is because you are a threat to him. You need to gently become this snake’s friend. This could take months. That does not mean that you will be taking him everywhere you go or forcing yourself upon a stressed and recoiling snake. Just gently try to get this snake familiar with you and your handling of him. If he coils into a ball, this is a good time to pick him up and tuck him under your shirt for warmth and bonding with the snake. Once he gets used to your scent he will be less afraid and more willing to interact with you. Do it while he’s young or else he will basically develop into an anti-social snake who is always afraid of you and trying to get away from you. But don’t force the snake to accept you. When he is obviously stressed, that is not the time to try and make friends with you.
The key is to get your snake used to you handling him. But, don’t forget that this guy needs to stay warm so don’t sit out watching TV with him with the AC running full blast, or take him outside when it is cold. Let him crawl on you at will, redirecting him to stay on you as he slithers around you.
How long do you have the heat lamp on, and is there areas of the tank that does not have the heat lamp? Can you get a under-tank gradient heat pad instead? Is the heat on all time?
When you see the snake is beginning the shed cycle, then every single day, make sure that the snake goes into the soaking pan. What are you using? I use a small size kiddy litter pan. As the snake tries to leave the bath, just gently coax him back into the direction of the soak. I think once he gets used to it, you will find that he wants to soak in their during sheds.
Since balls are nocturnal, be sure to change out the water at night, so that he can get a fresh drink and soak. Night time is also a good time to turn off the heat. These animals are from the African Savannas where it is hot in the day and cool in the evening. You want to emulate that temperature cycle.
What are you feeding your snake, and how often? Once the snake eats, you should wait until he realigns his jaw and the prey has been adequately moved into the digestive track, and then move him over to the drinking pan to see if he will sip from the pan. Again, fresh water needed. Don’t put him in the pan, but supply him with the option for a nice fresh bath or drink right after eating.
As for the current piece of leftover shed on the head. Wrap the snake in a nice little ball and secure him in a towel. Let his head pop out from within the towel. Now with a wet was cloth, gently rub water on the area that had the shed. It may not be easy, but he needs to get that shed off. Wrapping him in a towel will make him feel a bit more secure as you work on him.
If you don’t use one now, do start using a magnifying glass to view him. You can also use this for your fish too!
Snakes are great once you get to know them! Feel free to ask if you need more help.
As for housing, I would suggest getting him an enclosure within the enclosure. These snakes live in holes in the ground during the day, and come out to feed at night. They like tight confines so a box that is warm, dark and snug is good, but don’t lock the snake up in the box. It should have a small hole exit where the snake can go in and out. Don’t leave this snake out in the open without some sort of cave area. Without this “cave” to sleep in, the snake will be uncomfortable and stressed. If your snake is around 1’ then try using a shoebox or a small box that you can put together with tape, then cut a hold for it to come in and out.
Do you spend any time handling your snake? This is a debated issue. Some snake-keepers say don’t handle them much, and some say do. I say, what is the point of having a pet if you can’t interact with them. With snakes, making them feel comfortable with you is very important. If your ball recoils from you all the time, then it is because you are a threat to him. You need to gently become this snake’s friend. This could take months. That does not mean that you will be taking him everywhere you go or forcing yourself upon a stressed and recoiling snake. Just gently try to get this snake familiar with you and your handling of him. If he coils into a ball, this is a good time to pick him up and tuck him under your shirt for warmth and bonding with the snake. Once he gets used to your scent he will be less afraid and more willing to interact with you. Do it while he’s young or else he will basically develop into an anti-social snake who is always afraid of you and trying to get away from you. But don’t force the snake to accept you. When he is obviously stressed, that is not the time to try and make friends with you.
The key is to get your snake used to you handling him. But, don’t forget that this guy needs to stay warm so don’t sit out watching TV with him with the AC running full blast, or take him outside when it is cold. Let him crawl on you at will, redirecting him to stay on you as he slithers around you.
How long do you have the heat lamp on, and is there areas of the tank that does not have the heat lamp? Can you get a under-tank gradient heat pad instead? Is the heat on all time?
When you see the snake is beginning the shed cycle, then every single day, make sure that the snake goes into the soaking pan. What are you using? I use a small size kiddy litter pan. As the snake tries to leave the bath, just gently coax him back into the direction of the soak. I think once he gets used to it, you will find that he wants to soak in their during sheds.
Since balls are nocturnal, be sure to change out the water at night, so that he can get a fresh drink and soak. Night time is also a good time to turn off the heat. These animals are from the African Savannas where it is hot in the day and cool in the evening. You want to emulate that temperature cycle.
What are you feeding your snake, and how often? Once the snake eats, you should wait until he realigns his jaw and the prey has been adequately moved into the digestive track, and then move him over to the drinking pan to see if he will sip from the pan. Again, fresh water needed. Don’t put him in the pan, but supply him with the option for a nice fresh bath or drink right after eating.
As for the current piece of leftover shed on the head. Wrap the snake in a nice little ball and secure him in a towel. Let his head pop out from within the towel. Now with a wet was cloth, gently rub water on the area that had the shed. It may not be easy, but he needs to get that shed off. Wrapping him in a towel will make him feel a bit more secure as you work on him.
If you don’t use one now, do start using a magnifying glass to view him. You can also use this for your fish too!
Snakes are great once you get to know them! Feel free to ask if you need more help.
jimmy g
Member
I have had the snake for about 6 months now, I will try to get the biggest reptile cage i can afford for him.
He has a half of a hollow log and he is in it most of the day unless he comes out for a drink. My ball is about 2'6'' right now and he eats adult mice, (prekilled) every week to evey other week.
I try to hold my snake as mush as I can but I dont get around to doing it every day....maybe 3 or 4 times a week. He is extremely social and wont curl up in my hands or even in anybody elses hands either. I use this big piece of tupper wear my my let me use fr thos purpose to let him soak in.
I leave the lamp on for 12 hours a day and he has a under tank heatpad that is under the Hollow log he hides in.
Thank you so much beth, you have been a HUGE help!
Take Care,
Jim
He has a half of a hollow log and he is in it most of the day unless he comes out for a drink. My ball is about 2'6'' right now and he eats adult mice, (prekilled) every week to evey other week.
I try to hold my snake as mush as I can but I dont get around to doing it every day....maybe 3 or 4 times a week. He is extremely social and wont curl up in my hands or even in anybody elses hands either. I use this big piece of tupper wear my my let me use fr thos purpose to let him soak in.
I leave the lamp on for 12 hours a day and he has a under tank heatpad that is under the Hollow log he hides in.
Thank you so much beth, you have been a HUGE help!
Take Care,
Jim
Jim, if he has an under tank heater, than that is all he needs. Likely the combination of heat lamp and undertank heater is too much heat, and that could be the cause of the dehydration. This snake does not need the light nor the bombardment of heat. I would suggest discontinuing the use of the lamp.
That bark log is good, but it doesn't allow the snake to "ball", and that is what is in it's nature to do, thus the name "ball python". Try getting it something that is big enough for him to curl up in.
Have you tried looking at some of the reptile enclosures? I don't know if they might be less costly for you.
That bark log is good, but it doesn't allow the snake to "ball", and that is what is in it's nature to do, thus the name "ball python". Try getting it something that is big enough for him to curl up in.
Have you tried looking at some of the reptile enclosures? I don't know if they might be less costly for you.
I wouldn't do that. The fumes may be harmful. Also, as the snake soils the box, you will need to replace it. There are cave rocks sold, but the snake will out grow that eventually. Too bad I have a big one I thru out in my backyard! LOL
I know you are thinking of how your snake tank looks, but I think about what's best for the snake. Put some tought into it and you may come up with something. But always keep in mind that these snakes are pretty sensitive so don't expose to potential toxins. I put them on the same level as I do the fish where that is concerned.
You have a picture of him?
I know you are thinking of how your snake tank looks, but I think about what's best for the snake. Put some tought into it and you may come up with something. But always keep in mind that these snakes are pretty sensitive so don't expose to potential toxins. I put them on the same level as I do the fish where that is concerned.
You have a picture of him?
texasmetal
Active Member
Snake keeping is great. I like breaking down peoples inhibitions and educating them to how gentle snakes can really be. I like showing them that snakes are not slimey or mean, or even so much as aggressive.
My 2 ball pythons unfortunately died from IBD, a disease transferred from mites that only effects Boas and BP's. More or less the ended up drowning themselves because they lost control of their bodily functions, as IBD attacks their neurological systems. Some call the symptoms "Star gazing" because they seem to stare off into nothing, oblivious to the world around them. One of them was crawling around with its head cocked around backwards.
I do still have 3 male Boas and they are doing very well and I have had them for over 2 years now.
Never ever ever ever feed them live rats. My large female Boa was 7 foot and a few inches, and an absolute pleasure in keeping because she was so comfortable being held and she loved to just hang out in my lap, but something was wrong with her, and I had left her a rat. 3 days went by and she hadn't touched it, and when I got home from work, I discovered that the rat had eaten the flesh off of her face, up to her eyeballs. She was still breathing, and flicking her tongue, but she didn't act right, so I euthanized her. And that was a horrible thing to have to go through.
Also I don't know if anyone mentioned it already but handling them during the shedding process can be tricky if you aren't careful. My 7' big girl bit me on the palm of my hand one day.... it really was surprisingly painless considering she didn't get me too good, but it scared the holy crap out of me!
I really got into snakes when I got my job at the animal shelter. People leave their pets behind in their apartments when they move, get evicted, run from police, etc. So, I get to claim the animals and the equipment.
My 2 ball pythons unfortunately died from IBD, a disease transferred from mites that only effects Boas and BP's. More or less the ended up drowning themselves because they lost control of their bodily functions, as IBD attacks their neurological systems. Some call the symptoms "Star gazing" because they seem to stare off into nothing, oblivious to the world around them. One of them was crawling around with its head cocked around backwards.
I do still have 3 male Boas and they are doing very well and I have had them for over 2 years now.
Never ever ever ever feed them live rats. My large female Boa was 7 foot and a few inches, and an absolute pleasure in keeping because she was so comfortable being held and she loved to just hang out in my lap, but something was wrong with her, and I had left her a rat. 3 days went by and she hadn't touched it, and when I got home from work, I discovered that the rat had eaten the flesh off of her face, up to her eyeballs. She was still breathing, and flicking her tongue, but she didn't act right, so I euthanized her. And that was a horrible thing to have to go through.
Also I don't know if anyone mentioned it already but handling them during the shedding process can be tricky if you aren't careful. My 7' big girl bit me on the palm of my hand one day.... it really was surprisingly painless considering she didn't get me too good, but it scared the holy crap out of me!
I really got into snakes when I got my job at the animal shelter. People leave their pets behind in their apartments when they move, get evicted, run from police, etc. So, I get to claim the animals and the equipment.