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 #1841665


Skunk1995
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 I found a BP and need help

Hey, my name is Mario and I found a BP. I need tips on how to keep her/him happy. Do’s and dont’s? And any tips that ya can think of. Main one is how do I know is its a he/she?

How I got it:
It was raining like crazy outside and when I went to go look for one of my cats i found this snake in my apt parking lot. I grabbed it with a stick and put it in a 5 gallon container. After i brought it inside I found out that it was hurt or something...... You can see it from the pics. I dont know if its something that its going to heal by it self or I need to treat it. After I did a bit of research and found out that it was a BP I decided to start playing with it. I still did not know if it was going to bite me. Finally with 2 of my friends we started to get more comfortable. Finally I was able to handle it and it was fine. I dont know if it belongs to anyone in my apt complex or if it was just a wild snake.

Here are some pics:





Here is some pics of the damage on it, you can see it on the last picture better, its right after its head!




08/24/08  11:37pm

 #1841677


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841665


 I found a BP and need help

If you plan on keeping it, youll need to invest in anywhere from 30 bucks to over a hundred.

First, here is an excellent caresheet

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&id=59

read that, it will tell you everything you need to know.


What youll need to buy

A home- You can get a 28-78 qt plastic Sterilite bin, if you wanna be cheap (no problem, it’s what i use lol) for like 15 dollars, a heating pad that will warm at least a quarter of it for another 15-20. Or if you have the money and room, a tank. You’d need a pretty big one, and they can get expensive.

Substrate-Then just newspaper to put on the bottom.thats like, what, 50 cents? a dollar? You should NEVER use pine, but you can use aspen, which is what i use.

Hides- A place for it to curl up in, i dunno what to use for something that big (my BP is still pretty young), i’m sure another member will tell you a good one to use. that can be anywhere from free if you have something viable at home to 8-20 bucks


Food- A water dish. If you cant find something at home you can probably get one cheap. I would feed him rats. You can feed live but that risks injury, or you can feed frrozen (after you heat it up). Either way it’s not expensive. Something that big can be fed once every one or two weeks, and a rat would probably be about 1-2 dolalrs depending on where you are at.

After you set up everything you SHOULD get a digital thermometer (the caresheet has suggestions on which ones to get) and digital humidity...detector thing. That is where youll probably spend hte most money. I dunno how much they go for but can be anywhere from 20-40 dollars.

After you have it all set up, leave him alone in his new home for a week or two. Dont play with him, touch him, feed him, anything. Let him get used to his new home.


Do you plan on keeping him? It would be great if you did, it seems like he needs a good home, and it would be really a storybook ending if you took good care of him after whatever trauma it’s been through. If you do plan on keeping him, make sure you invest in all that. That snake has already been through enough.

If you dont plan on keeping him, start asking around and posting flyers trying to find it’s owner. If you cant find the owner, i’m sure someone on this board would love to adopt and help him out. Where do you live? Cause i would gladly do it.



08/24/08  11:51pm

 #1841681


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841677


 I found a BP and need help

Oh, and it is definitely NOT wild. Unless you live in africa.
08/24/08  11:52pm

 #1841686


LoftLizard
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841681


 I found a BP and need help

Hard to tell from the pics... but it looks like it is just a bad shed?

I wouldn’t advise handling the snake. Get it set up and then let it alone to acclimate.

That is a well fed snake, it was definitely in someone’s care prior to ending up in that parking lot. Would be worth trying to find the owner, if for no other reason to discern how long this snake has been out and about for.

If you don’t have experience... unless you’re willing to crash test and learn how to set it up and get it on track, including a vet visit, then I would suggest getting it to a qualified keeper or a rescue organization.

Bruce
08/24/08  11:58pm

 #1841688


Skunk1995
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841681


 I found a BP and need help

I defenetly plan on keeping it. I’m looking to buy a 50 gal aquarium with the stand and all. I just want to be able to keep it happy. As far as heat, would it be ok for a day or two while I get the equipment? And if you say its not wild, you mean it had to escape from somebody??



08/25/08  12:01am

 #1841691


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: LoftLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1841686


 I found a BP and need help

I mentioned it and LostLizard did as well, but i should reiterate for your safety and the snakes.

DONT HANDLE IT. Leave him alone, make sure he doesn’t get loose, and move him when you HAVE to, but he shouldn’t be picked up until he spends at least a week in his new home. Handling him after all this will stress him out greatly and cause him to bite.
08/25/08  12:02am

 #1841701


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841688


 I found a BP and need help

It’ll be fine for a few days. Ball pythons are very resilient, so don’t worry about it, but do try to get it as soon as possible.

Is this your first snake?

Ball pythons are considered good beginner snakes cause they are easy to care for and very safe. they rarely bite, and their bites are usually not that bad. So i wouldn’t be at all worried about his temperment (AFTER THE FIRST WEEK OF BEING LEFT ALONE)

Let me warn you, if it ever does bite you, not to worry. Reptiles are different from other pet animals, do to their primitive minds and bodies. On the off chance that he does bite, dont get too upset. Just leave him alone for the night, learn from your mistake whatever it was, and come back the next day.

The best ways to prevent a bite is to handle it daily so it gets used to being handled by you, and so you get used to it’s demeanor.

All this talk of biting will probably make it seem likes it’s common. Lol, i really don’t mean to. I have just seen so many people not knowing what they are doing, getting a snake, and getting bit, and then over reacting and killing or returning the snake. But odds are that the snake wont hurt you at all. Congrats!
08/25/08  12:10am

 #1841707


Skunk1995
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841691


 I found a BP and need help

At first i thought it was a bad shed too, but on the bottom of it I can see a small cut, i was not able to take a picture.

I will leave it alone till I have all his new home set up. The snake never hissed at me or anything, really calm. I have it in a plastic container right now with a bowl of water and a cardboard box. It went in the box right away and it looks like its sleeping.

Anything else just say it, If I’m doing something wrong just let me know. I’m reading all about it right now, but i always like to hear good or bad opinions. Thanks in advance for all the help.
08/25/08  12:16am

 #1841709


Skunk1995
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841707


 I found a BP and need help

And yes this is my first snake, I always wanted one but my girl never did. Now that I found this one she says its ok to keep, so I’m going to invest the money to keep it happy!
08/25/08  12:19am

 #1841712


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841707


 I found a BP and need help

thats fine. I would suggest taking it to a vet just to make sure everything is allright. I have never taken any of my snakes to a vet, but seeing as how yours was injured and out in the rain and all it would probably be best.

Also, make sure that it doesn’t belong to anyone in your apartment complex before you spend money on it and get attached. It would be ashamed for you to get attached to the snake and spend tons of money, only to have to return him. Between you and me, i hope you dont find the owner and you get to keep him.

You seem to be doing everything superbly. Read the care sheets, lurk the forum, post if you have any questions, i still do. Have fun and good luck!
08/25/08  12:22am

 #1841714


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841709


 I found a BP and need help

Quote:

I always wanted one but my girl never did.



LOL thats the exact same thing with me! When i got a single dorm to myself, my girlfriend said it would be great if i got a snake now to keep me company and get it out of my system. Jokes on her, cause BP live for over 20 years.
08/25/08  12:23am

 #1841729


Skunk1995
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841714


 I found a BP and need help

Well thanks for the link, I read the whole thing.... And if the onwer does pop out I would hate to give it back, but I would and then just get me a baby one a take care of it. One thing that I cant find is how do I know if its he or a she??
08/25/08  12:41am

 #1841732


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841729


 I found a BP and need help

You would need to have a vet or a breeder tell you. There is a whole prodding method, but you shouldn’t try it if you don’t know what your doing, as it can seriously injure the snake.
08/25/08  12:42am

 #1841735


Skunk1995
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841732


 I found a BP and need help

whats the best way to transport them to the vet?



08/25/08  12:48am

 #1841739


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841735


 I found a BP and need help

no clue. I actually need to start thread asking a similar question, cause i’m gonna be transporting mine to my school in a few days so i dont know how i’m gonna go about it
08/25/08  12:51am

 #1841797


Rebelyell83
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1841739


 I found a BP and need help

i use a tote 27x16x6.5 or a pillow case,or a pillow case in a tote to transport mine
08/25/08  05:10am

 #1841804


Mechnut450
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841735


 I found a BP and need help

I found a pillow case and a towel inside for it to hid amoung it worsk great whe n I transport snakes around. ( I remove snake sfrom house for peopel all the time ). Iwould say just keep an ear outfor somone asking about the snake snake. and or local papers for a lose snake part. that snakes looks preatty healthy so it not been roaming long. I say it possible you may find more around ( if the owner turn it loose) For it seeems it just like those lays chips you can’t have just one .. lol But if you do find more than one ( or other type of snakes that are not normally found in your area I let the local aspca or someone know ( since in many states you need a premit to keep them and all.) They may know who t ogo arrest for animal cruelty sicne they would not make it long once it starts to cool off .
08/25/08  06:41am

 #1841812


LoftLizard
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   Message To: Mechnut450   In reference to Message Id: 1841804


 I found a BP and need help

Sorry this is quick, just having a read as I down my AM coffee... best way to transport a snake is in a snake bag... AKA a pillowcase tied tight. :)

Put the case in a tote, that has a few air holes drilled in it so the snake can breathe, they don’t need much air.

The ball-pythons.net care sheet should have everything you need to get him/her set up.

Your priority regarding the vet is that if the snake is injured you want to prevent infection, and the lack of heat, depending on how long it has been in that parking lot, can result in a Respitory Infection (RI). Temps below 75 degrees can lead to RI.

Make sure your vet has experience with exotics.

Triple protection polysporin is a must for any herper’s toolbox, but use the one without painkillers (they are toxic to snakes)... same with bedding... cypress or aspen (pine and cedar are also toxic to snakes as they contain phenols).

The polysporin is for the cut. There is a good chance that it may have met with a cat along the way.

Good luck with the snake. I’ll check the thread when I get home from work.

Bruce

Why don’t I ever come across free snakes? If I find one it is usually just one of mine escaping and hiding in the laundry room to hiss at me while I sort socks.



08/25/08  06:56am

 #1841845


Dinkanber
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   Message To: LoftLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1841812


 I found a BP and need help

Sorry to butt in here but I saw you where saying you were getting a 50 gallon tank..Isnt that too big guys,I was told on here no more than a 30 gallon because they like small spaces.
08/25/08  08:29am

 #1841913


Reflex
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   Message To: Dinkanber   In reference to Message Id: 1841845


 I found a BP and need help

Quote:

Sorry to butt in here but I saw you where saying you were getting a 50 gallon tank..Isnt that too big guys,I was told on here no more than a 30 gallon because they like small spaces.


Don’t be sprry, I was about to butt in lol...

Ball pythons are very shy and secretive, large spaces stress them out. But it is possible that you can make him comfortable in a 50 gallon, at least he is full grown. You’ll just need to do a lot of cluttering up the cage.

By the looks of that snake, you can get a small sized kitty litter box and cut a hole on the side... but the general rule is that the hide needs to touch all sides of your snake’s body.

I dunno if someone already told you this or not, but you can help his bad shed by putting him in a warm damp pillowcase with a damp cloth inside of that for him to slither around in for about 15-20 minutes, the moisture and gentle rubbing on the clothe will help him get it off himself. I wouild do that ASAP... Minimal handling and then let him acclimate once his cage is accurately set up.
08/25/08  11:17am

 #1842244


Skunk1995
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   Message To: Reflex   In reference to Message Id: 1841913


 I found a BP and need help

So finally I got a UTH pad and a digital thermo/humid meter (whatever its name is). I also bought some frozen mice to feed it to make sure it not hungry. I also had to take some pics under its belly to see the damge, it looks bad but it seems to be very calm. Here are the pics. Tell me what ya’ll think!




08/25/08  05:11pm

 #1842250


Reflex
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1842244


 I found a BP and need help

Especially because it is on the belly, I’d take it to the vet for some antibiotics and to make sure it isn’t infected. You can always find free vet visits in the clipper magazines for vets offices who have reptile savvy vets. That’ll save you... around $52 lol
08/25/08  05:17pm

 #1842306


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1842244


 I found a BP and need help

oh the poor guy. He may not eat frozen food though.

It’s really fifty fifty. If his previous owner had been feeding him frozen, then you shouldn’t have a problem, although like we said, you should give him a week to settle in, so he probably wont eat right away. If his owner was feeding him live, then you have another problem.

And i know it’s obvious but...

Reheat the food. Dont put it in a microwave, youll make a mess. What i do is put the food in a plastic bag, then dip the bag into really really hot water for awhile.

The two things to remember are, don’t feed him yet, and make sure to give him a week before anything. And that week comes AFTER he’s in his new fully setup home.
08/25/08  06:07pm

 #1842480


Momofsix
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1841735


 I found a BP and need help

Quote:

whats the best way to transport them to the vet?



We use a pillowcase closed tightly. Works good and keeps stress down. Remember they are good escape artists so make sure the pillowcase is secured.

Congrats! Enjoy! Be sure to get to a vet ASAP. You want a healthy animal. :)
08/25/08  08:11pm

 #1842497


Momofsix
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   Message To: Reflex   In reference to Message Id: 1841913


 I found a BP and need help

Quote:

Ball pythons are very shy and secretive, large spaces stress them out. But it is possible that you can make him comfortable in a 50 gallon, at least he is full grown. You’ll just need to do a lot of cluttering up the cage.



I know each are different but our BP is 8 months old and we have her in a 75 gallon tank and she does fine. No stress, very little clutter and she does great. Maybe we are just fortunate but we have used 75 gallons with both our BPs. Just thought I would add that some do fine in larger tanks. Our Claira isn’t big at all but she loves to roam.

Pic for size estimation





08/25/08  08:19pm

 #1842531


Mechnut450
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   Message To: Momofsix   In reference to Message Id: 1842497


 I found a BP and need help

if you guys save the other pics to hd and look at them yeah I sathe snake need a vet ( and that just the top pics cause it looks like it had wire are something cut it across the top. AS for at findingte owner I would not bother ( other may agess once the zoom in on theose pics too.) cause it looks likt the top are a older injury andthis aniam l has been left to fend for it self once they tossed it out.. I can only hioope you and it have a safe and long future together..



08/25/08  08:47pm

 #1842641


Skunk1995
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   Message To: Mechnut450   In reference to Message Id: 1842531


 I found a BP and need help

I will be taking it to the vet soon, as for the feeding, I fed it one mice. I bought 2 for $10. I put it in a ziplock bag and dipped it on a bowl of hot water for about 45 min to make sure the mice was thawed all the way. I used some tongues to feed it to it and the snake went for it right away. I did not see it having any problems eating it. I think this little fella is going to be just fine.



08/25/08  10:15pm

 #1842669


TheMadLeper
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1842641


 I found a BP and need help

That’s great news that he ate! Awesome! I’m glad everything seems to be working out for you!
08/25/08  11:02pm

 #1842704


Reflex
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   Message To: Skunk1995   In reference to Message Id: 1842641


 I found a BP and need help

Quote:

I fed it one mice. I bought 2 for $10


Was it a mouse, or a rat? If it was a mouse, DAAAANG! I pay $0.60 each for mine, then again I buy from a private selller. Still... never heard of a mouse being $5.

Anyway, the largest rat he should have is a small one, roughly 4 weeks old.



08/26/08  12:17am

 #1842706


Skunk1995
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   Message To: TheMadLeper   In reference to Message Id: 1842669


 I found a BP and need help

Ok, I dont want to get bit, even though I know it will happen one day. But what are signs of it about to happen, what are the main things that will stress out a python? How do I know its stressed out? This python seems to be very calm. I know I’m not to be hadaling it, but I had to move a few things in its temp home till I get the aquarium. I just want to make sure that Its not stressed out and I dont even know it. Can you even tell if they are? Another thing, when it was eating, i never notice the big fangs! Do they even have any or do they just have small teeth and is it possible to remove them? Is it a bad thing to do? Sorry for all the questions, I just dont want to do something bad, or something that is not recommended!



08/26/08  12:18am
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