Fostering a Ball Python

jbt123 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 08:39 PM

Hey guys,

I have a friend who is coming in a few hours with an adult male Ball Python that was her brother's. Unfortunately, it was not taken care of properly. It lived in a broken 20 gallon tank with only a heat rock and a water bowl that only its head could fit into. It was also only fed once a month, and was only given two live mice. She told me that it also has some trouble shedding.

I will see how bad the damage is when he gets here, but apparently he's very friendly. I do not plan on keeping him forever but do plan on fostering him until he gets to 100% and I can find him a good home.

I have a few people who are interested but none of them have ever had a snake. I know that with proper education they would be more than capable of keeping "Sly", but I'd rather adopt him out to someone who has more experience.

I will let everyone know how he's doing and post pictures later on this evening when he arrives. Perhaps someone on here will give him a loving home?

spix14 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 08:43 PM

I would, but unfortunatly I'm a few states away from you. Good luck rehabbing the little guy though!

jbt123 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 08:44 PM

Awww it's all good.

I know no matter what he will find a home somewhere. I know lots of folks.

LdyDrgn · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 08:53 PM

Good luck with him. We are in a similar situation, friend bringing us a ball that was not properly taken care of, has ticks/mites..... uuugh.

Arra · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 08:58 PM

This must be the month of ball rescues. I'm glad he'll have some TLC with you before you find him another good home, hopefully he'll just need some meat on his bones and a good soak

jbt123 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

This must be the month of ball rescues. I'm glad he'll have some TLC with you before you find him another good home, hopefully he'll just need some meat on his bones and a good soak

I have a feeling that is all he'll need.

She said he has no mites etc and I'm also going to supplement him with vitamins. I'm actually excited to see him but also praying that he's in "okay" condition.

Arra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbt123

I have a feeling that is all he'll need.

She said he has no mites etc and I'm also going to supplement him with vitamins. I'm actually excited to see him but also praying that he's in "okay" condition.

They sure are hardy little buggers, I'm sure he'll be just a little itchy and skinny

jbt123 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 11:48 PM

I has pictures!!

As I figured, the only problem with Sly is that he's got a rough, dry shed near his face and neck and he's a little underweight. Other than that, VERY friendly, inquisitive, and beautiful.

My friend told me that her brother had him for 7 years!! She thinks he's about 8 or 9 years old.

And I have a question for you guys...he's still got his "eyelids" stuck on his eyes. What is the easiest way to remove them without stressing him out too much (of course he's head shy...) and without hurting him? I've heard of rubbing a wet towel on their face? I have already removed the skin from his neck that way, but I'm scared about the eyes. I sprayed his face and body with vitamin spray, hopefully that will loosen up the skin on his eyes.

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