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Shedding problems?

R

Ripley71

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I am still doing my research before I decide to buy my first snake - thinking of a ball python. I have been eying a pinstripe that seems friendly but just heard he/she has problems shedding at least the last three times. They had asked me if I like being a hands on pet owner as it sounds like I would have to help in the shedding process w/ massage & help prying off. Is this a problem or just a more hands on process?

Also talked to a pet store owner, while looking for other things, who had nothing good to say about snakes & thought pythons would be on the next banned list due to everyone was letting them go out in the wild once they got tired of them. I really question the store owner as I have never seen a python slithering wild in WA.
 
Sounds like that store owner has a few screws loose, and as for the shedding problems, sounds like that snake doesn't have enough humidity when it sheds
 
I agree, don't think ball pythons will ever be on the list. If they have a bad shed once all you have to do is bring up the humidity by simply spraying the cage a few times a week. I don't see how someone can let it have so many back to back bad sheds. This would be a red flag for me. It may also have other problems you don't know of. I would go with a nice healthy one that has perfect sheds and is a great feeder.
 
Most pet shops keep their reptiles in tanks, which makes them easy to view for customers, but they don't retain the humidity that BP's require to be healthy and have good sheds. If that is the BP's only problem and you like it, I wouldn't consider it a dealbreaker. I would also look at the price - pinstripes are getting pretty cheap - and you might find a local private breeder who would sell you a healthier one for a much lower price than you'd find at a retailer.

Pet store BP's can come with a host of other issues, such as mites and respiratory infections due to lack of quarantine, and stress leading to going off feed. All of these are fixable BUT you have to be prepared to deal with them before you even bring the animal home.

Since this is your first snake, I would suggest setting up an appropriate enclosure first - NOT A TANK - get a tub or reptile-specific enclosure, complete with heat, thermostat, 2 hides, water dish, IR thermometer, etc. that can maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Get a can of PAM (Provent-A-Mite) and pre-treat the enclosure and hides the day before, and some Reptile Spray so you can wipe down the snake immediately when you bring it home if you get one from the pet shop.

Then leave your BP alone for the first week, handling only minimally if he passes urates or feces, or you do find mites and need to treat him again with the Reptile Spray, or you see signs of an RI and need to take him to the vet. Offer food after a week and again, leave him alone.

Speaking of vets, find a good exotic animal vet now, you don't want to be scrambling to find one when you see your little guy drooling and blowing bubbles from his nose.
 
Mickeyblueyes said:
I agree, don't think ball pythons will ever be on the list.
Click to expand...
Don't underestimate the ignorance of your elected officials! The "dangerous wild animal" bill that passed the House in my state and is currently pending before the Senate lists all boa species, period, as requiring a permit as they are dangerous wild animals.

Yes, I know that boas aren't BP's, but under the bill there is no legal difference between keeping even a Caulker Cay, Tarahumara, or Dumerils boa and a crocodile or tiger.
 
Thanks for the info. I think the price is high for a box pet store. They are asking $199.00 for the "fancy" pinstripe when I see them a little cheaper from breeders. I think I was more attracted to it because it was a nice snake per the employees.
 
Good decision to pass on that and all the potential problems. You can get a nice healthy lemonblast for that price from a reputable breeder. Do your research like mentioned above and good luck.
 
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