Escaped ball python chugging water in bath: Is it safe? What's next?

I'm glad you found him! Since he was missing for so long, an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be strongly recommended to diagnose and treat any illness or injury. In the meantime, give him a good soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm him up and provide hydration. Once he's warm and hydrated, he will be more likely to accept prey.

Snakes will regurgitate or vomit when handled roughly too soo after eating or drinking, when stressed, ill or if ambient temperature is low. Just one episode is no cause for concern. If it continues, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. In the meantime, confirm proper temperatures and survey the area in and around the enclosure for negative stimuli. Reduce or eliminate any negative stimuli.

Hi, Yes this could be normal. Please check him for mites (little parasites that may look like little red dots moving around). If you cannot see many, and assuming that Pie is eating well and shedding regularly there is no cause for concern.

Thanks for reaching out about Sylas. Was this the first time for regurgitation? If so, give the gastrointestinal tract a few days rest and try re-feeding. If regurgitates again, a veterinary visit is recommended. Intestinal parasites or infections are not uncommon. Systemic illnesses or husbandry problems (too cold) or diet problems (prey too cold or overheated) are also possible. Discuss your snake's husbandry and diet routine with your veterinarian. Good luck.

Check the tank temps. If it is too cold, she won't eat. Aim for the mid 70s on the cool side of her enclosure up to the mid/high 80s on warmer side. Feed her at night. BPs are nocturnal and typically feed at night. Create a hide and cover it completely with her and the prey inside. Make sure whatever prey you offer is the appropriate size and not too cold (especially if you feed frozen prey). Other ways to get her to eat would be to offer different colored mice. Tap a thawed, warmed or freshly killed mouse on her nose to elicit a strike. Removing her from the enclosure, placing the prey in, then returning her about 30 minutes later may also get her to eat. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte a couple times daily to treat or prevent mild dehydration. Do not force feed her if she is dehydrated or without the advice of your veterinarian.

Snakes have a very slow metabolism. So, it takes them a long time to get sick and conversely a long time to get better. Overall from the photo he doesn’t look too bad, just thin. Just get all your husbandry 100% correct and he should come around. ( https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/ball-python-python-regius-basic-husbandry-and-feeding-housi ) If you keep trying to feed him and he doesn’t want it that can cause food aversion. So, it’s best to offer him nothing for a few weeks. Snakes can go very long time without eating so I wouldn’t really be worried about that. When you do start feeding him start with a lot smaller pray than you would normally use (like pinkies). Are you using live or pre-killed food? If you’re trying pre-killed he may not be used to that . He also may be in brumation so keep that in mind. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you are welcome to post again or you can opt for a private consultation if you want to chat back and forth. Best wishes.

All pythons vary in eating. Most eat weekly but based on shedding and weather they can eat less often. Most pythons grow based on their enclosure. If you want to have it grow bigger try a bigger enclosure and good husbandry (substrate,lighting,water) are super important.