Finally got them into submission...

[LV-426]

That's exactly what I tried to warn him about before he bought the snake. These CH baby ball pythons have a notoriously poor survival rate, even with people who have ample reptile experience.

And trust me, that chain sells reptiles that are not CB all the time, so they either lied or are clueless.
Strangely, this is like the third forum this week I've visited where a teen has bought an animal despite several warnings, then blamed mom. ::

When mom is the one who is paying I guess she chooses where to buy it. Most parents are not reptile people so they most likely won't help the kid do the research associated with purchasing a quality animal. Most people are biased against reptiles or any exotic pet.

 

[Niffarious]

I think I must have been very lucky. My folks knew I'd done my research and still listened to me even when they were footing the bill.

To the OP - I really do hope the little BP will come around. For what it's worth, you might want to look into soft furred rats if everything else is failing. They are a natural food source and I've heard several accounts of picky BP's taking them with gusto. The jury is still out on that, but if nothing else it would be worth a shot if they are available in your area.

 

[lizardminion]

When mom is the one who is paying I guess she chooses where to buy it. Most parents are not reptile people so they most likely won't help the kid do the research associated with purchasing a quality animal. Most people are biased against reptiles or any exotic pet.

I was going to say...

Don't get mad at me. If anything, I admire all you guys and your advice, and urged my mom to go to a breeder, but she can be a bit of a turd (excuse me) and doesn't actually care. (she got me the snake just to get me to shut up. But that's a totally unrealistic expectation... ) You also have to remember I only contributed about $25 for the supplies.
I was hoping to go to the reptile expo this Saturday, but she made it a pain in the *** and in the end, I wasn't able to. So, as much as I hated it- but alas it's better than nothing- ended up going to the pet store for an over-priced, bad shape python.
Nonetheless, should I be unable to feed this thing after his shed, I will return for a refund and go find a local breeder. Or I might get an anery corn snake, just cause I want one so badly, but I'll probably save that for a second-snake experience...

Strangely, this is like the third forum this week I've visited where a teen has bought an animal despite several warnings, then blamed mom. ::

Well, the teen in this situation didn't buy it. Instead, Mom was the one who bought it.

 

[LV-426]

I wasnt trying to put you down or anything, just pointing out the fact that your mom was the one paying and you really didn't have much choice to where to get your snake

 

[lizardminion]

I wasnt trying to put you down or anything, just pointing out the fact that your mom was the one paying and you really didn't have much choice to where to get your snake

No that big part wasn't directed at you. Just the "I was going to say..." part.
A quote I used to reinforce my statement.

Edit: So, he doesn't look milky and his eyes have cleared up. Well, everything cleared up basically. He's been like that for two days. However, I have yet to see any actual shed anywhere so I have no clue as to if he's actually shed yet.

 

[Louise E. Rothstein]

No shed in sight?
Could he have eaten it all?
Snakes seldom do that,but this snake had been starving.

 

[lizardminion]

No, he did a complete shed a several days ago. Came off in two complete pieces. We then tried to feed him yesterday, but he still wouldn't eat. I'm considering taking him back and letting him be PetSmart's problem again. It's sad though, he is starving. If I take him back, (and get a refund) I'll be driving up to the VPI facility and buy a pastel or enchi.
Once they respond to my email.

 

[lizardminion]

Great news, everyone! I've got my python to eat today!
He immediately went for the live fuzzy with no hesitation and swallowed it with gusto!
Next week, I may try with another live fuzzy, but the week after that, I will then attempt to feed him pre-killed and will start training him to eat f/t food. Right now though, I'm just glad to have him eating and will be working on fattening him up.

 

[Thistles]

Excellent! So glad the little guy is eating now that he's done with his shed.

 

[lizardminion]

Seems like he had a troubled start, but he's got a great future ahead of him.

 

[Walk Alone]

Great news, everyone! I've got my python to eat today!

Good job! I hope you keep this thread updated to let us know how he's doing.

 

[lizardminion]

He's doing quite fine. Tomorrow is the scheduled feeding day, and he's going to have 2 live fuzzies to assist in fattening him up.
Also, he's currently breaking my sister's fear of snakes. In fact, she's considering getting her own some day...

Edit: I took some pics of the lil' fella. These are my three favs! The rest are on my facebook; they aren't as good though.hotogenic: