How does a snake get septicemia?

“Most respiratory infections in snakes are caused by bacteria and may occur in conjunction with mouth rot.” Septicemia is a condition in which bacteria and the toxins they produce proliferate in the blood stream and other body organs.

Can Ball Pythons carry diseases?

Viral infections Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) of Boid snakes is primarily a neurologic disease in pythons; in boas the main signs are regurgitation, wasting, and stomatitis, but pneumonia from secondary bacterial infections is not uncommon.

Can you get Salmonella from ball pythons?

Their tame nature and small size relative to other pythons make them popular pets in the United States (2,3). However, like other reptiles, ball pythons are known carriers of multiple Salmonella serovars (4). As a result, CDC recommends that children aged <5 years avoid contact with reptiles (5).

Why does my ball python refuse to eat?

Even captive bred ball pythons sometimes refuse to eat, fasting for a couple of months. As long as body weight and condition are maintained, this is not problematic. If your snake stops eating, carefully examine the husbandry, handling, health, and environment of the snake to make sure stress isn’t the culprit.

Are there any pythons that are dangerous to humans?

They can deliver a nasty bite, like any other python, but they do not grow large enough to be dangerous to humans. They grow slightly larger than ball pythons and are thick, heavily built snakes. Due to their relatively small size (and the fact that they are non-venomous like all pythons), these snakes are not considered dangerous to humans.

How big does a ball python snake get?

The ball python is a good snake for a beginning snake owner. Growing to a maximum size of 3 to 5 feet, ball pythons are not as large as many of the other constricting snakes that are kept as pets, are quite docile, and are easy to handle.

What should I do with my ball python?

Provide sturdy branches and a dark hiding place for your snake (they like to feel securely enclosed so it should be just large enough to accommodate the snake).

What are the signs of parasites in a ball python?

Signs of parasites include failing to grow, runny or smelly poop, blood and lots of mucus in poop, regurgitation. Ticks and mites (external parasites) are visible under scales. If a ball python has ticks, it’s also likely to soak for long periods of time.

Why does my ball python have blood in it?

If you notice any blood n your ball python’s poop, make sure to check its vent and poop itself. Collect the sample so that you can take it to the vet if decided. Sometimes, when ball pythons shed, it can cause few drops of blood (due to skin separating from the vent).

What was the cause of death for my ball python?

There might be various reasons why a ball python can die suddenly, including high/low cage temperature, infection, parasitism, dehydration and more. Please take your ball python to a vet as soon as you notice signs of sickness.

Is it normal for a ball python to poop a lot?

Generally, watery or runny poop isn’t normal in ball pythons if it happens more than 2 times in a row. If you have just got your ball python and its poop is runny, allow a bit longer to see if it becomes firmer. Stress after shipping/relocation can cause runny poop in some ball pythons. Make sure temperatures in the cage are ideal.