Ball Python Death

lincolnlady · 01-08-09, 03:50 PM

I recently left the country for a few weeks and while I was away my son's girlfriend let our 3 year old ball python out of her enclosure by mistake. When I found out they couldn't find her I cut my trip short and came home hoping for a quick recovery. I managed to find her a few hours after I returned but I think she is dead. She is not moving and does not appear to be breathing. I am scared to write her off as dead because I am not sure. Can anyone help me? The spot I found her in is quite cool and I am wondering do ball pythons hibernate? Or did she die of deydration? She was out for 4 days.

Ringo · 01-10-09, 07:04 PM

it really depends on how cold cool is..if she was real cold for all 4 days...not good...i would put her back under the heat lamp and wait..if no change in about an hour or 1 1/2 hours... i don't think she's gonna make it... good luck

phil_7870 · 01-10-09, 07:36 PM

plz tell us what happened .im goin to bed as it is 1:30am and i really would like to no hope he is ok

**Aaron_S** · 01-10-09, 08:57 PM

If it's not limp like a noodle then it's not dead yet. Just put it back in it's enclosure, on the hot side and keep an eye on it. See if it makes a recovery. You can't really tell if a snake is breathing, and it would take a snake more than 4 days, I would guess to die of dehydration.

Chu'Wuti · 01-10-09, 10:47 PM

How frightening! I hope that she's just too cold to move and that warming her up will bring her "back to life"! Good luck!

lincolnlady · 01-11-09, 12:49 PM

Well, first I would like to thank everyone for their support and suggestions. Sadly, Saphira did not make it. I tried warming her in a shallow tub of warm water for over an hour and then I placed her under her basking light all night and most of the next day. There was absolutely no sign of life and I had no choice but to accept that she was gone. I am extremely heartbroken and hope that she did not suffer. I can't help wondering why she did not survive. She was very well fed and active and the room was cool not cold around 19 degrees. I guess I will never be sure.

Ringo · 01-11-09, 02:57 PM

you'll probably never know what killed her but i doubt it was dehydration after 4 days..and you would think she would find a warm spot to hide and not stay in the cool spot very long...I'm very sorry for your loss...

Chu'Wuti · 01-11-09, 09:07 PM

I'm so sorry, lincolnlady. It really hurts to lose a beloved pet.