Ball python sleeping vertical - Ask Extension
I caught my ball python sleeping in a very strange way. He eats normal never had a problem. He doesnt show signs of respiratory problems his mouth is ...
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Ball python sleeping vertical #617970
Asked March 21, 2020, 4:05 AM EDT
I caught my ball python sleeping in a very strange way. He eats normal never had a problem. He doesnt show signs of respiratory problems his mouth is always closed not hanging open to breathe. I probably got him 2 weeks ago . he came in his original tank which is 40 gallons. But also he always seems to be hungry. After i feed him i will put him back in his tank. He usually gets a drink and goes to relax. But in about 15 -20 mins later he is back doing laps around the tank, and goes up one side to the top to the other side doing the same thing . ive tried feeding him 2 large mice and the next day he is doing the same thing . please help me understand. *pictures below*
Schuylkill County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Your ball python may be displaying this behavior, because it is still hungry. Based on your photo, this snake is large enough to feed on small-medium rats.
If it continually holds its head in this vertical position, it may be suffering from a neurological disease called inclusion body disease (IBD). A reptile vet can determine if this is the case. Here's a link to an article from Reptiles magazine that describes this disease:
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Reptile-Health/Snake-Inclusion-Body-Disease/
I hope this information helps, and thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.
Jim
If it continually holds its head in this vertical position, it may be suffering from a neurological disease called inclusion body disease (IBD). A reptile vet can determine if this is the case. Here's a link to an article from Reptiles magazine that describes this disease:
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Reptile-Health/Snake-Inclusion-Body-Disease/
I hope this information helps, and thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.
Jim
Thank you so much for getting back to me about this . Now i was wondering about the IBD. He isnt showing any signs of it except for holding his head up and i wanted to tell you that he also wasnt just holding his head up vertically in the air he had it rested on the glass. And usually when i walk up to his tank he sees me and i can see his tongue flicking. But when i walked up this time seeing him in that position he had no response like he was sleeping that way?
To be safe, I would have your snake examined by a reptile veterinarian.
Jim
Jim
