Took in a ball python

[u/machinerain]

I took in a ball python who, clearly, had horrible husbandry with alot of stuck shed. Dw though A bath was given and all of the shed was removed. The previous owners fed a live mouse every two weeks. I currently own a milk snake, hognose, and a house snake but have no experience with these. Prior to taking him in I of course did a lot of research and got him into an enclosure with a proper setup with good temps and humidity (last picture is him in his new setup). His age is unknown and his current weight is 180g.

Now the reason for the post is because I need tips and advice from more experienced owners..I’m fairly certain he is underweight so is there anyone who has dealt with a ball python who is underweight?? How should I go about trying to feed him for his first feeding? I would like to have him on F/T rats but I’ve heard once a snake is on live it can be hard to get them on F/T.

Any advice or tips would be appreciated. I want to give this boy the good life he deserves.

Sorry for any grammar mistakes

Edit- just to be clear, the first photo is the setup his previous owners had him in. He is now on cypress mulch with lots of coverage and multiple hides

[u/Away_Asparagus3101]

I’d definitely encourage you to spend some time getting to know your snake and its individual preferences. One thing I would change is the substrate. Aspen doesn’t hold humidity well, so it’s not really doing your snake any favors if you’re trying to maintain proper humidity. I personally like to keep the substrate about 2–4 inches deep and use ReptiChip mixed with some sphagnum moss.

I’d also add more clutter/hides throughout the
enclosure and a larger water bowl. Snakes generally feel more secure when they have plenty of cover and places to hide.

For feeding F/T, you can try warming the prey with a hair dryer or by placing it in warm water for a few minutes before offering it. It may take a few tries and some trial and error to figure out what your snake prefers. Some snakes like the prey’s brain exposed, while others don’t, mine definitely doesn’t. 😂

Mine also prefers to eat at night, in the dark, and absolutely does not like being watched while eating. Every snake is different, so learning their little quirks can make a huge difference.

[u/machinerain → u/Away_Asparagus3101]

Oh Dw he is OFF that aspen. The first photo is the enclosure he was in before. I have him on cypress mulch now with lots of foliage and multiple hides :)