Last Updated on September 16, 2022
If you have a Python, you’re probably curious about what it means when it stands up. This article will explain what it means, as well as what to look for in order to treat it. If your ball python stands up, you should consult your vet to make sure it isn’t suffering from an illness. It’s a common problem that can be easily diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
A ball python’s behavior may be an indication that it is sick. These docile snakes don’t often bite people, but they will strike out if they feel threatened or hungry. Whether you’re worried about your pet’s well-being or a potential bite, it’s important to observe the snake’s behavior and learn about the possible causes.
While daily handling is not recommended, keeping a close eye on your snake is essential to its well-being. Ball pythons should typically rest in a flat coil, and any odd postures could signal something more serious. Fluid in the lungs or respiratory infections can cause them to sit up in an odd position, and stargazing, an abnormal activity, may indicate a serious condition.
Mites may also affect the skin of a ball python. Mites live on the blood of their hosts. If your snake licks a bite wound, it will likely scratch itself. The bite may also be red and irritated. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your snake. A ball python’s bite may result in itching, redness, or swelling.
If you notice your ball python standing up for any reason, you should put it back in its tank. This behavior is normal and indicates curiosity, exploration, or hunger. However, it’s not a reason to be alarmed if your ball python stands up for a few minutes. If your ball python is uncomfortable with handling, it may be stressed out and will start looking around for food.
Other problems associated with the respiratory system include chronic stress, exposure to pathogens, and aging. Some of these conditions can cause the snake to show symptoms like lethargy or refusing to eat. The most serious sign is refusing to eat. Even if your ball python looks and acts fine, it may be infected with a deadly virus. You should seek veterinary care for your snake if it is showing any of these symptoms.
Causes
Your Ball Python may have become stuck in its own skin and may not be able to move. It may display symptoms of discomfort or fear, such as rigidity and jumpiness. If you suspect this might be the case, you should take your pet to the vet. A vet can remove the scales and rehydrate your snake. If you have noticed blood in the snake’s urine or vomit, a bacterial infection could be the culprit. A veterinarian should evaluate the snake to identify any signs of infection.
Another cause of your snake’s illness could be a respiratory problem. Ball pythons are highly susceptible to respiratory infections. As snakes can’t cough, they have trouble exhaling fluid. Even a simple “chest cold” can be fatal for your snake. If you notice your snake having difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care right away. Treatment for a respiratory illness will usually involve a change of heat or humidity in its enclosure. An antibiotic may be prescribed if your snake shows signs of bacterial infection.
In addition to respiratory problems, another potential cause for your ball python standing up is too much handling. If it shows signs of difficulty breathing, you may want to consider giving it a more secure home. Try raising the warm side of the tank first, aiming for a temperature of 90-95 degrees. Cooler side of the enclosure should be kept cooler than the warm one. If you notice that your ball python is backwards, it may be attempting to get out of its enclosure. Make sure you place him in a secure hide so he can feel safe and secure. You should also avoid clutter in the cage, as this can be another cause.
Another cause of a ball python’s behavior is stress. Because ball pythons are nocturnal, they are most active at dusk and dawn. Stress in a pet snake can lead to a variety of behavior changes. The snake will display unusual body language, such as not eating for several days or rubbing its nose on objects. It might also strike people or pets close to it.
Treatment
Ball pythons can have a wide variety of food preferences. Some of these snakes will only eat pre-killed animals or wriggling prey. Another ball python refused to eat at all unless it was underwater. Here are some tips to help you deal with your snake’s food issues. Keep in mind that your snake may require treatment multiple times if it is suffering from digestive issues.
One of the first things you need to do when a ball python is to investigate the causes of its fasting. The snake may be in a state of extreme hunger, or it may simply be inactive. Either way, it’s important to identify the cause so you can give the snake the best treatment possible. If you suspect the snake is not eating, leave the food item in the cage. The snake will be stressed out if it’s not eating.
Treating mouth rot requires laboratory testing to determine the cause. Antibiotics are given in tablet or injection form. Because ball pythons are solitary animals, they’ll not be interested in socializing. This is why they’ll rub their head when they’re stressed out. A ball python who doesn’t feed often is stressed and may be suffering from an oral abscess or an infection.
If your ball python is experiencing symptoms of septicemia, it’s time to visit the vet. Oftentimes, ball pythons stand up to investigate their surroundings. They will move from one part of the cage to another, stop, and stretch themselves up. They will then remain in this position for several minutes. In addition to losing their control, they may experience seizures.
Illnesses
There are several reasons why a ball python may exhibit signs of illness when it stands up. For example, it may be suffering from respiratory disease. In this case, your snake will develop respiratory symptoms, including regurgitation and abnormal shedding. Other symptoms of respiratory disease include the snake’s inability to move easily or to right itself. In either case, it’s important to address any signs of illness as soon as possible. You can also look for signs of respiratory disease, including open mouth breathing and holding its head high in one corner of the cage.
Other common ailments in ball pythons include internal and external parasites. External parasites include mites and ticks that look like black specs on the snake’s body. These parasites can cause the snake to stop feeding, which will lead to a range of symptoms, including lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing problems, and diarrhea. Internal parasites can also cause lethargy, breathing problems, and diarrhea. Veterinary care is necessary for treatment and recovery.
While daily handling is not recommended, daily observation of your ball python’s behavior is essential. Normally, it will lie in a coil-like shape. If it begins stargazing for long periods, it’s probably suffering from an illness. Other symptoms of illness include respiratory infections, fluid in the lungs, or even head traumas. If you notice your ball python stargazing, get it evaluated by a veterinarian.
A lack of nutrition can cause your snake to become overweight. Ball pythons tend to grow larger in the middle third of their body than in the tail, which is why the male is larger. The cloacal spurs in the male are thicker and longer than in the female. While regular soaking of your snakes is perfectly normal, excessive soaking is a signal for veterinary care.
Keeping a ball python at the proper body weight
The first step to ensure your snake is at a proper body weight is to check its weight. This is especially important during its first three years of life. It will help you keep your pet within a healthy body weight range and avoid the development of obesity. If your snake is growing faster than the recommended range, then something is wrong with its tank setup, husbandry, and feeding schedule. While male ball pythons typically fall within the lower end of the weight spectrum, females are normally slightly heavier than the maximum, and the higher end of the scale is usually bulging around the neck and vent. This will cause your snake to stop exploring and add weight.
If your ball python is underweight, it may be due to a number of reasons, including lack of food. While snakes can survive months without food, these animals are more prone to developing obesity. A snake that is too fat will have a harder time losing weight than a slim one, so you should be sure to monitor your ball python’s weight carefully.
The best way to avoid underweight or overweight ball pythons is to feed it appropriately. Ideally, you should feed your ball python prey that is at least twenty percent of its body weight. Using two digital thermometers to monitor your ball python’s weight is essential. It’s also vital to provide plenty of hiding places.
About The Author
Zeph Grant is a music fanatic. He loves all types of genres and can often be found discussing the latest album releases with friends. Zeph is also a hardcore content creator, always working on new projects in his spare time. He's an amateur food nerd, and loves knowing all sorts of random facts about food. When it comes to coffee, he's something of an expert - he knows all the best places to get a good cup of joe in town.