Feeding tricks for fasting ball?

[Beejay]

My 3 year old ball hasn't eaten since November. I'm not worried, he's good looking and hydrated...but he did have a bad shed last time (not related but needed to complain).

Anyhow, I used to heat the rats and he'd strike...then he started the fast and I got lazy and just left a rat overnight instead of waiting for him to strike.

Nothing. So, I've started heating the rats again...F/T btw...and I guess he's just having a "period" and I know how that feels...but really...I'd like him to eat.

When should I start to worry? What sign is a sure sign he needs me to encourage him a little more? I handle him occasionally, he's not stressed due to handling. He's got good hide/temp/humidity.

It just seems like it's been a long time since he's eaten and he was very regular before the whole fasting situation. I don't wanna be the one boasting at the end of the night after a show that my regius went the longest without feeding lol

Thanks! Bj

[mykee]

Patience Beejay-San, patience...........

[Edwin]

Beejay,

Have you tried feeding at different times of the day? You could try offering a mouse, or a mouse scented rat, or even try a freshly killed/stunned rat or mouse.

Something I have done which works on certain snakes is to dip the head of the rat/mouse in chicken soup. Other methods, which I have not tried is braining the mouse so the brain fluid leaks out, or offering a gerbil.

If your ball is not losing weight and is healthy, then dont be too worried, they do tend to go on extended fasts.

You can read this article for more information:
http://ballpython.snakes.net/
click on comprehensive care sheet

Hope this helps.

[Beejay]

Thanks. No, it doesn't appear to be losing weight and like I said, it's hydrated. I guess I'm more concerned than he is. I'll try a mouse maybe, or brained rat...thanks.

Bj

[thepope410]

hey my names tyler and i have a ball that wont eat either ,i dont know y iv been trying frozen ,live but i have never herd to dip there faces in chickin soup did it work?
also is force feeding an option?

[killaclown]

Try 2 feeed him a live one but you have 2 watch him eat.

[Big Mike]

You can try a live fuzzy and then follow up with a dead adult. Force feeding should be a last option...

I find that if the thawed mice are fairly warm...by ball will have a much greater response to them.