hungry baby

[natrix]

my baby ball python won't eat it has been three weeks how long is to long?????

[Scales Zoo]

Moved to the Ball Python Forum.

Natrix, we've gotten baby ball pythons that had gone months without eating. 3 weeks is not too bad.

What methods are you trying to get it to eat? Is this your only snake, your first snake?

Ryan

[lostwithin]

Hi, First off welcome too the site, I noticed its your first post. Where in New Brunswick are you from?? I am currently Just outside of Moncton. If you don’t mind me asking do you own many reptiles or are you new too the hobby?
For your ball it's never good for babies not too eat, but ball pythons are notorious for it. First thing you have too do is go over ALL the requirements, cage, hides, water, heat, est. and make sure they are all correct. I would have too have more information too help you any further, like how old the snake is when you say "baby" and what you’re caging and temps are. Also if your handling it. Handling young ball pythons isn’t a god idea they are very easily stressed animals. Chances are the only problem with your ball is that one of the requirements are wrong or the animal is stressed, both of which are easily fixed if you know what the problem is.

Devon

[b23ball23]

i know this may sound crazy, and you probably wont beleive me......but my friend's ball python didnt eat for a whole year when they first got it!!thats right...12 months and 15 days, But now its eating like a champ!
But the snake didnt even lose any weight and was completely healthy.....without food for a whole year!
so 3 weeks isnt that bad
welcome to the forums!

[lostwithin]

Hi,
I agree completely sometimes 3 weeks is nothing for SOME ball pythons, but it depends on the condition, age, and reason for not eating that determine that. I have had my ball go 9-11 months at a time without eating many times, actually every year, she basically only eats for about 2 months in the summer then fasts and is VERY healthy, but the fact that she is 10 years old, fully grow and very healthy, with the proper living conditions is the reason she can chose not too eat. If a ball is refusing food because it is stressed (mentally or environmentally) it will not last nearly that long without serious consequences. So its not safe too just say don’t worry about it unless your positive that nothing is causing the snake too refuse food.

Devon

[mykee]

Natrix, the above info you read about balls not eating for a year DOESN'T pertain to your situation, disregard it. A 3 week-old ball as you say you have cannot go more than a month or so without food. If you think it's been that long, try to get in touch with a pet store of herpy-person that can help you to assist-feed if necessary. Good luck.

[lostwithin]

mykee, That was what I was trying too say as well,.


natrix , Let me know where in NB, you located Pet stores here normally don’t know too much , (even if they pretend that they do) But there are a few experienced herpers I can help you get in touch with I’m sure could help you out.

Devon

[natrix]

saint john

[mark129er]

natrix, i'm from SJ too, I have 3 balls, just got them recently.

[lostwithin]

natrix, I just sent you a PM,

Devon