feeding

[Thor&Dash]

hello all...
i am recently a new onwer of 2 ball pythons and i am trying to get my first feed in but i am running into some troubles. I am currently trying to feed them rat pups, but i am haveing a degree of difficulty. i was told that they have been ween'd to rats from mice and they should eat them no prob but this is my second time trying to feed and still no luck if anyone has some pointers or hints i am all ears thanks for your time hope to hear from you soon thanks
Jay, Lynn dash and thor

[Princess Erica]

How long have you had them before you tried feeding them? Some snakes take several weeks (or more) to feel comfortable enough in their new situation to eat.

Some other questions need to be answered before we can decide what the best approach is...

1. Are they housed together? This might prevent feeding in one or both.

2. What are your temps?

3. How are you trying to feed them? (i.e. at day or night, in a feed box or in their tank, in their hide or are you taking the hide off, etc)

4. Are you trying F/T, FK or live?

Some of these might explain your problem. Lots of people here to help ya out if we have the appropriate information. My little guy didn't eat for the first 6 weeks that I had him, but he's just fine now, so I wouldn't worry. Hopefully we can help ya out!

[Thor&Dash]

thanks you for the reply yes they are housed in the same tank, but when we try and feed we separate i have tried both (feeding in the tank and a feed box) my temps are 85-88 in the warm side and 75-77 in the cool side. i am currenly feeding ft rat pups .... but like you said it may just be a matter of time seeing that i have only had them a week...
thanks
Jay

[beardiefan]

Hey Jay,

I'm not an expert but if you want get them to eat your husbandry MUST change...

# 1 separate them (they may be stressed out)
# 2 get you hot side up to 90-95 and the cool side up to 80 (both ends are too cold)
# 3 give them at least a week in the new set-ups before you try to feed again
Just MHO though. :)

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49236

Good Luck, Don

[mykee]

I'm with Don, I would first take care of those husbandry issues before attempting to feed again.

[Spirit]

What is the humidity at? If it's low, it might help to raise it (should be 60-ish).

Any chance your snake(s) is (are) entering a shed?

[nita]

Like Mykee said deal with the husbandry first.

Then have the snakes previously been eating mice or rats? For their first feed it is probably best to give them what they are used to. If they are normally mouse eaters you may have trouble switching them.

[Thor&Dash]

thanks guys i will get those temps up right away and try agian in a few days
you guys are very helpful
Jay