Feeding Strike?

[Crazy Deb]

I was so happy that we got my Ball Python switched first to mice from Gerbils and then to dead mice. Now the little bugger is refusing to eat anything. He's only gone about two weeks so far since his last feed but that was only a mouse. How long can he go before I should start worrying about him?

[Grant vg]

BP's can go along time without eating, however that also depends on how healthy they are when they cease to feed.....
I wouldn't worry to much about him not feeding, because i have heard of only a couple stories of BP's starving themselves to death....and the fact that he has already downed some mice before means he'll down some more when hes ready....
I'd continue to offer food weekly, just drop a mice in and leave the room.
He'll take it when hes ready, maybe a shed comming soon...but dont sweat it!

[Crazy Deb]

Thanks. After I posted last night he decided to eat two mice. I hadn't scented the rat so that could be why he refused it but it didn't explain why he refused the mice before. I'm just an overly anxious 'mum'. With all the sick critters we've nursed back to health once we get them from other people I didnt' want one who was healthy going down the tubes. I won't panic as quickly next time.

[Grant vg]

Glad to hear he ate!:)

[Dom]

Lucky girl!

I wish my balls would eat! lol - your worried after two weeks - They both have not eaten in OVER 5 MONTH!!!

They still have good body weight .. not that worried yet but starting too..

[Yve]

it is not uncommon for b.p.'s to go of feed, especially during breeding season. My b.p. has eaten once in the past 2.5 months.
Glad to hear he started eating again....but if he should refuse again don't sweat it...:) A b.p. can go for months without feeding without ill effects. Just make sure you monitor his weight.

[jason h]

weeeeeeeeeee! mine juast ate after 6.5 months and to make it even better she ate 2 F/T rats for the first time in 11 yrs she ate F/T hehehe

[Jeff_Favelle]

That kicks a$$ man!!! I've always found that the best time to get a picky feeder on to something you want them ti eat (ie rats, or frozen stuff) is to try feeding them it after brumation. They invariably always take it!!

Good stuff man!