First Feed......Didn't Happen!

[CJN2216]

Well tonight I tried feeding for the first time. Didn't go so good:( First when I went to put the mouse into the "Dry Ice" Chamber he bit my finger:mad: Then I tried offering the recently deceased to my Ball and he wants no part of it?? He acts scared of it or something? Maybe he just doesn't want to eat or am I doing something wrong? When should I try again? How long before the dead mouse goes bad? I'm discourages guys & gals:confused:

[Linds]

<B>How old is your ball?</B> Many subadults and adults begin fasting around this time and most likely will not take any meals until spring. Babies however usually eat through their first year, though it isn't unheard of for them to go fast as well.

<B>What is your setup like?</B> He should have several hiding spots to feel secure in (unless he's in a rack system, I have found they don't usually need hides in these setups). The larger the enclosure the more hiding spots you will need. Are your temps ok? Do you have a gradient of 78/80 - 88/95?

<B>How long has he been allowed to acclimate?</B> Have you given your snake at least *one* week to settle in without offering him food or handling him? Also, I wouldn't recommend handling him until he's feeding regularily for you. Balls don't tolerate excessive handling and the second they get stressed they tell you! They just refuse to feed. Is he in a high traffic area of the house? Is it possible a cat or dog could be bothering him? Try again in another week.

<B>Did you leave the prey item in his cage overnight with him?</B> Sometimes balls can be very shy and they will take the prey item if left overnight in their cage (make sure it is dark). If it isn't eaten by the next day then you should throw it out. Bacteria triples in the dead rodent every 15 minutes :eek: Though some animals seem to prefer a stinky decomposing animal to a fresh one... :rolleyes:

Anyhoo, hope this helps you figure out a little more. Take care ;)

[CJN2216]

He is 7 months old.

I have him in a 25 Gallon Long with 2 Hides. The temp. is now consistent at 84° with a Hot Spot of 88° and 78° in the Hide. I picked him up Wednesday of this week so he is a Rookie.

I've handled him twice now with no problems. I will leave the prey in overnight to see what happens.

Thanks Linds.

[tightsqueeze]

he is new to his surroundings , give about a week or two to acclimate to its new home . Snakes get stressed out when transported andn put in new enclosures , just be patiante "time will tell ,patience will prevale"

jay

[*Spike*]

yeah i agree with jay totally you have to wait and let them get use to there surrounds and then try and feed. Alot of the time if i get new snakes i find out when the last time they where feed and then work from there .so i know wither to feed them right away or not (after they've gotten use to there home).. but thats what i do and hopefully that helps you..

Kelly :)

[Weather1]

I got my ball and it took 2 weeks for her to take 1 mouse, while before the move she was eating 2 or 3 at a time,

Just be patient and try not to handle him very much. I know we all want to play with our new kids but try and leave him alone for a week, then try and feed him.