How long is too long to go without food?

[shayna]

Sorry if this is a repeat post, but I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for in the search.
Close to two months ago I purchased an '09 male spider ball. The breeder told me he was eating f/t or live rats. He hasn't eaten anything since I brought him home. I know two months isn't very long for a snake his size to go without food but I have tried white rats, brown rats, spotted rats, African soft furs, and braining with no luck. His temperatures are 90-95 on the warm side (averaging around 92) and 75-80 on the cool side, humidity is around 50%. I'm hoping to not have to feed live, if possible. This is my first ball python so of course I am a little paranoid. Does anyone have any suggestions or insight?

[alessia55]

How often are you trying to feed? Feeding too often can stress the snake out even more.

I've had one of mine go almost 6mos without eating without any problems (no significant weight loss, etc). I've heard of ball pythons going even longer without problem too. Just make sure you're not offering food any more often than every 7-10 days, and not to do any handling in between.

Humidity should be bumped up to 60%. Also, does he have hides? A photo of his enclosure would help us tell you if it might be a husbandry issue. Remember that your snake is still adjusting to his new home, and might need more time to acclimate.

[Hurrok]

Honestly because he is older, it's not much to worry about. Spiders are notorious for their good feeding response but because he is an '09 he can go quite awhile without food and might be going off because of wanting to breed (mine is going through the same thing). Just as long as he isn't losing a significant amount of weight he should be fine. Try not to stress the snake out by trying to feed everyday, make sure you space it out. You can try every 10 days if not every 2 weeks because he doesn't have to worry too much about growing anymore. Hope this helps and make sure you keep us updated. Have any pics? :)

[shayna]

I am trying to feed him every 10-12 days. Sometimes he acts like he is interested, but then turns away. He's still active and not losing weight. He is in a 35qt tub and he does have hides. I will bump the humidity up.

[Hurrok]

My male spider bp has been off and on since the beginning of the year. He was eating every 10 days then went off for about a month and a half, then took 1 rat and took another 3 weeks off haha. He's a healthy weight and is very active still, so I'm sure yours should be fine too. Bumping the humidity is a good idea though.

[SSSSnakes]

You can try scenting the rat or mouse with a gerbil. But as stated unless he is losing weight I would not worry to much.

[shaunyboy]

a couple of months is NOT a long time pal

i only feed my diamond pythons,6 months of the year and they are in great health

the rest of my carpets only get 3 or 4 feeds during winter season,again all are healthy

cheers shaun

[StudentoReptile]

Mine has routinely gone 3-4 months at a time and once went about 8-9 months w/o feeding.

[citysnakes]

Hey Shayna, I am assuming you are feeding your snake frozen rodents and since the previous breeder told you it was feeding well on rats then I wouldn't try any other type of rodent or scenting method.

Your set up sounds good and I don't think you have much to worry about right now since your guy is an '09. I think you should keep attempting to feed every 10 days or so but offer food only at night and pre-scent the area where your snake is housed with the defrosting frozen rat.

All of my ball pythons feed on frozen thawed rats and when it comes time for feeding day I let the frozen rats thaw out for a few hours in the snake room. I think the pre-scenting greatly promotes feed response.

Good luck!

[shayna]

Thanks everyone! I will update when he's finally eating.

[Aaron_S]

Julian has really good advice.

I'll just pretty much second what he says and add consistence is key. Offer the same prey item on a regular schedule and he'll eventually get it.

He'll be fine.