Frank Strikes three Times....

franksmom · 02-09-06, 09:29 AM

Hello All,

I inherited a beautiful and wonderfully friendly 8' ball python from my brother and, until last November he (the snake not my brother) would eat a medium rat like clockwork on Saturday evening.

In November, I offered his regular meal and he completely ignored it. I read my book and it said to wait two weeks and introduce food again. I've been doing this since November and he hasn't seemed interested at all. This last rat was a small one instead. I introduced it and he actually seemed interested. He unlocked his jaw and soon after took three strikes at the thing. In prior feeding he never ever missed! I've read that Ball Pythons will go without during the cold months, but, because he is unlocking his jaw and striking, he seems hungry.

Is it possible that he just doesn't want food and is striking because he is agitated? Should I take him to see a snake doc? Do they even have such a thing?

This is the only snake I've ever had and I would really appreciate any advice that you snake lovers can give me. Thanks in advance for taking a moment to reply.

JAdkins2451 · 02-09-06, 12:34 PM

Has he been losing weight? If not then there is nothng to relly worry about. Somtimes when they strike its in defence..

Jamie

franksmom · 02-09-06, 08:47 PM

No weight loss or sign of dehydration. He shed twice one right after the other. I thought that was a little odd.

peterm15 · 02-09-06, 09:08 PM

are you sure this is a ball python.. 8' for a ball is absoutly massive... the largest ive heard of is 6 but 4.5-5 is more probable.

as for your snake striking thats normal.. espically if they dont feel sucure or you have disturbed them.. did you take it out of its hide.. lift the hide off.. ase you giving adecuate hides.. ect ect.. it doesnt sound like anything is rong with him just defensive..

mine just started eating again... she hasnt eaten since october then before that was augest... shes on a good scedual again now though ( knock on wood)

franksmom · 02-09-06, 09:19 PM

I really appreciate you assurances. As far as his size, I was guessing his length but he is longer than his 60 gallon tank and at least 3 inches in diameter. He is a healthy one that's for sure. I was reading about Eye caps and the fact that maybe he can't see the rat so he's striking and misses????

Anyway I will stop worrying. Thanks again. Frank's Mom

Phoenix · 02-09-06, 10:03 PM

The last time he shed did you look to see if the eye caps were there? If not, after the next shed look, and if they arn't then you may have an issue. Otherwise, he should be able to see fine.

And, can you include a pic of him? I've never heard of a ball getting that big....