Pika's not eating

[alessia55]

Yes, I haven't been on the forum in a while. Please don't ask me where I've been- I don't care to explain my absence. Please don't be offended.

I have a question though... Most of you know my lovely Pika (the albino), and he's always had a ridiculously good feeding response. I barely shake the wet rat and he would strike, coil, and eat it, no questions asked. Now he's refused two meals in a row (one last week, one this week). Nothing in his husbandry has changed. Everything is spot on (temps, humidity, everything, as always). I haven't changed his hides, or anything else. I also haven't changed the way I thaw the rat or the way I feed him. Same timeframe, same routine, same everything.

It's strange because I'm usually on the other end of these sorts of posts giving the answers. So I know the answer- don't worry if he hasn't lost weight, keep offering once a week, leave the f/t rat overnight, double check your husbandry, etc. He's only 7 or so months old, so I don't suspect he's in breeding mode or anything like that. He's also totally adjusted in his enclosure, so it's not that he needs more time to "settle in," seeing as he's been eating for me for months without fail until now.

Can anyone shed light on what might be causing my once-voracious Pika to go on a food strike all of a sudden? I'm used to Kaybe being a finicky eater (my other BP), but this is the first time I've seen Pika act so disinterested in food. I can't stress enough how good of a eater he used to be (always had to be careful not to get my fingers near him during feeding time), so I'm worried about this sudden change in behavior.

[Bradyloach]

I can't. But I missed you

[BarelyBreathing]

Shedding light: He's a ball python.

I missed you, too, Alessia. You don't need to explain anything.

[alessia55]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

Shedding light: He's a ball python.

I figured this would be the answer. I was hoping for some new, genius explanation though.

[BarelyBreathing]

Hold on, let me tap into my inner genius... ohm.... ohm.... ohm.....

Nope, I got nothing.

[Snakefood]

can't explain it, but nice to have you back!!

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

Shedding light: He's a ball python.

I missed you, too, Alessia. You don't need to explain anything.

I as well.

Originally Posted by Snakefood

can't explain it, but nice to have you back!!

werd yo

and you're welcome.

[Lankyrob]

Can i just second third and fourth that i have missed you too

[shaunyboy]

as your snake gets older feeding patterns may change

i've had young hatchlings who will eat right the way through the shedding proccess,then once they get older,they refuse to eat leading up to and during a shed

imo,young males can still go into breeding mode at a very early age

a hatchling and an older snakes eating patterns can vary snake to snake

as you know Alessia its nothing to worry about

cheers shaun

[MoreliAddict]

Imo he's either coming up to a shed or just refusing a few meals because that's what some healthy ball pythons do (for instance, this is the second thread on the front page about a ball python that won't eat).

You're a good ball python mom, I have no doubts he'll be okay. Hope all is well.

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

Originally Posted by MoreliAddict

Imo he's either coming up to a shed or just refusing a few meals because that's what some healthy ball pythons do (for instance, this is the second thread on the front page about a ball python that won't eat).

You're a good ball python mom, I have no doubts he'll be okay. Hope all is well.

I agree, where as, I've received most of my helpful intelligence from you. I hope everything turns out fine nd im sure it will.

[SpOoKy]

Hiiiiiii!!!!
Misssssssed youuuuuuuuu!!!!!
welcome baaaaaack!!!!

and yup...Pika's a ball

[Will0W783]

Hello Alessia, glad you're back.

As for Pika, it really is not unusual for ball pythons to go off of food periodically. My male Saleen will randomly refuse food for several months, then start right back up, then off again, then on again...it seems to be just a random thing.

Remember, in the wild these snakes would not be receiving regular, substantial meals. If he begins to lose weight, or you notice any swelling (indicative of blockage), or signs of RI show up, get him a vet check. Otherwise, keep offering food once every 10-14 days. He will eat when he is hungry.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this- it is really stressful when a snake wont' eat.

[KORBIN5895]

Well I for one think we need pics if we are to determine what is wrong.

[alessia55]

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Well I for one think we need pics if we are to determine what is wrong.

Proof for Korbin that Pika is alive and well but stubborn as hell