ball python problems - Page 2

SerpentLust · 10-08-08, 09:10 AM

Look at that, I come back on to finish my advice to you and Aaron took over instead

So I'll just say "yeah, what he said" haha

WingedWolf · 10-08-08, 11:42 AM

I also suggest that if you're trying to feed f/t to a baby ball, and the snake checks the food out, and then moves off...that means the snake is hungry, but the f/t rodent did not meet with its approval. Try live or pre-killed. It's important to get a new snake eating regularly before you try convincing it to eat something it's not familiar with. Ball pythons don't respond at all to 'just keep trying, he'll eat it when he's hungry'...they won't. They're willing to hold out forever.

The fact the snake was curious about the food suggests the snake is already hungry. Rejecting the food can mean several things--if it was a live prey item, then perhaps the snake was too stressed to eat yet. Leave it alone for 2 or 3 days, and keep the cage away from high traffic areas. Feed at night after the lights go out.
If that wasn't it, then it may be that your snake doesn't want the rodent you offered--if you offered a mouse, then try a rat. Or vice versa. If you know where the snake came from, ask what it was eating before you got it, and offer that (of course, if it's from a pet store, they may not have even fed it successfully).

Once you have 2 or 3 meals in it, then you can try switching it to the prey item you want it to eat. Scenting over makes this transition easier. Some individual ball pythons can be quite stubborn, though, so be patient.

Wolfus_305 · 11-09-08, 07:17 PM

Hey there,
I got a 6 yr old ball in September for my birthday. He has adjusted to his new environment but hasn't eaten. They can go a long time without eating. I know it's difficult to wrap your mind around the concept that they can go months without eating and you probably feel guilty but it's just a fact of having a ball. Even though I'm relatively new at the whole ball thing I would suggest you stop handling him because he's probably still adjusting to his new environment. It took my ball about a month to start adjust even though he was in the same habitat. After the first month I started seeing more of him and now he's out almost nightly. I believe that it's breeding season in December so I think it's a possibility that your snake could just be restless. You need to make sure your snake will eat when you tell it to so don't make it seem like food is every night. In a while when you try feeding again maybe try later at night since they are nocturnal. As long as he's drinking and keeping his weight up I don't think you need to worry.
Kenny

LadyParvati · 11-11-08, 09:13 AM

Once again, I can only think how fortunate I am to have a not-so-picky BP! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn't suddenly _become_ picky!

Sandy

citysnakes · 11-11-08, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykee

Stop touching him.

exactly. leave him alone until he consistently starts eating for you. you said you touched him the day that you tried to feed him, i usually never touch my ball pythons on feeding day so that i can be sure they will eat. i would suggest you do the same especially since he has never eaten for you yet.

stop holding him and only go into his enclosure to change water and clean poo. pre-scent the area by letting the rat defrost near his enclosure and then try feeding at night. if the temperature and humididty are correct aswell as the ball pythons feeling of security and low stress then he will eat when hes hungry.

tgimp1 · 01-05-09, 06:22 PM

hi guys my ball inspector gadget is at it again! he hasnt eaten now in nearly 8 weeks. please help he is starting to lose weight i am becoming very worried!

Chu'Wuti · 01-06-09, 09:14 AM

Assuming that you've tried all the tricks that have been suggested with the F/T prey, your next option is to try live prey.

However, before you do--what are your house temps like? Is your snake's enclosure near a window? Natural sunrise & sunset being visible may affect the snake's willingness to eat. Colder house temps may also be affecting the enclosure temps, so he may "think" it's too cold/wintry to risk eating.

tgimp1 · 01-06-09, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chu'Wuti

Assuming that you've tried all the tricks that have been suggested with the F/T prey, your next option is to try live prey.

However, before you do--what are your house temps like? Is your snake's enclosure near a window? Natural sunrise & sunset being visible may affect the snake's willingness to eat. Colder house temps may also be affecting the enclosure temps, so he may "think" it's too cold/wintry to risk eating.

yeah he is near a window but wouldnt he be subjected to sunset and sunrise in the wild?