How long is TOO long?

Dirty · 03-19-06, 03:10 PM

My pet 1 1/2 year old ball python has been fasting. She has eaten only twice in 5 months; once willingly and once (more recently) assisted. I know balls are known for their long periods of fasting, but it's kind of freaking me out. There's no possible way she could be gravid. Her environment temperature and humidity levels are normal (80+ degrees; 60%+ humidity). I've also tried a variety of foods (rats, mice, large, small, thawed, fresh killed, live). Do you think it's time for a trip to the vet?

Edmond Y · 03-19-06, 06:50 PM

relax Dirty, she doesn't need to go see a vet. Ball doesn't eat at this season is quite normal. I have two girl which was a eating machine but they stop eating since last October. I can see your temperture is a little too low. They need about 90 degrees at the warm side. Try rise up a bit, and place a rat pup in the cage while she was sleep. The rat will wick her up and she will strike because of nature responce. I did this several time and is quite success. On the other hand if she is moving around and you put anything inside and the chance is she won't interest.
Now one of my big girl start eat again after she breed with a male, another has to use this method to feed her twice a week, but she only take rat pup.

Good luck and see how she do.

Edmond

Dirty · 03-19-06, 07:56 PM

Thanks a lot man that's a big releif.

mykee · 03-25-06, 04:00 PM

I'm not letting you off the hook that easy. Your ball may not be eating because you are not providing optimal husbandry. Your temps are too low; get that warm side up to 92-95 degrees, and the cool side to about 82. I would also reccommend you purchase a book on the captive husbandry of ball pythons.