Switching Ball Python to f/t mice?

[vypr]

Originally Posted by franks

He can go without eating until he starts losing weight. Could be months honestly. Get a scale and keep tabs on him. One of the reasons ball pythons can be tough on new snake owners is because it is hard to watch your pet just go completely off food. It is not uncommon with these guys. You can be doing everything right and sometimes he will just not eat- however, this is the time to triple check your husbandry. I would suggest (like the above) that you do not even open the enclosure for a week. Leave him be, give him a day/night cycle. In a week, crank the heat up a bit high during the day, and at night spray down the enclosure nice and good, then put the food in. This generally worked on my ball pythons. Something about this made them hungry and they would cruise for food.
One more thing: I would not give up on f/t just yet. It is so much easier for you and safer for your snake. Good luck.

I'll do that then, good to hear they can go a good time without food.
I have a hydrofarm thermostat, I'll try dropping the temps at night.
Also the right side warmed up after applying sides to the terrarium.

Lastly, the last time I tried feeding him here is what he did the whole time.
http://i.imgur.com/zuWrz1Y.jpg
I tried killing the mouse then feeding it to him, no luck and that's what he does to f/t and pre-killed.
I was way zoomed in and didn't distract him, it's strange. It's like he is scared of his terrarium.

So since I tried feeding him recently I should wait until next weekend?
Some questions about feeding:
1. Should I be leaving the mouse in the terrarium and leave it or should I dangle it over his mouth? I've done both.
2. How long should I try to feed him by dangling the prey in-front of him?
3. Why does he hiss at the prey and breath really heavy? Like he fears the prey?

Also how much day/night time should he have during summer?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

I'll do that then, good to hear they can go a good time without food.
I have a hydrofarm thermostat, I'll try dropping the temps at night.
Also the right side warmed up after applying sides to the terrarium.

Lastly, the last time I tried feeding him here is what he did the whole time.
http://i.imgur.com/zuWrz1Y.jpg
I tried killing the mouse then feeding it to him, no luck and that's what he does to f/t and pre-killed.
I was way zoomed in and didn't distract him, it's strange. It's like he is scared of his terrarium.

So since I tried feeding him recently I should wait until next weekend?
Some questions about feeding:
1. Should I be leaving the mouse in the terrarium and leave it or should I dangle it over his mouth? I've done both.
2. How long should I try to feed him by dangling the prey in-front of him?
3. Why does he hiss at the prey and breath really heavy? Like he fears the prey?

Also how much day/night time should he have during summer?

From the pic, it looks like your snake is interested. Probably not feeling secure enough to eat yet is my guess without assessing the situation first hand.

Frank has given some good advice.

Your hides are nice and big and he'll grow into them but as Frank suggested they like it tighter and the rock idea is great. If you don't mind the look, for now, you can use cardboard boxes until he's bigger. They just want to feel secure on all sides. (Side note: Ensure you can access the snake so no bottom or removable top)

As for feeding, go with the live for now, 5 days apart. Just drop it in in the evening. Sit far back and watch. Snake should show interest in 20 minutes or less.

[vypr]

Quick Update -- he loves the new hide.
He is almost too snug! LOL! He seems happy.