Ball Python Problems

Soccertate10 · 09-25-18, 11:24 AM

Hey everyone, new to the whole forum thing. So me and my wife have been keeping reptiles for almost a year and have gotten a decent group of 22 reptiles and even manage to breed some crested geckos this past season. However we are having problems with the BPs. We have 5. 2 eat fine every feeding. One went a month without and we just got him back which was nothing. The one we've had the longest has eaten a few times then goes without and then eats again. But our oldest one, we got him in February and he's about 2 years old. He hasn't eaten since we've got him and he's now lost 100 grams in 7 months. We've tried everything and just can't get him to eat. He doesn't seem sick but won't even look at a rat or mouse, frozen or alive. Any help would be appreciated thank!

**EL Ziggy** · 09-26-18, 12:25 PM

Welcome to the forum Tate. What are your temps like? Could he be too warm or cold? I've had a BP go a year without food and he was perfectly fine. If your temps are dialed in, and he's refusing live and f/t, you may want to consider a trip to the vet just to be sure there are no underlying issues. Some of my males will take a feeding break during winter or breeding season but they usually get back on track after 2-3 months. Hope your guy eats again soon.

craigafrechette · 09-26-18, 02:35 PM

In order to help you we'll need to know more.

What type and size enclosure?
Is the enclosure in a high traffic area?
Are you handling him?
How are you heating the enclosure?
What are your temps?
Are your heat sources regulated by a THERMOSTAT??
Does he have at least 2 proper hides?

There are two major reasons a BP will refuse food. 1)husbandry is off and 2) stress.
Answering the above questions will help is help you and your snake.