Feeding, etc.

[Kury]

Okay, so to get directly to the question- how long can a young ball python go without eating, before force feeding becomes necessary? As in, how long is "safe" for them?

I hope I don't have to have my female ball python force fed, but it was the second time I offered her food this evening (well technically, Wensday evening...) I only waited three days though, so next time I'll give her four or five days... I still have quite a few techniques to try, to make the mice more appealing for her. Plus I can try different sizes and stuff. All I want to know is, incase worst comes to worst, how long is the safe amount of time before I should get someone to force feed her (I don't know how to do it)

Thanks!


On a happier note, my male ball python ate this evening, and he ate very good! Move him up to a rat pinky next time ^_^

[Ron]

Hey Samantha,

I wouldn't give the female another try for a week, frequent feeding attempts will stress her out. I wouldn't get too worried about her until she starts looking really thin. Force feeding or assist feeding is very stressful and should only be used as a last resort.

I'm glad to hear the male is eating for you; he was always a good feeder while he was here.

[Kury]

So basically just judge her by weight and appearances? She does look sort of thin- but that's because her rubbermaid is next to the males, and I just can't get over how thick he is compared to when I first saw him.

As for giving her a whole week, I'd always read 4 or so days, but 7 is probably better- and you know way more than me, so I'll definitely wait a week. ^_^

And yes, I knew force feeding is the LAST resort. I'd rather try a live fuzzy or pinky before force feeding.

She's drinks regularly, and she's pretty active, overall she seems very healthy. So I guess I'll just leave her alone for another week and then give it another shot ^_^

Another thing I remembered, which I hadn't been thinking of, is she's probably beginning her shed. So that could be a main factor in her not wanting to eat.

Thanks again Ron!

[mykee]

If you haven't tried an assist feed, don't even consider a force feed.

[mykee]

If you haven't tried an assist feed, don't even consider a force feed. Also, you SHOULD try a live mouse or rat before assist feeding.