2007-01-19 04:31:48 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
ball pythons ---- can be picky eaters. Are you feeding dead or live? How long have you had it? Has it eaten for you before? What temp do you keep the cage at? What is the humidity of the cage? Does it have a hide? Does it have a water source? How old is it? Could it possibly be pregnant? Is it in it's shedding phase?
All these things factor into eating. A snake that is stressed out will not eat and pythons are notorious for this problem. You may have to force feed it, but that should be done by someone who is experienced at it. Depending on size and what the problem might be, it doesn't hurt for it to go weeks without eating. I would suggest getting a book on python care and review how you are keeping it. Also, if you update your question with some answers to the questions I asked, we might be able to help you more.
2007-01-19 05:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by hartsock1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I need a bit more information to give you the right answer but I will try my best. First of all, ball pythons need a few things to keep from being stressed (stress=fasting). Make sure your temps are correct. Warm 88-92 and cool 78-82 is where I try and keep mine. Also make sure the snake has a hide or two. Humidity at 50% and bumped up to 60-65% during a shed. A fresh supply of water and a photo period (meaning day and night, a normal household bulb is ok ,no fancy uv bulbs needed unless you need an infared heat lamp) As for the feeding part, it depends on the size of the snake. Mine is 3.5' and eats 2 live mice a week. I have NEVER had a refusal EVEN WHEN SHE IS BLUE! (The starting of the shedding process) Also some will tell you that you should feed out of the enclosure but I think that is unnecessary. My other ball was fed in her tank as well as my current one. I have not been tagged in the whole 10 years I've had bps so I don't believe for one minute that they will associate hands with mice. If there is not a mouse "smell" they are usually not on the hunt, therefore probably won't bite unless it's because they don't like you! Also, feeding outside the tank means that you have to move the snake when it is done eating. I don't bother mine for about 48 hours after eating other wise they might regurgitate their lunch. (Never had this happen and don't want it to because I imagine it's pretty rancid!) I hope this helps you and if it still won't eat I guess your bet bet is to take it to the vet. Also, bps are imprint feeders so, if you have tried to switch it's food that might also be the reason. If so go back to what it was eating before!
2007-01-20 03:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by poutypitbull 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a ball python and make shur u feed it once a week and it might be SHEDDING keep in mind that also if it does not eat for an amout of days over the day it needs to be feed then take it to a vet and have the vet force feed it this is were the stick a card in the snakes mouth and shove the mice down its throat sounds horrible but it helps it has happened to me
2007-01-19 17:04:45 · answer #3 · answered by tylerpetersen007 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a few things. My Ball Python Doesn't like frozen Rats, they have to be alive. Also if they are shedding their skin they wont eat. You should also have a specific place that it eats all the time, this way when you put the it in that particular place it knows it's time to eat. I use a laundry bucket I put the rat in first then my snake and as soon as I put my snake in she attacks. You should never feed you snake in it's cage,this will cause it to try to bite every time someone sticks their hand in the tank. One more thing is the temp. If your snake is to cold it may be to uncomfortable or sick to eat.
2007-01-19 13:49:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could he be shedding his skin, because ours will not eat when he is shedding. If that is not it is the temp warm enough in his cage, or could he have a blockage. Are you feeding to much they only need to eat about once a week. If you do not feel it is one of these, or if you think he may have some kind of blockage take him to a vet.
2007-01-19 13:00:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First thing...dont panic.Balls are picky eaters...most of them go off of eating in the winter anyway.As long as its temperatures and humidity levels are fine and its not losing weight...theres nothing to worry about.Ball pythons could go up to 2-3 months without eating in the winter(so dont worry...its normal).
2007-01-19 14:21:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How long has it been since it last ate? WHat have you been feeding it? Any changes in the environment? You didn't give anyone enough info to answer this question, not even a vet could.
2007-01-19 13:05:35 · answer #7 · answered by lynnabugg 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be too cold or it could be shedding if it goes on long take it to a Vet.
2007-01-19 21:36:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋