I have a 2 year old female ball python who has been off feed for approx 2-3 months now. I've attempted to feed her over the last three weeks, but she has not expressed any interest. I figure she would know best when she's hungry. I was wondering whether they're smart enough not to starve themselves.
2007-03-18 23:42:32 · 7 answers · asked by commdeus 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
As you probably know, all snakes are cold-blooded - and in winter their metabolism tends to slow down considerably, even in a sub-tropical climate.
Wait till the weather warms up, and be ready to feed your python a good meal!
2007-03-18 23:54:51 · answer #1 · answered by Vivagaribaldi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How much did you used to feed it?
Ball pythons usually go off feed when they have been fed 2 much over a period of time. They do this so their body can feel normal and not overstuffed all the time, would u want 2 feel like that?
They also go off feed if they are stressed, make sure everything is regulated in the tank, meaning temps, humidity, hides and etc..
Since Bps in the wild dont det fed a juicy rat every week it is not really vital that they eat every week. They can go 1 to2 years without eating so dont worry about it. It will eat when its ready.
You can stop offering for a while, just try once a month.
2007-03-21 04:15:35 · answer #2 · answered by lynnwoodballa07 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pythons are notorious for not eating for long periods of time and like the person above said, it has a lot to do with season and temp. Ball Pythons are typically better eaters than they're cousins but you still, on occassion, have the same problem. I can tell you she won't starve... Snakes will eat when they are hungry. Just continue trying and she'll eventually be in the mood to eat. She could also be stressed which will cause a snake to stop eating, maybe she's getting ready to shed and that can be a contributing factor. My Cali King won't eat for a month before and a month after shedding.
2007-03-19 00:04:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all before you listen to the ER Vet tech whoever that posted on here, you need to check out the facts...
Pythons are notorious for being hard feeders at times, yes it could be internal parasites (never heard anyone refer to them in snakes as worms!!!! but I guess they could be) Sometimes they go off for the winter, but normally if the temps stay constant in your house and in the tank, they should be fine.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use a heat rock in a snake tank, like ER Vet tech said to. I am shocked that someone who claims to work as a vet tech would say that. Every pet store, website, book that I have read warns against using a heat rock because a snake will lay on it and it causes major burns, even the newer types. You should use a under the tank heat pad, heat tape, a ceramic heater element from above, or a heat lamp.
One thing you want to make sure of is the temps in the cage and the humidity. Another thing is what you are feeding it. Are the mice/rats live when you are putting them in, or are you killing them first or are you feeding frozen and thawed food. There can be many factors of why it stopped or it can just be in a stubborn mood.
As far as them going a year without eating, yes that is possible, but alot depends on the size of the snake. A larger thicker snake is going to last longer than a smaller snake. The thing you really want to watch for is if they are loosing weight. If that is happening, you better get it to a vet as soon as possible. The rule of thumb with snakes and many other reptiles is that if you take it to the vet at an outset of problems (non-eating isn't a major problem unless they are loosing weight) it will be easier for them to recover and cheaper on your wallet then waiting till they are almost dead.
I myself have not had a ball python, although I plan on getting one, but I have many friends who do and I have been reading up on them lately before I make my choice of what one I want.
Hear is a website that I know will help you in determining what to do www.redtailboa.net
it is a forum site that not only deals with boas,but pretty much any reptile you can imagine. Scroll down the list till you see the python section and click on there. Post any question you have or use the search option and people will be more than happy to help you out with any questions and these will be people who have much experience with pythons.
2007-03-19 03:28:03 · answer #4 · answered by hartsock1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a ball python up until a few hours ago. I am still crying. He always ate since we got him as a little one. Then he stopped. I read this was normal, so I didn't worry. I bought more rats for him but no response. I tried not to worry, but tonight I came home to a dead snake and feel so much guilt. If you think something is wrong, try the vet. I wish I had. thanks. I hope this helps you.
2007-03-21 17:35:07 · answer #5 · answered by B. K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No no no they do not go off feed during the winter or anytime else unless there is a medical problem with them. They can go up to a year without eating before starving to death, mine went for 8 months when I first got her, when I finally got scared enough to take her to the vet, they said she needed worming. We wormed her and she ate the next day. I felt like a total shmuck, I didn't know this and had waited for so long to have it done. Worm your snake at a vet that handles reptiles and he will be fine. Also make sure the temp in the tank is 85-95 degrees and that there is a heat rock he can curl up on to aid in digestion. Good luck
2007-03-19 01:35:43 · answer #6 · answered by ER Vet Tech 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
she'll eat when shes hungry
2007-03-18 23:46:50 · answer #7 · answered by puppy luv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋