My snake won't eat...why?

Question

I got a baby ball python and i feed him once a frozen fuzzy and since then he won't eat. He hasn't eaten in 3 weeks! should i feed him live? I'm not sure what i should do any suggestions?

Answer 1

I have raised Ball Pythons for over 20 years . First snakes are completely colored blind so it does not matter what color the mouse is , they can't tell . Second , a young Ball Python can not go a long time with out eating , like an adult snake can . 3 weeks is a long time for a BP hatched this year .Feed it completely thawed frozen mice , about the size of the largest part of your snakes body . Feed it in the evening since they are nocturnal and would normally hunt at dusk . If he does not eat it , leave it in there over night . If he still does not eat , take it out , wait 3 days and try again . Do not hold him during this time . You need to check your temps and humidity levels . Day time warm end temp . 90*F , cool end 80*f . Night time temp between 75*F - 80*F , Humidity level 50-60% .Your snake also needs to feel safe and secure . Do not handle it until 24-26 hours after it has eaten or it may reguritate its meal ..Provide several , dark , small hides for it , one on each end of the tank .

Answer 2

Don't listen to some of these people, you shouldn't leave a live mouse or fuzzy in the cage with you snake. If you leave it alone the snake may not be hungry, the fuzzy could be scared and injure the snake.

The snake may not want to eat, ball pythons have been known to stop eating for months at a time. The longest any snake in general have lived without eat is over 3 years.

Good luck with the snake

Krstl

Answer 3

When you fed him the frozen fuzzy, did you make sure that the fuzzy was fully thawed? If not, this can make the snake refuse to eat frozen/thawed mice. If you just got the snake, chances are that where you bought him from had been feeding him live mice. You should call the store/breeder where you got him from and ask. Also, snakes will usually refuse food if they are about to shed. Check to see if his eyes are cloudy (or milky). If they are, then this is a sign that he is about to shed.

Answer 4

Are her temperatures in her tank correct? Does she have a water source? Frozen prey is best as they have much less parasites, and there is no chance of the mouse hurting the snake. Make sure the mouse is thawed to the correct temperature before feeding. Feed her in a separate, smaller tank. Here are some helpful websites:

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/snakes/f/snakefeeding.htm

http://www.anapsid.org/prekill.html

http://www.frozenfeeder.com/benefits.html

Answer 5

Snakes can go a long time between feedings. Give your local pet store a call for some advice. Apparently, Ball Pythons can be picky eaters.

Answer 6

Ball Pythons can stop eating for a really long time. Make sure that the enclosure is clean and set to the right temperature.

DoggieLuver

Answer 7

be sure to make sure the snake is having regular bowel movements. the snake could be impacted which means he has a blockage and cant pass prior meals. feel if there are any lumps in the snake. if so, soak him in warm water. that might help if not u have to rub the snake from front to back to see if u can work it out

Answer 8

i used to feed "molly" my ball python once every 2 weeks or so. I fed her live mice. that's the only thing she'd eat. Snakes are cold blooded, why would you feed it frozen stuff?!!! go to the pet store and by a mouse. it's cheap, and your snake oughta eat it right up. put it in the cage and walk away. my snake wouldn't eat if she knew someone was sitting there watching.

Answer 9

dont listen to people who say you can only feed it live.. the reason why the pet store sells frozen feeder mice and rats is because live mice and rats can bite and injure your snake..

Answer 10

Snakes can go weeks without eating. I would get him a live mouse. When he gets hungry enough he'll eat it.