My baby ball python wont eat.
He seems healthy. (moving around, drinking ect.)
The pet store didn't specify what type of mouse they were feeding him. He just wont eat a frozen pinkie mouse!!
HELP!
2007-10-05 12:16:18 · 8 answers · asked by snigglebiff696969 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
It is not unusual for a new reptile to refuse to eat for weeks until they adjust to their new surroundings. As long as he is noticeably loosing weight (can you see his entire spinal column?), you really shouldn't worry.
New reptiles should also be checked for internal parasites. Many come directly from the breeder already infected. Collect a recent stool sample sealed in a plastic baggie and the vet can make a slide and know within minutes if your pet suffers from any parasites. It is vital that you have them checked, internal parasites can quickly become life threatening if left untreated.
You should also ask the pet store if they have been feeding live or frozen prey, if he has been eating mice or rat pups. Rat pups provide 1/3 more protein than the same size mouse.
One other thing to consider, as silly as this may sound, some snakes will only eat one particular color of mouse. I personally believe this is designed to drive it's owners insane....
2007-10-05 12:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by Darla G 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Try this:
Get a pair of tongs and slowly move the mouse around by the tail near the snake. Try to emulate the movement of the mouse. Also, make sure that the mouse is thoroughly thawed in hot water and paper towel dried before attempting to feed your snake.
Pinkies might be too small, try some Mice on Ice.
2007-10-05 13:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by Pappa Poopy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A pinkie is too small. I am also willing to bet he has only been fed live so far.
How long have you had him/her? You should leave him/her completely alone for at least a week after you get him to allow him time to settle in. Once the week has gone by, try feeding him a live hopper mouse in the evening. Once he eats, do not handle him for another 24 hrs.
2007-10-05 12:42:39 · answer #3 · answered by hummi22689 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he is a baby so he might not be "adjusted" to frozen mice. you kinda have to ween them into frozen. only feed the python a mouse that is a round as the fattest part of his body. if you are trying feed frozen mice make sure you warm it up. a python will only go after warm mice. and if he doesnt eat it get him live mice. a pinkie is way to small for any python.
2007-10-05 13:21:24 · answer #4 · answered by dipps_n_gimp 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to remember that snakes only eat so often since their digestive system is a bit slow having consumed something whole.
2007-10-05 12:26:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try small rats.. Or maybe he is gettin ready to shed his skin
2007-10-05 15:03:40 · answer #6 · answered by M 1 A . 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is some good advice:
http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/#FEEDING
http://www.debscaptivebredballpythons.com/content.asp?cid=8
2007-10-05 15:39:10 · answer #7 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feed him live mice. if you cant handle that then contact your local vet for assistance.
2007-10-05 12:29:40 · answer #8 · answered by a_lex 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋