i have had my ball python for roughly 3 months now and was feeding really well he was eating 2-3 fuzzies a week. i recently got him a new tank and he addapted well to it and was still feeding really well. i checked him one day and found that he had mites wich i treated and managed to get rid of but recently he hasnt eaten (about 3 weeks) and his eyes have gone cloudy although i dont thinki he is due a shed. i change his water every day keep his tank at a 85f he has plenty of hides and i try to keep handling him to a minimum. what am i doing wrong?
2007-11-20 03:44:02 · 7 answers · asked by paul t 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
sounds like he is about to shed
2007-11-20 03:47:46 · answer #1 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm wondering...is your ball python a baby? I'm not sure if having him for 3 months means he was a hatchling when you got him or an older snake, because if the snake is just a hatchling then 2-3 fuzzies a week is way too much. Typically a hatchling should be eating only 1 meal a week unless you aren't able to acquire an adequate size meal at the time for your snake and must feed him 2, otherwise 2-3 a week is way too much and may be why he decided to go off feed.
Typically hatchlings and juveniles eat once a week, and the size of the meal depends on their midsection diameter--no bigger than and not too small.
Usually adults eat every 2 weeks with the same midsection rule.
Really there would be no other reason why your snake's eyes would go cloudy besides a shed. Some ball pythons will not eat a week before their shed cycle begins (i.e., pink belly, faded appearance) up until they have completely shed.
Mites can cause your snake to go off feed for they stress him out, so check to make sure for a fact that you have 100% completely rid of them.
It is also not abnormal for ball pythons to go off feed for a little bit, especially during the cold parts of the year (late fall and winter). If you have only had your snake for 3 months then you wouldn't know his exact behavior during this time, because all snakes have different personalities and behavior that you will learn over time. A good example of this would be my ball python doesn't care if he is shedding, he will accept a meal and doesn't really get bothered by being handled during his shedding time. On the other hand, most ball pythons will absolutely not eat anything during shedding and some even get aggressive when you attempt to mess with them. Over time you will learn his behavior and may find that certain events (shedding) or parts of the year (winter), he won't eat, so I wouldn't get overly concerned yet.
2007-11-20 22:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball pythons are notorious for "fasting". Mine has gone up to 4 months without eating and has always been perfectly healthy. I wouldn't worry about 3 weeks of not eating. Mine has gone without eating twice now. The first time for about 2 months, then the second time for 4 months, as I mentioned above.
I would have gotten more concerned had she started to lose weight and have gone any longer without eating. I had already read about them going on these hunger strikes, so I didn't worry too much. Had she gone more than 5 months, or started to lose weight, I would have taken her to the vet.
Has your snake eaten since you say you got rid of the mites?
The cloudy eyes do mean a shed is coming on. That should clear up in a few days. Your snake will not eat until after the shed, anyway.
2007-11-21 13:29:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was the new tank new? Did you disinfect it before using it? I'd worry about the fact that he came up with mites, he may have been exposed to another source of something to make him sick after you got him? The mite medication may have thrown him off food too? It also may not be interested while shedding either, which could be your source of cloudy eyes.
Ruling out other medical reasons for not eating, do you allow him time for basking and for digestion? a temp 90-95 will get him mobile in the cage. We keep the temperature up during the day, and down at night. Of course fresh water in a bowl large enough for him to soak in may also be a plus in the shedding process.
My research says that they can go off their feed for a few months, and some are picky eaters, and to check the cage liner for incompatibility too (shavings, vs newsprint, vs sand). If you are you offering dead fuzzies, consider the option of live ones to temp appetite. Ours loves live mice, and baby quail : ) I wanted him to have a rounded appetite.
Of course the best option if you are worried is to check with the reptile doc. It may be your only visit for this, because as you get more experienced, you will be able to determine the problems that cause the situation.
2007-11-20 09:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by almondsarenuts 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in case you feed him stay nutrients its very achieveable that he will substitute into very puzzling to safeguard (be responsive to this from expierence). my ball python won't take nutrients except its shifting, to get around this concern whilst nevertheless feeding prekilled nutrients, i take advantage of a gadget for finding out on up screws, its a lengthy (2 feet) grabber that's spring loaded. surprisingly much any ironmongery shop might inventory them, i additionally warmth the nutrients to physique temp through putting it in a tray and putting the tray into warm water. attempt this earlier feeding stay is my suggestion. desire this helps. W
2016-10-17 12:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by layden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there
he in a shed ... it will take approx 24-48 hrs after his eyes change back to normal to shed off it's skin... mist the tank once a day to bring up the humidity.. to help him have a better shed.. hope this helps...
2007-11-20 04:17:28 · answer #6 · answered by reptiles r us 1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know someone who has a ball python, and sometimes it will just quit eating for a month. Its just not hungry, but in your case I'd say its shedding.
2007-11-20 03:59:44 · answer #7 · answered by DJR 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋