He's new, only been with us for 5 days now and I've tried twice to feed him. Nice tupperware tub, dark and warm with a killed baby mouse and he just won't eat.
Left him alone for 1 hour the first time and 90 mins the second. Zip.
I know they're fussy eaters but this is ridiculous. My old Red tailed Boa wasn't fussy at all.
Anyone have any suggestions?
2007-12-06 10:47:55 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I let snakes alone for a good two solid weeks before I attempt to feed them. Makes them a bit hungrier and lets them have plenty of time to settle in. No touching, no handling, and even easy on the looking. Some pythons and boas don't like eating pinkies, if that is what you are trying. A 10-14 day old with some fur on it will probably be a better bet. As you know, do NOT feed live, I don't care what the above poster says. It is not worth it. Most just need time. Make sure the mouse is plenty warm, but not too warm. Many snakes won't eat room temperature mice. Think around 100F and get a thermal gun to check. Fed him at night time in a room with maybe only a small corner lamp on (not too bright) and make prey motions with the mouse on a pair of forceps or hemostats when you're feeding him in the tub. Hopefully he'll take it. If he doesn't, just put the mouse back in the fridge for a few more days (like 4-5 max) and try again.
2007-12-06 11:08:35 · answer #1 · answered by Cave Canem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball pythons are famous for being fussy eaters. First of all, leave him alone for several days to adjust to his new home before attempting to handle or feed him. By then he'll be hungrier. Then, put him in a small tub and if needed leave him overnight with the mouse. Is he a baby ball or an adult? What was he being fed where you got him? Here is more info:
http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/
http://www.ballpythonforum.com/forums/index.php?s=592174d57f067613130a119c5216a9f7&
http://my.pclink.com/~dkelley/python.html#fee
2007-12-06 10:57:00 · answer #2 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball pythons should be left alone for a couple weeks in their new habitat before trying to feed them. They are really nervous creatures in all aspects. I would wait another week and try to feed him. If it doesnt eat then, try to feed it live. That may be how it was fed prior to you having it. It is important if it does eat live, to get it to start eating pre-killed as soon as possible. I warm them up with a hair dryer prior to feeding time. If all else fails, there is a process known as "braining" the mouse. Basically cutting the head open on the mouse to arouse the snake. I would try everything else first though.
2007-12-06 11:15:08 · answer #3 · answered by airbornemp108 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball pythons are nortorious for going off their food at times of stress, like coming to a new home. Sometimes they will do it for no apparent reason.
Call who ever you got him from, find out exactly what and how and when he was fed and try to duplicate it as close as you can.
Some Balls will only eat live, you might want to try that. Make sure you put a few pieces of mouse food in there so the mouse doesn't chew on your snake... and if you are going to leave them alone together.
I prefer a glass tank for snakes so I can keep an eye on whats going on.
2007-12-06 11:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by Nature Mother 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they are all right ball pythons are very fussy eaters I have 2 ball pyhtons and one will stop eating for 5 months,I will keep his water changed.I was worried about him not eating so I bought a scale and kept an eye on his weight.As lomg as your snake doesn't loose any weight don't worry.My one male is 4 years old now and he goes on a non-eating spree,sometimes 1 month up to 5 months.So dont worry.My other is a pig
2007-12-06 11:36:31 · answer #5 · answered by tom l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some snakes prefer live food over dead. Not to mention you do need some light in your cage.... I would kinda give him some time to settle into his new environment until you feed him next. They need to get settled into a new environment, and feel comfortable before they are ready to eat. I would give a stool sample to your vet, and make sure that there are no parasites present, that could be too, hope you figure it all out!!!
Sammi
2007-12-06 11:31:28 · answer #6 · answered by Sammi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i agree they are fussy eaters. maybe he is about to shed and that could render their appetite. also, try to put a live baby mouse. my little nephew put a dead one in his snakes tank and the snake wouldnt eat it, then he put a live one in there and he eats it every time. good luck!
2007-12-07 10:31:20 · answer #7 · answered by kala 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try giving him a variety of different food.
2007-12-06 11:18:29 · answer #8 · answered by Roxanne S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋