Feeding Problem...

[MyNameisMatt]

Hey all, I introduced myself the other day, and guess what? Im already here with a question.

I have a male ball python about 1 1/3 years old. He is around 800 grams. He went off feed about a month ago, Im assuming because of the breeding season. he has lost a total of about 30 grams in that month to month and a half. He has missed about 7 meals. I offered again, like I do every week, and he refused again. I know everyone says not to worry about them missing meals during the breeding season, only worry if they lose alot of weight. What is considered alot of weight? He weighs in at about 845 grams full, 800 grams empty, but is currently sitting at 768 grams. When should I start worrying? He wanders the cage alot at night, but other than that, only when its completely dark, or he wont. I havent handled him.

The only difference in anything is my female mojave came out of QT and got set up right on top of him. Nothing else has changed. He shed fine for me, the only thing is, he was out of water for a couple days straight.

Other than that, temps are about 92-96 warm side, 80-84 cool side. He was eating fine until it started to cool off here in NC back in mid november. Thats when he stopped.

But in a nutshell, what do you consider a massive loss of weight? Hes down 32 grams total right now in a month and a half, how much more before I worry and take him to the vet?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[iCandiBallPythons]

Sit back, relax, breathe, and wait it out he'll be fine. It's nothing for a bp to go off feed for 6 months and barely lose any weight, I have heard of fasts lasting close to 2 years ( doubt this will be your case). He'll eat when he's ready. I wouldn't be willing to pay a vet an office fee to tell me that, if they even knew the answer.

[Kaorte]

30g is nothing to worry about. My snakes around that size take regular craps that big. Haha

You could try raising his temps a little bit and see if that triggers a feeding response. I remember hearing from dave barker that any slight change to their environment can trigger breeding or "un-trigger" it. Worth a shot I suppose.

[j_h_smith]

A 30 gram loss in weight is nothing to be concerned about. Has the BP gone to the bathroom since it's hunger strike? This could account for the 30 gr loss.

Take Care!
Jim Smith

[MyNameisMatt]

He has used the bathroom, thats when he went from 850 grams to 800, that was full with a rat, to empty with nothing. He is now sitting at around 768 grams.
So it was 850 full, 800 empty of rat, and poop, then 768ish since. He roams a little bit at night, more than usual, but thats the only change. Im not stressing, because aside from the not eating, hes fine, I havent heard a wheeze, or anything. He sleeps, drinks etc fine.

Thanks all,

Matt

[j_h_smith]

Try feeding him when he's out and roaming. I find this works some times. Even if it's 2-4 in the morning.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[Vypyrz]

Try feeding him when he's out and roaming. I find this works some times. Even if it's 2-4 in the morning.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

I agree, Try feeding him when he is out of his hide looking, and if you don't already do it, try pre-scenting before you feed...

[RichsBallPythons]

Like i stated on another forum its nothing to worry about. Unless you notice massive weight loss. Wait it out and hell eat.