My BP won't eat

[NaginiBP]

I have had a ball python for almost 2 years now. This is only my second snake, as my first is a corn. I do not know if it is a male or female, and can't really find anyone around my area that can tell me. I just call it a her. She has always been a great eater, never missing a meal of a full sized live mouse every week. The last time she ate was in the beginning of November. I try every week, but she just has no interest at all in eating. She has shed since then.

I have had problems keeping heat and humidity up. The UTH is on a thermostat and it read only 75-78, so I added a basking heat lamp and brought it up between 85-90. The humidity is always horrible, no matter how big the water bowl is, or how often I mist, and I have the lid covered in plastic. When she begins her shed, I normally give her a warm bath.

Anyway, she hasn't been loosing any noticable weight. She also never is out roaming her cage, but just hides under her water bowl (plastic dog bowl). I am beginning to worry about her. Any suggestions?

I will check back on Monday, as I will be gone for the weekend.

[BiggBaddWolf]

I have a couple who arent eating much now, it's just that time of year. I have had some in the past that would stop eating in November and not pick up again until March or April. But if she isnt losing a lot of weight just be patient and all should be well, bet then again I am no EXPERT!!!!

[BuckeyeBalls]

no expert. but iv read this time of year they like to refuse food. also read bad humidity will cause em to refuse. what substrate u using? aspen and coco husk help raise it alot

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Given the time of the year and the age of your BP I would not worry too much mature animals sometimes go off feed this time of the year.

Since your BP is 2 years old and I assume a good body weight he/she will be ok.

Make sure your husbandry is on spot and that your BP is he is well hydrated and wait it out. It can last month just keep monitoring him/her closely and sooner or late he/she will resume feeding.

[Kaorte]

I have had problems keeping heat and humidity up. The UTH is on a thermostat and it read only 75-78, so I added a basking heat lamp and brought it up between 85-90. The humidity is always horrible, no matter how big the water bowl is, or how often I mist, and I have the lid covered in plastic.

This bit sounds a little off to me. Your UTH should be bringing the hot spot on the glass to around 90*. If you are using a thermostat, just turn the thermostat up to get a higher hot spot.

Then you may not need the heat lamp and that would increase your humidity. Bringing the temps up might also fake the snake into thinking it isn't breeding season and if that is the reason she isn't eating, she might start eating again.

Worth a try

[NaginiBP]

Thank you for reassuring me. I currently have cypress bedding, but will be changing it to aspen next cleaning time. I am also going to try to buy mice from a different store to see if a different smell might help.

As for the UTH, the thermostat is turned all the way up. And the temp guage is on top of the substrate. Maybe it is time for a new UTH. If I use a heat bulb, should I use a red one or a normal white one?

And a funny thing happened last night. Had my niece over who took the snakes out of the tanks and carried them around for hours. They both seemed to enjoy that a lot. Then the BP pooped and peed all over the place! Wasn't very solid, since she hasn't eaten in months. Is this common?

[Kaorte]

Are you using a thermometer with a probe? If so, stick it right on the glass where the UTH is and see what that temp is.

Also, if you are using too much substrate, the temp will go down. You really only need like a 1/2 inch.