Help! Sudden period of inactivity?

[LesClaypool522]

Hi, a year ago this month I got my ball python Les. Based on his size when I got him I estimated that he was about six months old at the most. This being said, he is at the most only a year and a half old and has plenty of growing left to do. I feed him one medium sized mouse a week. He has always been extremely active. In fact I remember being amazed on how much time he spent looking around or just being alert. Normally when in his hide he will pop his head out and sit for hours. Now he never goes out not even at night. And he lays in his hide curled up and has been inactive for quite some time, about 2 and a half months. Last week was the first time ever that he refused to eat. He looks fine and healthy though. Recently, he had some blockage and a warm bath took care of that.

Sorry for making this post so long but I wanted to include as much detail as possible? His tank is kept at about 85 degrees and humidity is always above 40% due to wet towel. I live in western PA and we are having one of the worst winters in our history. Anything that anyone can tell me that will help benefit Les or ease my worried mind would help. Thank you for taking the time to read what I had to say.

[Bleepr]

The winter is whats doing it most likely.

So long as he still looks fine, I wouldn't worry. Periods of inactivty are not all that uncommon. Continue to offer him food at his scheduled times.

One of my boys hasnt eatten for nearly 2 months, but hes still a healthy weight and isnt losing that weight quickly, so I'm not concerned at all.

An overly active ball python is actually more concerning then an inactive one. Overactivity can be a sign of stress.

In short, don't worry, your little guy should be fine

[Patricia]

I feed him one medium sized mouse a week.

Over a year old and only 1 medium mouse a week? Since sizes are subjective, it's better to go by weight. What do those mice weigh?

I ask because my BP was/is puny compared to the sizes posted here, but is now up to 800g eating 2 big mice (around 40-45g each) a week. It's about 12-13 months old, so I'd imagine yours is bigger and needing more than one mouse.

[crusher]

he'll be fine... like everyone said... winter... breeding season...

and btw yes... this is a terrible winter... heard 27-40 more inches this week alone... go get youre heat packs now id suggest.

[Seak]

BPs are for the most part inactive. Like Bleepr said, being overactive is actually a bad sign as it could mean your BP is stressed. Mating season and the weather are more than likely also the culprit of the sudden drop in activity.

Also, I'm in NJ, I hate this winter! I swear I'm moving to Guam or something!