BP does not feed...

[snakeyes]

Well...so my first BP that i got about two weeks ago still hasn't fed.
He's about 2/1/2 feet long.

The previous owner was feeding him live, but for the sake of my wife's sanity (she like mice) i tried feeding him F/T.

the first time i tried to feed (sunday last week) he got close to the mouse but didn't even strike.
last night, after i had the mouse nice and warm, he got close, he would sniff it..but he wouldn't strike.
perhaps he's a picky eater.

the previous owner told me that when i bought him he was due to eat. that means he hasnt eaten in about a month now...is that bad?
how long can a snake go without eating until they get acclimated to their new environment?

i'm a newb so any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[iCandiBallPythons]

Try placing the mouse inside the warm hide overnight.

[fire-eyes]

Congrats on the snake!

Ball Pythons can be picky eaters. The transition from live to f/t can be a tricky one at times. You have the right idea getting it warm. Next, I would give it a little action, like you are fishing with a lure and trying to coax a fish to strike. Sometimes it just takes a little extra work.

I also agree with leaving it in there overnight, it won't hurt anything.

BP's can go many months (6-8, sometimes even more) without eating. It's not exactly healthy, but it isn't deadly either. Keep at it, you may have to be very persistent.

Let us know how it goes.

[cinderbird]

The previous owner was feeding him live, but for the sake of my wife's sanity (she like mice) i tried feeding him F/T.

We're dealing with live animals here. They don't always do exactly what you want. If you wanted an animal that was feeding on F/T, it may have been a better situation for you to invest in an animal that was on F/T.

I suggest feeding live for 2-4 feedings, and then trying to switch to F/T. Once he is feeding consistently for you you can try to switch him to a different type of food. Keep in mind some snakes will never switch.

Look at it from the snakes perspective, everything he knows has changed in a very short period of time, the environment hes used to, the people he is used to handling him, the food he is used to eating, etc. Start by changing one small thing at the time.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

The priority when getting a new snake is for the snake to eat for you, YOUR or your wife's priorities in this case should be second.

I would recommend offering live (same prey type than preciously offered) for at least 3 to 4 feeding.

Once your snake is well establish than you can attempt to switch.

Switching a well established snakes is often easier than trying to switch a snake that is not well established and had not eating for you yet.

Also remember that while most snakes can be switch, some might take time, some might never do and as a snake owner you should always be ready and willing to feed live.

[seeya205]

The priority when getting a new snake is for the snake to eat for you, YOUR or your wife's priorities in this case should be second.

I would recommend offering live (same prey type than preciously offered) for at least 3 to 4 feeding.

Once your snake is well establish than you can attempt to switch.

Switching a well established snakes is often easier than trying to switch a snake that is not well established and had not eating for you yet.

Also remember that while most snakes can be switch, some might take time, some might never do and as a snake owner you should always be ready and willing to feed live.

Agreed!!!

What are the details of your tank? If the husbandry is not up to par then that could cause a snake not to eat!!!

[JLC]

From our Caresheet:

WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than one meal (sometimes they will not want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:

Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.

Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.

Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.

Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.

Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.

Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.

Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.

Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.

Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.

Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.

Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.