Baby-ish bp won't eat

[shelliebear]

My brother just recently bought a ball python from Reptile Addictions in Spokane WA. Wendy, the lady who works there, wasn't too helpful and didn't tell them what kind of food he was eating.
So, they got him home and a few days after that (it's been at least a week) and attempted to feed him an F/T fuzzy mouse. He got the head in his mouth, but spat it out a moment later.
They also tried a F/T hopper, but he did the same thing: ate it a little and then spat it out before it got all the way in his mouth. He did at least take part of it in his mouth, but for whatever reason decided not to eat the rest.
So, he hasn't eaten in a week or two, but he does show interest in the food, because he strikes it and tries to eat it.
What could be going on? Why is he spitting it out?
My guess is he's about 3 months old or so. He's little. But I'm clueless as to how to help.
What suggestions could you offer? What should they do?
And is his health in danger? How long can he not eat, when he's this young, and still be healthy?
Thanks lots.
Shellie

[Maverick67]

sounds to me like the f/t are not defrosted all the way. he is getting it in his mouth until he feels it being cold and spitting it out. missing a feeding or 2 shouldn't be a danger as long as he doesn't look like he is dropping a lot of weight.

[DmD]

Maybe try live, some Ball pythons feed well on live or prey killed and some on frozen just my thought.

[iCandiBallPythons]

Are you meaning he spits it out after constricting? If so, reheat and immediately reoffer

[Bones]

First, I would try what the others have said; make sure the rodent is completely thawed out. If that doesn't work, try F/T rats instead of mice.

[tiny_tiger60978]

Just curious...

First, I would try what the others have said; make sure the rodent is completely thawed out. If that doesn't work, try F/T rats instead of mice.

Is there really a big difference between rats and mice??? The only difference I've heard is that rats are leaner (don't have as much fatty meat).

[xdeus]

Put a live rat pup or fuzzy in his cage at night and leave him alone. It should be gone by morning.

[Bones]

Is there really a big difference between rats and mice??? The only difference I've heard is that rats are leaner (don't have as much fatty meat).

The reason why I said that is because he snake may have "imprinted" upon rats. I have an 8 month old BP who has imprinted upon mice, meaning that he will not eat rats. I've tried to feed him rats 4 times and each time, he has refused them.

[WingedWolfPsion]

This sounds like people are sitting there, watching the process in fascination...which could be the problem. Ball python hatchlings are extremely shy and nervous, and they will not eat if they feel insecure. Would you feel secure eating if a big monster was STARING AT YOU 0_0 while you ate?

Here's what should be happening--offer the mouse to the ball python. When it grabs and wraps the mouse, leave the room. Stay away for an HOUR. While you are gone, the ball python will drop the mouse, look around to make sure the coast is clear, then it will pick the mouse back up (hopefully by the head) and swallow it.

[sho220]

Just curious...


Is there really a big difference between rats and mice??? The only difference I've heard is that rats are leaner (don't have as much fatty meat).

If you're feeding adults, it's easier to feed one rat than several mice...