BP Wont Eat...

[hunter94]

Alright, well I tried to feed my BP a week from today and he didn't eat, and today I tried to feed him again, he seemed interested in the rat but he just climbed out of the feeding box. So I put him back in his tank and I checked the temps and the heating pad was at 100 degrees with the hide out of the tank so I immediately turned it down and I'm trying to regulate the temps so they are ideal. The humidity may be on the lower side most of the time but I spray it when I see it needs to be sprayed and when I'm at home. I need to change the battery in my Hygrometer and put it back in the tank because I don't have one in the tank currently. But I'm not sure what else could be causing this other then the Humidity and Temps. But if anyone could give me some advice that would be great. Also my snake is around 6-7 Months Old.

[JLC]

Fluctuating temperatures can definitely cause them to go off food. Getting that under control should be your first priority, then work on the humidity.

Have you tried feeding him inside the enclosure? Many ball pythons are too shy to be comfortable enough to eat in a strange place. They really prefer to hunt from their own "territory."

Here's a run-down of the most common reasons why ball pythons stop eating...

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 2-3 meals (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.

[hunter94]

Iv had him for a while now probably around 4 Months and Iv never ever had problems with feeding him. And Iv never fed him inside of his tank. I didn't even have a problem switching him from Mice to Rats. I also forgot to mention that his tank is a little to small for his size so thats a possibility to. Iv read over the caresheet tons of times before getting my snake so I think I'm well educated on keeping the husbandry nice. The reason the Temps and Humidity are all off is because I haven't had time for him because of school and stuff. So I'm thinking its either the temps or the small cage. I'm leaning more to the small cage part rather then the temps. But I talked to my mom and she agreed to setting up a bigger tank for him.