Still not Feeding

[Zargoon]

Hey guys,

My bp still isn't feeding. I thought originally that he wasn't feeding perhaps because he was with another ball python, and the temps and humidity in that cage were perfect.

Well its been two weeks since I move him into the new enclosure (two hide, water bowl, 80 degrees cold side, 90 on hot, 50% humidity), and he still wants nothing to do with food. He's mellowed out a little bit, but if I ever try to feed him he just freaks out and tries to escape the box. I even put a hide in there with him. I've also tried feeding him inside his own enclosure.

I'm not feeding him more than once a week, and the last two times I've tried to feed him I've been using a fuzzy mouse, because I've read that that will entice him more.... but he still just wants nothing to do with it.

In the last month he's lost another 20 grams of weight. I'm getting really concerned about him, and I just have no idea what I'm supposed to do.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Because you change the conditions does not been they resume feeding overnight it can take time. The stress of multiple housing, than the stress of a new environment it's a lot especially for a young animal.

Have you been handling him?

How big is he exactly?

I'm not feeding him more than once a week, and the last two times I've tried to feed him I've been using a fuzzy mouse, because I've read that that will entice him more.... but he still just wants nothing to do with it.

Actually not really fuzzies are way to small and probably do not spark his interest.

[Zargoon]

Have you been handling him?

How big is he exactly?

He's about 22 inches long, and weighs 128 grams. I never touch him. I don't feel that fuzzies are too small for him, in fact, people have recommended it.

[Fataltix]

Deb,

I've read Zargoon's other threads and he's been trying to get this lil' guy to feed for over 2 months. As a result of all his weight loss and size a few people recommended he try feeding a fuzzy to entice him so he isn't afraid of the "prey" item. Also, he specifically said "2 weeks", not exactly over night mate.

Cheers,
Fatal

[Fataltix]

bumpity bump bump

[Fataltix]

Jesus does no one have any advice?

[jbean7916]

How big is his enclosure?

sent from my EVO

[Stewart_Reptiles]

He's about 22 inches long, and weighs 128 grams. I never touch him. I don't feel that fuzzies are too small for him, in fact, people have recommended it.

Sorry fuzzies are TOO small the smallest I would go with is a hopper which us used to start hatchlings (your BP right now can take a full grown mouse)

If it was me here is what I would do

I would get a 6 quart tubs have one 6 inches flowerpots saucer as an hide, and have Aspen as substrate and a water dish (nothing less nothing more at this point)

88 on the warm side and 78 on the cool side.

I would wait a week (NO HANDLING) and than offer a LIVE hopper and see how it does.

If that does not work there is one more thing you can try but we will see how that gies first.

Obviously this animal ate before and likely does not eat for you because of stress and husbandry issues.

[ballpythonluvr]

Fuzzy mice are just wayyyyyyyyyy to small! Deborah is right, that snake could take a hopper or a small adult mouse easily.

[stratus_020202]

Deb,

I've read Zargoon's other threads and he's been trying to get this lil' guy to feed for over 2 months. As a result of all his weight loss and size a few people recommended he try feeding a fuzzy to entice him so he isn't afraid of the "prey" item. Also, he specifically said "2 weeks", not exactly over night mate.

Cheers,
Fatal

Uh. It's only been two weeks since he's been moved, and he's tried feeding twice. Either it was too soon for the first one, or he's feeding them too close together.

I agree with Deb. Give him a week in his new enclosure with zero interaction. I might even cover it to give him extra darkness. Then try again with a small adult mouse. I've had newborns that didn't want anything smaller than that. I'm sure newborns isn't the correct term, but it's just a cute word.

Good luck! Keep us updated.