Ball python off of food

[nixiefee]

Hey everyone. I haven't been on in a while...lots of stuffs has been going on in my life. It is starting to get straightened up now. The main reason I am posting is this...

Serena has not eaten the past 5 feedings now (I feed every 2 weeks). She is an adult ball python. I am worried about her, but she has had no interest in the rats that I have been putting in for her. When should it start being a major concern? She is still drinking and passing waste normally, and her temps have been pretty much on par (except for a few days of getting a little cooler on the cool side than I like but she has stayed warm on the warm side). Should I be concerned enough to attempt force feeding her mice at this point or just wait through a couple more feeding?

Thanks Everyone
Nixie.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

There is absolutely no need to force feed an adult and what you are experiencing is pretty common.

Animal that are generally force feed are animal that just hatched and do not feed on their own and animal with declining health.

BP fast for various reasons, stress, husbandry, overfeeding, seasonal, breeding etc.

Assuming your animal has a good body weight and is well hydrated there is nothing to worry about, she could go for MONTHS without food,

What should you do

• Make sure your husbandry is OPTIMAL.
• Monitor your snake make sure there is no significant weight loss, make sure your BP remains well hydrated.
• Offer smaller preys nothing larger than a small rat once a week.
• Wait it out, your BP knows how to eat and sooner or later it will.