a little bit weird and new to me unsuccesful feed

[robeyeshua]

2011 bee ball fed f/t succesfully3 straight weeks - then this last feed - struck from the side - couldn't get a good position then left it - i heated it back up sealed in bag - reintroduced immediately struck again and coiled - looked like he would eat - then dropped it and laid his chin on it for about 20 minutes - not worried - just wondering if you had seen this behaviour before

[notmyfault]

I've had my bp for about 2 months now. My bp has done this the first few times I tried feeding however has become such an aggressive feeder since. It might be possible that the prey you are offering it is too large. What size prey are you offering?

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[robeyeshua]

thx - i had wondered if they may be a little large - they are relatively small adults - weigh within a gram of what a hopper would weigh - i have 2 other new to me 2011's that arent great eaters yet - i may pick up some smaller prey items before this next weeks feed - kinda weird though as this particular ball had taken this same size on his last 2 feeds

[aldebono]

After he strikes and coils, I would close the bin and not look at him (no peaking!) until the morning. Sometimes it takes them a painfully long time to eat which our patience can not handle and we think we have to reach in and re heat and try again. Just walk away.

I thought I had a strictly live feeder until I tossed in a ft mouse and left it overnight.

I doubt it was too big if it was the same size as last time.

[benwallage9]

I've had ball pythons and my corn snake do this before. The reason that they did this is A) they think the prey is too big and can't get there mouth around it (but since you've already thought or this its doubtful) or B) they get scared. Scaring a bp isn't hard they will curl up into a ball just because you move to fast, so this is the more likely situation, i might not even realize you've scared it. I'd feed the snake and then as soon as it strikes leave the room and let him be for atleast an hour.

If he doesn't eat then it could be that he isn't hungry or doesn't want to eat. Snakes sometimes strike and coil prey just because that is what there instincts tell them that what they should do it doesn't always mean they actually want to eat the meal.