Feeding success stories?

[blueberrypancakes]

I am just getting so frustrated with this snake! He's not eating at all, and I've tried all different methods and types of rat. I've had him for a month, and have attempted to feed whenever I feed Jacks. (Once a week). It really makes me appreciate Jackson, who is always ravenous...
Anyway, just wanted some success stories of snakes that've been off feed for a little while and started again to make me feel better... I know everybody who has BPs has experience in this area...

[Annarose15]

I have a pied female that took 3 months to eat for me the first time. She then would only eat once every six weeks or so, but took 3 whole meals in January (and seems to be looking for more when I open the tub)! Just be patient with him and watch his weight - it's just what mature males do this time of year. My Bee male went off feed for 5 months last winter with no ill effects, and now eats like a monster.

[blueberrypancakes]

Three months for the first feed! Wow. He's only my second snake and my first experience with one that doesn't immediately get excited when he smells rat. So after only having Jackson, it is rather off-putting, but I'm not so much worried as just frustrated. Did you avoid all handling for those three months?

[Annarose15]

Not entirely, but I did try three different tub sizes, cypress, aspen, paper towels, as well as live and F/T rats (not willing to feed mice, whether she wants it or not). She never took the live offerings, strangely enough, but has taken F/T. She was 300g when I got her, and is only 580g or so now (8 months later) - still has great muscle tone and body condition, just small. I'm hoping that her January pattern means she's finally getting with the program, but she's definitely taught me to quit being so intent on my plans when it comes to living animals.

[RobNJ]

Longest I've had a snake off feed was around 10 months...definitely had me worried towards the latter half of that time, as it was the first time I've experienced an extended non-eating period like that. But, she was fine the whole way through, did not lose a lot of weight at all, and she picked up eating when she felt like it.

[blueberrypancakes]

Was doing a little bit of internet research, one good thing is that he doesn't shy away from what I offer. He just doesn't show any interest. So perhaps that's an indicator that breeding season is a likely explanation? Suggesting that it's not necessarily stress?

[DooLittle]

My adult male went off for 3 1/2 months, and just resumed eating a few weeks ago. However, since then he thinks he needs to eat once a week...lol. Drove me batty when he would just completely ignore the rat though. I hope he comes around soon, for your sanity anyhow.

[Crazy4Herps]

I have a female who refuses food for six months out of every year. I don't tend to call it a 'fast' since I can usually get her to take three or four live meals during that time. Especially when I first got her (she was my first snake) I was constantly worried about her, but over the years I've come to understand that that's just her schedule. Ball pythons can be frustrating as all get out, but it gets easier as you learn what to expect from him. Keep at it, I'm sure he'll eat for you soon enough!