Baby Ball Python Losing weight Quick and still off feed

[Theartisticgemini]

I Purchased 2 Normal Ball Pythons a little over a month ago, Male and female. During about the first week my Male escaped and was found 4 weeks Later.Since than he has lost lots of weight and looks super skinny. I thought that he would be eating like a beast after all this. I gave him about 3 Days to Settle and relax and i then Offered him a Live Mouse he refused and seemed almost afraid of it. I then left a F/T Mouse in his Enclosure over night and still nothing. He shows no Interest. How long should i wait till i offer him food again? I Know ball pythons are known for going off feed at times but i have never heard of babys going off feed. Assist Feeding?? Should i ever try it down the road if he still does not eat? I know this can cause stress and i can't imagine how stressed he already is after being escaped for so Long. The Temps in their tubs are all good. My Female is Thriving and eating everything i offer her and shes almost Double his size now.

Thanks Guys/Ladies and please let me know what steps i should take from here

[satomi325]

I Purchased 2 Normal Ball Pythons a little over a month ago, Male and female. During about the first week my Male escaped and was found 4 weeks Later.Since than he has lost lots of weight and looks super skinny. I thought that he would be eating like a beast after all this. I gave him about 3 Days to Settle and relax and i then Offered him a Live Mouse he refused and seemed almost afraid of it. I then left a F/T Mouse in his Enclosure over night and still nothing. He shows no Interest. How long should i wait till i offer him food again? I Know ball pythons are known for going off feed at times but i have never heard of babys going off feed. Assist Feeding?? Should i ever try it down the road if he still does not eat? I know this can cause stress and i can't imagine how stressed he already is after being escaped for so Long. The Temps in their tubs are all good. My Female is Thriving and eating everything i offer her and shes almost Double his size now.

Thanks Guys/Ladies and please let me know what steps i should take from here

Can you describe the husbandry and set up? What size prey are you offering?
How large is he? Can you post a picture of his body condition?
I would give him a week to settle down again. I know that sounds bad, but to him, the tub is a new place all over again.
He he keeps refusing, I would definitely assist feed.

[Theartisticgemini]

Basic Setup with A Hide and water Bowl Aspen Bedding . Im Offering Adult Mice. And i will post up some Pics in a few.

[Kaorte]

Maybe move to a smaller tub? Maybe an extra hide? Fill the tub with crumpled newspaper?

:/ What was his weight before he escaped and then when you found him 4 weeks later?

[FireStorm]

How big is his enclosure? Is it a tub, or an aquarium? I second the suggestion of leaving him completely alone for a week, and offering him food again at that point. How big is he? I'd probably offer a live hopper, at night, in a week, turn of the lights and leave the room for a bit to give him the best shot at eating.

[SlitherinSisters]

Is he a baby, sub adult, adult? Adults can lose some weight and still be ok, babies not so much.

[FireStorm]

I am guessing he is a hatchling, from the title.

[Theartisticgemini]

Yes Guys hes a Hatchling. And hes in a Tub not a rack. Not sure how much Grams he was Before his escape or after we found him.

[FireStorm]

Then I would say leave him completely alone and offer him a live hopper in a week. He is probably just stressed, but I would give him one more chance to eat before assist feeding. You might want to get a scale and start weighing your snakes periodically. It can be hard to know when to be concerned about weight loss if you don't.

[Kaorte]

Yes Guys hes a Hatchling. And hes in a Tub not a rack. Not sure how much Grams he was Before his escape or after we found him.

Start tracking his weight. If he is loosing weight fast and still refuses to eat, you might need to see a vet.

Clutter up his tub. You can use fake plants or crumpled paper. Anything to give him cover and make him feel safe. 4 weeks out there in the world could have been a little traumatic for him!