New baby ball python help needed!

[zombieoracle]

Hey guys. I've had my ball python for about 2 months now. And I cannot get him to eat. I've tried all the feeding tips I read online. I have assist fed him twice the past 2 weeks as getting worried now. All my temps are correct and I haven't been handling him at all except for when I have had to assist. He is so shy and nervous he won't go near anything. I've tried leaving the mouse near his cave overnight but it is untouched. I can't get live mice so that is out of the question. Do I carry on assist feeding if he carries on refusing food or shall I leave food in there until he eventually eats and keep an eye on his weight. He's only 88 grams not sure of his age. I don't want to stress him with the assist feeding but don't want him to go without food. He apparently was eating fine but not too sure I believe the pet shop. Any advice?

[Annarose15]

Can you post pics of your setup and give us more info? Temps, hides, tank size, etc., etc.?

[Inarikins]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Questionaire

Copy all the questions and include them with the answers in your reply.

[spider_ball]

You are going to have to figure out a way to get something live. Assist feeding should be the LAST resort, and is extremely stressful for the snake.
A young snake going 2 months without food, only weighing 88grams....is probably going to die soon without food!

[zombieoracle]

http://www.imgur.com/vJ76Bx1.jpeg


1. How long have you had your ball python?

2 months

2. How old (or how big) is your snake?

3 months at a guess

3. Does it eat on a regular schedule?

No

4. How long since its last meal?

Never ate on its own. Assist fed a week ago

5. What type/size prey is being offered?

Same width as its widest part of the body

6. How often do you offer food?

Once a week

7. What type and size of enclosure does it live in?

2 foot wooden

8. What are you using as substrate? If it has depth, how deep is it?

1 inch eco earth

9. What type of heating do you use?

Ceramic and heat mat

10. Do you use a thermostat to control temperatures?

Yes

11. What do you use to measure/monitor temperatures?

Digital thermometer

12. What are the surface and ambient temperatures in the enclosure?

Hot side 92-94 cool 82-84

13. What is the average humidity level?

50%

14. How many and what type of hides does the snake have?

3 hides hot end cool end and middle

15. Is water readily available at all times?

Yes

16. Does the snake live alone or does it share the enclosure with anything else?

Alone

17. How often and for how long is the snake typically handled?

Never. Except for an assist feed

18. Does the snake have any medical history (old injuries or illnesses)?

No

19. Do you have any other reptiles? Have you brought in any new reptiles recently?

Bearded dragons and crested gecko. No new reptiles

20. Is there anything specific or unique about your situation that we should be aware of?

No



I would gladly use live but I simply can't get any. I've looked online and asked around but I can't. Any other advice

[Dracoluna]

Silly question, where did he come from? Most breeders won't sell until they've started eating and in that case, you should contact the breeder about the way they fed him. If he came from the store at that size, there is a chance he's never eaten and getting babies to eat their first meal can be tough.

[zombieoracle]

He came from a store. I'm worried he has never eaten. Or rarely eaten. I don't know what else I can do. Anyone in the UK know where to get live feeder? He shows no interest in f/t what so ever

[Dracoluna]

Alright. When assisting, are you just getting the head of the prey into his mouth and then he does the rest or are you having to basically push it in?

One trick I've found works with stubborn feeders is to keep all the lights off, feed in the evening, and be patient. The prey needs to be warmed correctly, dry, and smell like dinner. I have rewarmed prey after awhile of not taking it but I will also make sure it's a little warmer than needed at first so it gives them time with no noise, movement, or light to examine the item. If they still won't take it, I keep trying every 5 days and weighing them the day after they refuse which gives them 4 days to relax before trying again. That helps you see if they are losing weight. If not, just give him time. If he is, then you can get into more assist feeding options.

[4theSNAKElady]

maybe you could find another forum member in the UK who could help you out?

[zombieoracle]

Just putting the head of the mouse in his mouth then he will start to eat. I know this is very stressful for him. I was thinking of leaving food in there with no noise lights on etc like you suggested for a few weeks and if he still doesn't eat assist on the 4th week so he's getting something once a month at least? Or should I just keep leaving food in for him and keep an eye on his weight. And assist if he starts to lose weight? What's the best way to warm the prey. I have been using a hair dryer but find it doesn't stay warm for long. Would hot water and the mouse in a bag to keep it dry work better? Thanks