Help- Can't get my new Ball Python to eat

[Ashley-Rose]

I just got my first ball python from Petsmart on the 9th. When I first got him I asked when he was last fed and he said that thursday he was fed and he just eats the frozen mice. When I tried to feed him the following thursday he didn't eat the mouse. My boyfriend who has had a ball python before said it takes them a few days to actually eat it. So I left it in his cage for a couple days and he still didn't eat it so I threw it out. After this I went back to Petsmart and asked them what I may have been doing wrong. They suggested getting a separate plastic cage to feed him in since that is how they fed them at the store. So I tried that last night and when I woke up this morning he still hadn't eaten. He did just go to the bathroom this last sunday... Is there a better way to feed him? Do you think maybe he would like live mice more than the frozen ones? ! Since this is my very first python I am still trying to figure out a lot of things. Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated! I just want him to grow up happy and healthy

[Craigaria]

Are you thawing the mouse and heating it up to live temps? Also, how is your set up? What are your temps on the hot/cool side and what is your humidity?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

With new BP the most important things is security.

You want to feed in the cage first and foremost.

Because of Petsmart to actually assist feed animals because they cannot feed live, there is a possibility that the animal is not really eating on is own and eating F/T willingly.

I would suggest to offer live (remember the priority is to get your animal to eat and then switch) but first I would look into husbandry make sure you are providing a tight cramped enclosure (if too big it can be stressing your animal) with proper temps, also provide tight hides, all sides touching your BP's body. Providing your BP with aspen bedding will also offer added security.

Once all that is check and changes are made if needed, wait a week and attempt feeding. Until your BP is eating NO handling.

PS: If it is an halthcling I would suggest a 6 quarts or 15 quarts tub to get started (and until your animal is eating) with one or 2 plastic flower pot saucers, temps of 76/78 and 86/88, aspen bedding and 50% humidity.

[Ashley-Rose]

The cage sets at about 80 degrees when I feed him. I am thawing out the the mouse with my hands and I put the hair dryer to it for a couple seconds to warm it up a bit more. I'm not sure what the humidity is in the cage.. Are you supposed to mist ball pythons? I was told you didn't have to

[supergeeman]

My new bp refused for 3 weeks...a friend and bp owner suggested I try getting the mouse a little warmer...I dipped the head in some hot water, dried it, checked it wasn't too hot and he took it straight away....maybe worth a shot

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[Ashley-Rose]

I have a 25 gallon tank right now for him (That's him in the picture). In the cage I have a good sized tree/cave that he can climb around on and crawl into to rest, I also have his water dish and I just put in a plant decoration so the cage to me seems pretty cramped. I also have bedding on the whole bottom that is kind of like tree shavings but thinner, it's kind of hard to explain. (I'll attach a picture.) So after all this I should wait another week and try again? I am getting a bit worried because it's been almost 2 weeks since he has eaten. Do you know if Petco sells live mice? I know the Petsmart here doesn't.

[Ashley-Rose]

Okay I will try that too since I have 4 more of them left! Do you hand feed yours? I also heard sometimes if you move it around like it is alive they take it straight away

[Pyrate81]

1. Take a deep breath. The zombiepocolypse hasn't started yet.

2. Deb gave you proper tips/advice. You are in good hands and will recieve good tips/advice here.

3. A 25gallon tank is going to be big for a baby BP.

4. Thawing out a frozen mouse can be done by putting it in a bowl or glass of hot water from the tap for about 10-15 minutes, dump water, refill with more hot water for another 10-15 minutes(this is how I do it anyway). Some people do use a hair dryer. Thawing it out in your hands won't get it hot enough, IMO. I know some people use room temperature rodents. Also, the "zombie dance" is always recommended to entice the snake. The zombie dance is when you lightly dangle the f/t rodent in front of the snake using tongs.

5. Petco typically does sell live and f/t.

6. We need more information from you:
-We know he's in a 25gallon tank. The snake will most likely need more clutter(crumpled up newspaper is typically suggested)
-What are your temps and humidity?
-How are you measuring them?
-How are you heating your tank?
-How many hides do you have in the tank?
-How cluttered do you have the tank?
-What kind of tree shavings do you have?

7. To post pics, upload a pic to a photo hosting website such as photobucket and copy/paste the img link to this forum.
Instructinos on how to post pics: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-with-pictures)

[CheebaChris420]

With bps its all about security, i wasnt able to see the pic. But make sure you have enough hiding places the stress of a move can be tough on a young bp which will cause them to stop eating. The safer in the tank they feel it will ease the stress.

On to feeding (what i do)
The first feeding i did in tank. After thats its been in a separate container.
I air thaw the mice for about an hour
Bag the mouse and stick it in warm water. (10-15)
Then dry off mouse when taking it out of the bag.
Now i usually use tongs and dangle the mouse in the air giving jerks.

Hopefully the little guy starts eating. Good luck


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[Ashley-Rose]

The temperature sits at about 80 degrees during the day. I'm not sure what the humidity is.. I was told that BP's didn't really need to be misted. What should the humidity be at?
Here is the picture of his tank. Now that I think about it I don't think it is as cluttered as it should be...