Newbie feedng help?

[newbie2]

hi i recently bought a ball python at a reptile show.
And through i admit it was a spur of the moment i could'nt help it since i was extremely fascinated.
My problem lies that it was 3 weeks ago and it refuses to eat. At first i was feeding it frozen hoppers but trying my best to learn more about them i read that they are picky eaters and prefer live prey or what the previous owner had given them which was live. I have purchase live prey but she, coco, still refuses to eat. And through i know they easily stress out i try not to force her. But now im beginning to worry. Its been 3 weeks and i love her very much so am i over reacting or is there anything i can do to help her?

[le miow]

I wouldn't worry as long as you know when the last meal was, they can go months without eating and as long as they aren't losing too much weight they're fine. Not sure about live food as I haven't had to try live yet (touch wood), but frozen you can make a small slice on the head so there's a little blood, dangle it or use chicks blood as they're supposed to like the smell of it. Watch out for long tongue flicks while roaming/handling as this is a good indication they're hungry.

Also be sure to check your temperatures are correct, and if it's starting the shedding procedure, these can both play a part in them going off food. Good luck

[Twitchy]

Welcome to the world of ball pythons lol. Check your husbandry and make sure that everything is spot on, sometimes issues with temp/humidity will cause them to not eat. Also make sure that your enclosure has at least two hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side since all pythons are nocturnal animals that spend the day in rodent burrows they need places to hide and feel secure, being insecure can also cause them to go fast. If Coco is in an aquarium make sure that the back and sides of the aquarium are covered to also help her feel more secure. My boy refused to eat for about a month after I got him, sometimes they just need a chance to get used to their new environment so it is best to give them a week or so to adjust before handling them (very hard I know, I barely made it lol). Be patient and consistent it is completely normal for them to go off of food for a period of time. Just keep track of her weight and make sure she is not losing to much. Also make sure there are no health related reasons for her to refuse food (parasites, RI, etc). Also they can refuse food when going into shed.

How old is she?
What are you feeding?
How often are you trying to feed?
Do you move her to a different tank to feed?
How big is your enclosure, how many hides?