Bp feeding question

[ReptiMoto]

I just recently got a month old ball python from the local reptile expo. He didnt eat for 3 weeks. I tried to feed him the closest size to a hopper (that my local pet store had) but he wouldnt take it. I also tried f/t but he didnt want that either. But I finnaly got him to eat 2 fuzzies in a period of 2 days (I know your only suppose to feed them about once a week but fuzzies are kinda a small meal). I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting the ball python to eat f/t. I have done emence research on this subject but none that is working for me. I left the f/t fuzzy in his cage over night. Nothing. Then I tried doing the "zombie" method for a good ten minutes. Nothing. When he eats live I just leave the live fuzzy in there with him and it takes him a good 20 minutes until he has caught it. Thanks

[Chkadii]

Please share your set-up; tank size, substrate, hide sizes, temperature/humidity levels (and the way you measure them.) It may be a husbandry issue causing him to go on a hunger strike. Pictures help a lot too, so we can see things that we may not think to specifically ask about.

How much does he weigh?
What was the breeder feeding him?
How many times has he eaten before you took him home?
Are you feeding him mouse fuzzies or rat fuzzies?
How often are you offering him food?
Has he eaten since the 3 week strike?

Mouse fuzzies are pretty small, and some ball pythons won't bother with prey that they feel isn't appropriately sized. Though some people can get away with feeding multiple smaller prey items, some BPs will take one food item and refuse the rest, despite having a smaller meal than usual. Even worse, offering multiple days in a row might even stress them out and cause them to refuse food even longer. Hatchlings are also partially attracted to (intrigued by?) the movement of the mouse hoppers, which fuzzies won't replicate.

As far as feeding F/T, it may be an issue with type of prey (he may not want to eat a F/T rat if he's only ever had live mice), maybe the prey isn't warm enough to attract his attention, maybe he's too stressed out by so many different types of food and/or ways of offering it. If he's small from refusing (if he's a month old and refused three weeks, that's most of his life), it may be better to just stick with the prey item that works (e.g. mouse hoppers) until he has a little more weight to spare. Then maybe you could try a more gentle transition, such as live mouse hopper > live small adult mouse > live rat pup > F/T rat pup. Or if rats are easier for you to find, live mouse hopper > live rat wean > F/T rat wean > F/T rat pup. Hopefully others can weigh in with some more advice for you!