Constricted; killed; didn't eat.

[Ginevive]

I fed Goblin a prekilled rat a few days ago. He constricted, "killed" it, and had the head in his mouth. About this time, I went to bed. Next morning, the rat was still in the cage and he was in his hidespot.
Why would he let go of the head, already in his mouth, and stop eating? The rat really was not too big for him, and since it was prekilled, there's no way I did not warm it up enough for him to want it.

[Isshinharu]

Maybe it was regurgitated.

[Adam_Wysocki]

Why would he let go of the head, already in his mouth, and stop eating?

Most of the time I've seen this behavior it is stress related.

Is he due to shed? Or, check the inside of his mouth for extra fluid indicating a possible URI coming on.

Just my experiences.

-adam

[Adam_Wysocki]

Maybe it was regurgitated.

There is no mistaking a regurgitated rat. The smell alone will make your knees buckle!!!

-adam

[SatanicIntention]

Maybe he wanted a doggy bag? Was out to lunch with a friend earlier and you didn't know it?

[PrincessErica]

My guy has struck/coiled a couple food items, only to leave them sitting for me to find later. He's never started to eat them and stopped though, that's a little different.

[Isshinharu]

There is no mistaking a regurgitated rat. The smell alone will make your knees buckle!!!

-adam

Haha. Understandable. I thought about that after I posted and was second guessing. I was going to edit my post but cant figure out how (I'm a member of a few other forums... but new here.) Just got my ball so luckily I haven't had the misfortune of experiencing that yet. In fact, she hasn't had a meal since she hatched on 4/1...

[Adam_Wysocki]

Just got my ball so luckily I haven't had the misfortune of experiencing that yet. In fact, she hasn't had a meal since she hatched on 4/1...

Someone sold you a captive bred ball python that hasn't been started on food yet? Sad.

Good luck with her.

-adam

[Isshinharu]

Someone sold you a captive bred ball python that hasn't been started on food yet? Sad.

Good luck with her.

-adam

I know I know... I debated for a while specifically because of that. Probably not the smartest move on my part. It was at the reptile show here in Tampa last weekend. My neighbor also got one from the same clutch and hers ate Wed night. They've both gone through their first shed (since we've had them), and seem to be in great health, good temperment and active. Regardless, I'll be taking her to the vet this weekend. Just to get her checked out.

Anyway, sorry for the thread hi-jack.

[loganallred]

go the pet store and see if htey will sell you a baby gerbil or baby hampster for the price of a hopper rat.

most bp wont refuse a gerbil. its what they eat in the wild.

also. try takign a needle and stabbign the mouse in the skull, dead or alive, if its alive it will be movine and needle through the skull will render it fairly harmless, then put it in the cage and watch. make sure their is no fans on. if my snakes feel ari moving over them they wont eat.

good luck