Hey folks!

My amazing, beautiful, sweet ball python hasn't eaten since Dec. 29th. I usually feed her in her tank, and I put a f/t small rat on a tupperware top for her. She has eaten like this for 1.5 years without a problem (when I first got her, I fed her in a separate tank for the first 2 years). She was eating every 10 days and then just stopped. She didn't have a bowel movement until about a month after (around early Feb), and I haven't noticed any bowel movement since then.

I felt a little reassured bc I know sometimes this is normal in winter, and also because she was still very active and seemed normal and comfortable whenever she came out at night or while handling. But it's not winter anymore and she's definitely lost weight.

I called an animal hospital and their theory just from speaking on the phone with me is that she may have eaten a shaving, (I use So phresh natural aspen small animal bedding, she's had this for years with no problems) and that it is stuck in her digestive tract. They said she may need xrays and surgery (seems so drastic). They suggested trying a long hot bath 1-2 hours to help break it up. She hates baths, we made it through 1 hour last night. They said hold her head and try "milking" her to get her to pass whatever it is- I didn't do this, I felt like she'd already been through enough.

P.S. She has eaten a shaving before 1-2 years ago and she digested it no problem.

I am taking her to the vet today, but I feel like y'all are even more knowledgeable than a vet. Thank you very much for any help and support.

Let's get Lily to end her hunger strike!