BP won't eat

[Slytherin_python]

Okay so I've already made a thread before and got everything about my baby's temps and husbandry fixed. I thought that would make him less stressed and he'd be able to eat, but he won't. When I tried to feed him he seemed afraid of the mouse (f/t pinky). Then he seemed sort of stressed. He's been fine and has been hiding all the time (which I know is a good thing) ever since I got everything fixed temperature and husbandry wise. But he won't eat. I imagine it's been at least three weeks since he's last eaten and I'm starting to worry a bit.

[dustin860]

3 weeks isn't that long . They can go months . How old is the snake ? Weight?


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[sian.kelly]

Also, f/t mouse pinkies are way too small. I just got my first ball about a month ago and she refused her first four meals with me and only ate a few days ago for the first time so he should eat soon, he'll eat when he's ready. I also didn't try and get her to strike feed last time I went to feed, just left it with her overnight and she ate no problem. I also heated the head up under the hot water tap so it seemed more 'lifelike'. So things like that might help you out a bit. Hope that helps you a bit, and I hope he starts eating soon!


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[Slytherin_python]

I'm not sure of his exact age or weight. He's a pet store snake, and yes I know it's not good to get them from there.

[Slytherin_python]

Thank you. I thought about trying fuzzies. I've already tried heating them up and leaving them in there overnight but he just doesn't seem interested. I'm going to try dipping the mouse in chicken broth and see if he'll eat it like that.

[Willowy]

If it's too small he won't even try. If he's no bigger than a hatchling, he'll need at least a hopper mouse, or a fuzzy rat. Something that's about as big as the widest spot in his middle.

What are the conditions in his tank? A lot of BPs won't eat unless everything is perfect.

[Slytherin_python]

I was thinking that could be the case. I'm going to try a hopper mouse as soon as I can get around to getting one, probably Monday or Tuesday. The conditions are perfect, and he's been fine until I stressed him out by trying various ways to feed him. The chicken broth did not work.

[jmcameron9721]

Try getting mice from a different vendor. I know this sounds wierd but my ball will not eat the balk frozen mice i get from our local reptile store but he will eat the individually packaged ones i get from the chain store. My other ball doesnt care and will anything.

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[Slytherin_python]

I'll try that. I know most people don't recommend feeding live, but I've read that some balls only eat live and refuse f/t. I was considering live but I don't want to for Draco's own good. I'd rather be safe than sorry in this case.

[Eric Alan]

I'll try that. I know most people don't recommend feeding live, but I've read that some balls only eat live and refuse f/t. I was considering live but I don't want to for Draco's own good. I'd rather be safe than sorry in this case.

Not sure which "most people" you're talking about, but when done properly feeding live is perfectly fine and is the preferred method for many keepers. BPs are designed to be incredibly efficient predators so there is little need to worry about live once you become comfortable/knowledgeable about feeding live prey safely.