Ball Python will not eat AGAIN

[Michelle85]

I had this exact problem last year from January until May. I posted about it and miraculously he ate a degu then it was non stop eating anything and everything from there. He stopped eating again last January but its now middle of June and he still will not eat. I have tried everything except a degu because I cannot get any. I have tried through our local pet store but he cannot get any. My snake looks skinny and I am not sure what else to do. Can you force feed at 5+ year old male ball python?

[Freakie_frog]

You say you've tried everything so I'm assuming live mice and ASF's as well?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Well first males do not look plump like females do so skinny is relative.

What were you feeding when the animal was eating (prey size)?

And no you do not forced an adult that knows how to eat unless there is a serious health concern that would require you to do so.

Also what is his weight?

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[Michelle85]

Well first males do not look plump like females do so skinny is relative.

What were you feeding when the animal was eating (prey size)?

And no you do not forced an adult that knows how to eat unless there is a serious health concern that would require you to do so.

Also what is his weight?

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Crazy enough I was reading different things after posting here and a lady said to put the dead prey, keep it dark and leave it ..... well lo and behold he ate the dead gerbil after I posted in here. Today I went back to the store and a guy suggested fresh killed gerbil (because he refused mice and rats) so I brought one home and at first he shied away and I was so upset which is why I came on here.... I had tossed it in a bag outside thinking it was a waste then I read this ladies article and thought ok... went back out and got it... laid it like it was crouched facing his hide... and he ate it... I didn't see him eat it ... as it was a few hours before I went back to check on him ... so this is good... normally he is a live eater ... which is why I tried fresh kill. Hopefully this is the end of his fast. He doesn't eat adult rats, he is only about 6 inches in girth, I got him when he was 3 from some guy that liked to watch him kill but was only feeding him like one mouse every 3 weeks... he is stunted in growth because he is much smaller in head size and girth than most pythons his age.. I feed him a medium rat every few weeks ... but he stopped eating in January the last few years for like five, six months.... he is a mellow snake.... he is a good boy, I am so relieved he ate this evening! Thanks for you response!