New BP owner and I need some help.

[Jahake]

Hello everyone, I just bought a new hatchling pastel spark ball python on July 2nd from a local reptile store. The worker told me that he ate a F/T pinky last week and that I should try to feed him again on Wednesday(July 6th). As Wednesday came around, I got him out of his tank and into a separate feeding bin as I was instructed by the reptile store and thawed out a frozen pinky and got it to around 96 degrees so it gave off a heat signature. I tried to offer it to my baby and no matter what I did he would not even seem interested in eating. He even put his nose directly to the pinky and did not strike, just ignoring it and continuing to explore the tub. He doesn't seem to be stressed out in his new environment as he is very active in the nights and is always exploring his new home. Could I be setting up his tank wrong and that's why he doesn't want to eat?

On the hot side of the tank it is 88 degrees and the cold side is around 78 degrees.
The humidity ranges from 50%-65% with daily misting.
1/2 inch of cypress mulch substrate

http://imgur.com/a/15QDc (Pictures of Tank setup and Log)

He seems to spend most of his time in the log, could this be a sign of improper hides which could make him to stressed to eat? When should I offer food again?
Any help and opinions are greatly appreciated since I am starting to get a little worried that he wont eat.

[JodanOrNoDan]

First make sure you read this http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet.

Second, what the pet store told you about feeding is incorrect. With very few exceptions you should always try to feed in the enclosure.

Try not to overly stress about it not eating. If your husbandry and your feeding methods are correct eventually it will eat.

Try to post a picture showing the whole animal.

A pinky anything is most likely too small for your animal. Should be about the same size around as the biggest part of the snake.

Last, if you live on the east coast in south florida, please PM the name of the reptile store you got the animal from. If it is one of the ones I deal with I will go correct the advice they gave you.

[Jahake]

Here is a picture of him. He is around 16 inches. I think I might have improper hides in my tank. When should I try to offer him food again, and around what time? Should it be at night when hes most active?



http://imgur.com/CnmaC7M

[For Goodness Snakes]

Try feeding the snake inside of it's hide box, if that doesn't work take a frozen thawed fuzzy rat (I hope this doesn't bother you) cut open the rats skull and slightly squeeze the brain matter out of the skull, this method will often times stimulate the feeding response.

Good luck

Brian Gundy

[Jahake]

He is never in his hides, but instead he is usually inside the log I have in the tank. This makes me think I have improperly sized hides.

[JodanOrNoDan]

He is never in his hides, but instead he is usually inside the log I have in the tank. This makes me think I have improperly sized hides.

Most likely he just likes the temperature there better.

[DennisM]

The snake has only been with you a week. Nothing unusual about it not eating right away. However, as Jodan noted, a pinky is too small. The snake looks pretty young, so try a rat fuzzy or mouse hopper.

my pythons don't seem to care what time of day food is offered. Just keep offering about every 5 days and don't worry if he doesn't feed for a couple of weeks. Don't handle the snake except when necessary until it is feeding. And don't move it to feed it.

[chrid16371]

Just a few questions about your husbandry. What size is enclosure? What are you using for heat? How are you regulating the heat? What are using to take temps and humidity? Where are you taking the temps?

It's only been a week so it may he still settling in. The husbandry questions I asked are important so we can help fix any problems which will help get your snake eating, be healthy, and minimize stress. As others have said make sure you offer the appropriate size prey. If you think your hides are not secure check out the reptile basics hides, 2 identical dark and secure hides will make it so your snake can't choose favorites and will regulate body temp correctly.

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[Jahake]

Just a few questions about your husbandry. What size is enclosure? What are you using for heat? How are you regulating the heat? What are using to take temps and humidity? Where are you taking the temps?

It's only been a week so it may he still settling in. The husbandry questions I asked are important so we can help fix any problems which will help get your snake eating, be healthy, and minimize stress. As others have said make sure you offer the appropriate size prey. If you think your hides are not secure check out the reptile basics hides, 2 identical dark and secure hides will make it so your snake can't choose favorites and will regulate body temp correctly.

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20L tank, UTH on a thermostat, 50W night red light, cypress mulch, I'm using a thermometer gun and also digital thermometers, I take the temperature on the substrate


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[chrid16371]

20L tank, UTH on a thermostat, 50W night red light, cypress mulch, I'm using a thermometer gun and also digital thermometers, I take the temperature on the substrate


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Sounds like you did your research! You want to make sure you check the temp under the substrate right on top of glass over the uth and make sure it is not over 94, if it's over 94 and your snake burrows it could get burned. As long as temps and humidity are in check it may just be a matter of letting it settle in more.

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