Hunger strike

[Mads94]

Hi guys,

I know this is probably the most frequent question regarding ball pythons. But I got two females that is about 6 years old and hasn’t eaten since January. I haven’t changed any of their husbandry, temperature etc. and I’ve had them for about 6 years. They weighed 2450gr and 1950gr in January and has lost about 100-150gr until know. They are both active during the evening/night and the bigger one tends to be very active during the day time aswell. But they both still lacks interest when offered a rat. So I guess my question is if any of you has any advice of what could be the cause ? And if I should be worried ?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

be very active during the day time aswell.

The fact that they do not eat (which is not a big issue considering their size and could last for up to a year) and that they are active during the day is telling you that there is an issue most likely husbandry related, while things can be the same and work great for years sometimes it does not anymore and this is when being able to read your animal and make some changes is important.

It could be something else too you just need to investigate and figure out what triggered that change in behavior especially the activity during the day.

[Mads94]

Hi,

Thanks for the answer. I’ll try to investigate what it could be, but it’s not like it active every day all the time. Do you think it could be related to mating season? It’s not like they don’t have an interest at all when I try to feed them because they usually stalk the rodent and gets ready to strike, but suddenly lacks interest. I don’t know if it means anything but they both shed in april.

Regards

Mads