Hunger Strike

[Bob212]

My ball python (4 year old male) has been on a hunger strike since about October 20th. He did this last year and when I took him to the vet they gave him some antibiotics and told me it was normal. This year however it has gone on a little longer than normal (started in November last year and ended in March) so I wanted to see what you thought about it. His temps and humidity are good but he does like to spend a lot of time on his cold end lately. I offer a medium rat about every 2 weeks. Last year I tried a live rat from a local breeder but he didn't show any interest and almost kind of cuddled with it XD. Also, for a little background he started getting really restless right before he went off of food and looking back now I think he might have been trying to bulk up a bit. His overall body condition looks fine but I really just don't know why he's not eating. If you have any tips for picky ball pythons or any ideas on what's up with him that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[Erie_herps]

That's totally normal. Ball pythons are known to go on hunger strikes for up to a year. Personally, I think it's because most are overfed, or at least fed much more than they would get in the wild. So unless he starts losing significant weight it shouldn't be a problem. If you can add a picture of him that would help to check his body condition. I think your feeding schedule sounds good so I don't think there's a problem, just one of the perks of having a ball python, lol.

[EL-Ziggy]

I think EH summed it up perfectly. It sounds like your BP is doing normal BP stuff. I’d only offer food once a month until he’s eating consistently again.

[Bogertophis]

My ball python (4 year old male) has been on a hunger strike since about October 20th. He did this last year and when I took him to the vet they gave him some antibiotics and told me it was normal....

This seems a bit "off" to me- if they considered him to be "normal", why did they give him antibiotics? Antibiotics have side effects too, like poor digestion & being hard on liver & kidneys.

I do agree with the posts above though- adult BPs often do this "fasting" & as long as he's not showing symptoms of illness or is underweight, there's nothing to really worry about. It might be a reminder to re-check his home though, to make sure that the heat hasn't failed & is achieving the right temperature range for him, that his hides are meeting his needs, and that he's not being handled excessively.

[Charles8088]

My girl does that during the cold season (I'm in NY). Still fasting now... hasn't eaten since 12/7/21.

Last year, her last meal was 10/20/20, and didn't eat again until 4/9/21.

But as all have said above, as long as there is no significant weight loss, and they look and act normal, it should be fine.

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