not eating

[Mouse]

I got Mouse as a "rescue" situation and I was wondeing when to start worrying about him not eating. I am used to my three corn snakes eating everything in sight that I don't know if I am just being too worried, or if I should be worrying. He is skinny in my opinion. He ate one f/t fuzzy with me 8 days ago and when I offered him a f/t fuzzy yesterday in the same setting and conditions that I offered the first, he didn't eat it. I am just worried that he is too skinny and needs some fattening up. The guy I got him from didn't know when he ate last and couldn't remember if it was live or f/t!!! stupid guy.... Anyway, what should I do? Thanks for any responses!

[Shelby]

Well, first off ball pythons are notorious for not eating at times. Especially during this time of year.

Make sure your temperatures and humidity levels are spot on, and be sure to include at least two (one on each side) nice secure, dark hides. Tossing some crumpled up newspaper in the cage can help the snake feel more secure as well.

Feed at night, in the cage, and place the warmed (warm to the touch is good since pythons sense heat very well and it triggers feeding responses) fuzzy in the doorway of the hide and leave it and the snake undisturbed overnight. Turn the lights off in the room, and maybe even cover the tank with a dark cloth.

If this doesn't work, you may want to try placing the fuzzy and the snake in a paper bag (grocery bags work fine) overnight in the cage over the warm side. I've gotten some stubborn snakes to eat this way.

If all else fails, you can certainly try feeding live. I feed my BP live.