Worried!!!!

[Lindsey]

Sorry to keep asking everyone so many questions but my bp has done this for the second week in a row now.

He tries striking at his food and strikes in the totally wrong direction Even if I hold it in front of his face he strikes and misses. This is 2 weeks in a row now and he has had many feedings in his life and has never done this before.

Anyone have any possible explanations for this??????

Please help!!!!

[lillyorchid]

Normal!

My guys when he isn't hungry will strike and miss. Most of the time he will end up hitting the tub's side and making a *bump/thud* sound.

[cassandra]

It may that the snake is going into shed. During the pre-slough process (that process officially called Ecdysis), the snake's skin will dull and generally have a blue "haze", including the eyes. During this time, their vision is impaired. While many snakes "in blue" will still feed, it is certainly common for them to strike and miss.

And ball pythons are also generally known for being "a little clumsy", god love'em. =)

If the snake is otherwise moving normally and shows no other signs of illness, I wouldn't worry about it.

[rabernet]

And ball pythons are also generally known for being "a little clumsy", god love'em. =)

You're not kidding! Pretzel got her first second small mouse today and she was so excited about it, that she had three rapid succession misses until she got it - and still was piggy enough to keep hunting for a third (that she didn't get) for almost an hour after finishing the second.

She's now sulking in her hide!

[frankykeno]

Could just a bit overexcited or inexperienced if it's a baby. Also if you are feeding f/t is the prey warm enough especially at the head and belly area?

[Lindsey]

Thanks everyone. I think the hunger factor isn't an issue because he will eat both (2) young adults down in a matter of minutes, he's not going into shed either because he just finished a full shed. I'm hoping it's the excitement factor....I don't really understand anything about that but if it is I'm glad he's excited to eat and that he's hungry.