Weak Feeding Response

[cgoobie19]

Hey,
just a quick question for all the experienced herpers out there. I've had my ball for about 2 months now and I haven't had any major problems with feedings. But it just seems like Marley has a weak feeding response. I feed f/t, and several times I've tried dangling the rat and no strike. He will take his meal every time, but I always have to just lay the rat on top of his hide. Is this normal? Appreciate any help or ideas
thanks
Chad

[Spaniard]

I have a female who did this for the longest time, would only eat off the tub floor overnight. She actually just stuck her first F/T last feed, I was pretty surprised. If he's eating it I wouldn't worry at all; its about getting to know your animal, and you've obvious done that.

[Somed00d]

It's nothing to worry about.. Just be glad you figured out what he likes. I wish some of my snakes were that easy to feed. I have one female that takes about 30 minutes of rat puppet shows before she strikes.

[cgoobie19]

Thanks,
I didn't think it was something I had to worry too much about.

[SnakieMom]

It's nothing to worry about.. Just be glad you figured out what he likes. I wish some of my snakes were that easy to feed. I have one female that takes about 30 minutes of rat puppet shows before she strikes.

Rat puppet shows

That's gotta be the best way i've heard it yet.

[PythonBlitz]

Hey I just got my first ball python. Its 6 or 7 months old. The pet store said it was a good eater. Last time it was fed was 5 days ago so I just thawed a furry and dangled it in front of its face. I got no response. It wanted to move away from the rodent. So I placed the rodent on top of its hiding place. Should I wait or throw the furry away? Its being heated up by the lamp right now I dont want to smell anything rotten. Should I wait for nightfall because they are nocternal?

[Somed00d]

Should I wait or throw the furry away? Its being heated up by the lamp right now I dont want to smell anything rotten. Should I wait for nightfall because they are nocternal?

I would move it away from the heat but it should be ok to leave it in his tank overnight. The lamp will cook it and it will stink before long.