My ball doesn't want to eat

[betoiguanas]

Do balls stop eating in the colder months ?
I live in Texas, and I didn't have a problem feeding my ball python this past summer. He used to take 1 small or medium size rat every 7 days with no problems. He haven't feed in about almost three weeks, looks like he is not interested in food. I have been keeping the same temps all over the year, doesn't look sick, so I wonder what's going on.
It is ok his behavior, do I have to wait or should I take him to the vet ?
Thanks for your help !

[JayBP]

Well, I know females sometimes go off feed during breeding season, I'm not sure if males do the same thing, but that could be a reason why. I wouldn't start worrying about it until he's been off feed for a long time(months). As long as he's healthy, you'll be fine. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck!

[leakyfawcet]

Mine had also been fasting up until this week. He went about a month and a half before his appetite came back. It seems this is a common occurrence with ball pythons. Mine also exhibited the lack of appetite right around this time last year.

[Sebrina]

My males eat year round, but that's not to say someone else's will. BPs are funny like that.

[Purrrfect9]

Males will also fast during the breeding season. My male's been doing the exact same thing. I have been feeding him rats, but he's been off feed for about a month and a half now (I started pairing in October). He's getting pretty lean now, not skinny, just lean. I think I'm going to throw a mouse in there instead of a rat to see if it will make any kind of difference.

[FatBoy]

BPs can go off feed this time of the year once they reach sexual maturity. Like stated above, some wont. I wouldn't worry unless I see signs of illness or obvious weight loss.