BP hasn't eaten in 6 weeks; need some advice

I've got a (what I believe to be) full grown male ball python. He's right at 4 feet long. When I first got him he would eat every 2 weeks, then it went to 3 weeks, then to 4 weeks, but now he hasn't eaten in 6 weeks. I'm giving him white female rats (same as he has always eaten) smaller than the thickest part of his body. The warm side of his tank stay right around 90-94 fahrenheit. His tank stays in a room that has VERY little traffic. The room stays darker, but not pitch black. Need advice on getting him to eat. Thanks in advance.

Mark

Are you feeding live or F/T. If F/T I would try switching to live. If you are feeding live try switching to a hooded rat or a solid dark. Some BP's will switch around. I had a few years with a female that would switch from hooded to solids every once in a while. she would also go 1 to 2 months at a time without feeding. She is my best breeder now and is huge so I wouldn't worry till you start seeing signs of weight loss.

Mine went 5months without eating and now shes back to her greedy self. Heard that a lot of peoples bp stop eating for awhile. So shouldnt be anything to worry about.

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Originally Posted by PythonsbyParris

Are you feeding live or F/T. If F/T I would try switching to live. If you are feeding live try switching to a hooded rat or a solid dark. Some BP's will switch around. I had a few years with a female that would switch from hooded to solids every once in a while. she would also go 1 to 2 months at a time without feeding. She is my best breeder now and is huge so I wouldn't worry till you start seeing signs of weight loss.

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I've had him since January and I've always fed live. The only rat source around where I live sells white rats exclusively. So that's not really an option.. I guess I'll just keep trying every week or so and hopefully he'll start. His skin isn't sagging or anything but I'm sure he could eat. Frustrating.

Welcome to the world of ball pythons! :) I had one go on a 6 MONTH fast...he was just fine. We're going to be getting into breeding season here soon and some BPs just prefer to find a mate rather than eat. :rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by GoBoilers

Welcome to the world of ball pythons! :) I had one go on a 6 MONTH fast...he was just fine. We're going to be getting into breeding season here soon and some BPs just prefer to find a mate rather than eat. :rolleye2:

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.....lol.....but true:D

Eesh. There's no way 6 months can be good for any animal except a full grown Anaconda.. But I have read that it's semi-normal so I guess I don't have a choice. He still looks ok and isn't lethargic or anything..

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Originally Posted by mark896

There's no way 6 months can be good for any animal except a full grown Anaconda..

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They are more efficient than you think ;) I have had animals going of food for 10 months and they hardly lost any weight.

BP go of feed for various reason, to catch up, breeding season, lower temp, stress etc.

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WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than one meal (sometimes they won't want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:

Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.

Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.

Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.

Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.

Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.

Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.

Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.

Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.

Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.

Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.

Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.

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If your husbandry is optimal, the stress is minimal than you will have to wait it out and given it is an adult with what I would assume is a good body weight, your BP will be just fine, you however you will just get frustrated ;) and we all know the feeling sooner or later.

Informative Deborah and everyone else, thank you very much.