He's all settled in

Picked up my Ball Python last night.. Got him in a 40 gal breeder tank. Unfortunately the sales guy said he might be a picky eater. Guess he hasn't eaten since Feb 1st.. Guess I will try to feed him on Wednsday the 16th.. Wish me luck

Best of luck, :salute:

I look forward to seeing the pics once he has settled in.

In the meantime have a look at the caresheet and feel free to tell us all about him - is he a big guy or a hatchling etc?


dr del

You sure he's a he? and how big is he?
Could be a female that is holding off because of the season?
If you want you can assist him (or her)
Pre killed rat (size has to be proportioned to snake)
Hold gently by the back of neck (but keep a firm gentle hold)
Take tongs and introduce the rats head to your snakes mouth, lift the mouth open with the rats head and keep pushing gently till it will swallow it on it's own.
If this continues though you may have a female that is going through her breeding/eating freeze on eating.
If it is for sure a male and all temps and conditions are optimal yet he is still not taking food it may be time for a trip to the vet (I know no one wants to hear that)
Best of luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 8-Ball

You sure he's a he? and how big is he?
Could be a female that is holding off because of the season?
If you want you can assist him (or her)
Pre killed rat (size has to be proportioned to snake)
Hold gently by the back of neck (but keep a firm gentle hold)
Take tongs and introduce the rats head to your snakes mouth, lift the mouth open with the rats head and keep pushing gently till it will swallow it on it's own.
If this continues though you may have a female that is going through her breeding/eating freeze on eating.
If it is for sure a male and all temps and conditions are optimal yet he is still not taking food it may be time for a trip to the vet (I know no one wants to hear that)
Best of luck!

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Oh he also may just not feel safe/comfortable with such a big tank.

Well temps are good, humidity is alittle low. I did try to feed last nite. He seemed intereseted at first but he would not eat. :(
I will try again in a couple of days.. Maybe he just isnt comfortable yet.. I don't think its the 40 gal breeder size tank. cause he roams around like he love sit and knows exactly where to go for his water and two hides.. Sucks cause I was hoping he would eat by now so that I could begin to hold and interact with him this weekend..

Things like this fustrate me, cause years ago I had a Red Tail Boa, and they eat like champs. Never a feeding issue there. I was hesitant about getting a Ball Python just for this reason.. But was afraid of the Red Tail Boa size now that I am in an apartment..

It's always a bummer to have to leave a new snake alone. But ya gotta do it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DZ Reptiles

It's always a bummer to have to leave a new snake alone. But ya gotta do it

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Longest 7 days of my life! And I just keep repeating it! :D

Gale