Confused... Could use some advice!

First of all I know Balls are picky but a little confused here. I got my girl October 16 the breeder said she was taking F/T readily an had 5 meals before she was shipped to me weighed 99 grams exactly. Well I waited the 7 days to feed her and she took a F/T mouse on October 23 instantly. Now she seems interested for about a minute then just gets scared and slithers away! Nothings changed at all temp wise or anything! Any idea why she would just stop? Any tips on feeding a shy girl? Not to concerned yet just a little curious! :)

prey size may be to big..try a smaller sized prey! I had this problem with a baby spider bp and switching to smaller sized prey and offer more (ie 1 f/t adult mouse I would feed two small hoppers) same mass quanity but smaller sized and it hasnt been a issue since. Hope this helps

How are you offering the prey item? I have some that will take the rat off he tongs if I'm just holding onto the tail. I have others that require me to hold the rat by the scruff of the neck and wiggle it around.

Welcome to the joys of feeding ball pythons. :rolleyes: Good luck with her!

I have tried scruff of neck and tail! It just sucks having her not eat cause my pastel literally won't stop eating haha ill try a smaller mouse tomorrow!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gopherhockey03

I have tried scruff of neck and tail! It just sucks having her not eat cause my pastel literally won't stop eating haha ill try a smaller mouse tomorrow!

---

Don't try to feed her tomorrow. If they refuse a meal, make them wait Til their next scheduled meal.

It can stress a Bp out even more if you keep offering food when they don't want it.

I have a few shy girls. Since you're feeding f/t, try leaving the rat/mouse in overnight.

None of mine like the whole "leaving overnight" deal. I also tried heating up the nose with a hair dryer or dunking the prey in boiling water for a few seconds and then offering. The boiled methods words more times than not with my lot of ball pythons.