Is he fasting?

So I don't post often, but I do read a lot of the great info on this forum (you guys are great!).... So here goes nothing

I have a normal ball python he is about 46 inches long, unfortunately I don't have his weight because the cheap scale I have doesn't want to work. So my problem is, Bruce hasn't eaten since mid october..His temps currently are 83 on the hot side (usually warmer, but I had the enclosure open), cool side is 77. humidity always fluctuates but stays around 50% typically..I recently moved his water bin so it was partly over the pad, thinking it may help bump the humidity up...anyhow, he just refuses to eat anything...Live, F/T, mice, etc...he did however taste my arm today, which seems like a yawn gone bad (my best description)..he didn't strike or constrict...he was just kind of exploring, and wrapped around my arm, and then he just kind of latched on..he kind of let go before I even tried to pry him off...I don't think he lost any fangs.

so whats the deal with the fast? anybody have a story to comfort me? He seems completely healthy otherwise...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bill_g

So I don't post often, but I do read a lot of the great info on this forum (you guys are great!).... So here goes nothing

I have a normal ball python he is about 46 inches long, unfortunately I don't have his weight because the cheap scale I have doesn't want to work. So my problem is, Bruce hasn't eaten since mid october..His temps currently are 83 on the hot side (usually warmer, but I had the enclosure open), cool side is 77. humidity always fluctuates but stays around 50% typically..I recently moved his water bin so it was partly over the pad, thinking it may help bump the humidity up...anyhow, he just refuses to eat anything...Live, F/T, mice, etc...he did however taste my arm today, which seems like a yawn gone bad (my best description)..he didn't strike or constrict...he was just kind of exploring, and wrapped around my arm, and then he just kind of latched on..he kind of let go before I even tried to pry him off...I don't think he lost any fangs.

so whats the deal with the fast? anybody have a story to comfort me? He seems completely healthy otherwise...

---

Sounds like the typical winter fast. Get a scale and monitor his weight...if you notice a significant weight loss it may indicate something other than the normal fasting. The part in bold sounds like a feeding response. That may be a sign he's going to be back to eating soon...

Make sure the hot side stays about 88-90. If its too cold they won't eat cuz they know they can't digest properly. Other than that make sure you can track his weight and have patience!

thanks for the info guys!

having same problem posted on here earlier this week and was told it could be due to mating season