60 gram lose in 2 months, big issue?
So my ball python has gone off feed since December 5th, where she took one of her usual mice but didn't eat the second one offered. She was rougly 480 grams at that point, and is now down to about 420 grams.
Is this a big weight lose that requires a vet trip? How long until I should try live? I don't want to switch to live if I don't have to, since she was eating extremely well before her hunger strike.
Re: 60 gram lose in 2 months, big issue?
I personally would try live. At that size weight loss isn't good. Does she clearly look emaciated? If she still looks healthy I wouldn't freak out about it since they can go a very long time without eating for a number of reasons. If she looks ok and her behavior is the same besides the hunger strike I don't think a vet trip is necessary at this point. I'd try live first to see if that helps things, but if she refuses live I would take her to the vet. Usually at that age and size they are pretty good eaters and the winter months don't really drive them into a hunger strike. Is there anything else abnormal in her behavior? Still drinking water alright? Still alert and active?
And just because she requires a few live feeds doesn't mean you have to switch over permanently. You can go back. Sometimes snakes can be persnickety for no reason.
Also, double check that everything in her enclosure is ok. Your thermometer might be broken so try a temp gun to make sure her temps are right. The wrong temps can keep a ball python from eating easily.