Posting for a friend... BP and hamsters...

I have a friend who has a spider BP that weighs in around 700g.

Well, her hamster escaped and she was handling her snake and had it on her living room floor. It found the hamster, ate it, and now refuses to eat rats, which is what he was on previously.

She wants to know if the snake imprinted on eating hamsters or if it is just on a food strike.

Any opinions are welcome.
Thanks!

Meh, hamsters are expensive feeders. Honest answer, normally one feeding will not get a critter stuck on one thing. Mice are snake crack but with work you can get them off mice so I see no reason hamsters would not be the same.

Ah, sweet. So, hopefully he's just being a butt and going on strike right now.

Its had had her worried because he hasn't eaten since.

I am sorry about the hamster. In addition, I agree with King James. The snake might not be hungry at the moment. I would wait a week after it's last feeding. Or at least until the snake poops and try again. I wouldn't sound the alarm yet. Some Ball Pythons can be picky eaters or just eat when they feel like it. As long as your snake is not showing visible illness, weight loss, or odd behavior. I would assume everything should be fine.

She's been flipping out because it's been almost a month and a half.
would getting another hamster and seeing what happens work? Or should we leave him alone for now?

Hamsters are TOUGH. BPs can imprint on them very easily, and they're also fairly fatty for their nutritional needs. I think the better option would be to keep trying to feed as normal. unless the snake starts losing serious weight, just wait it out.

Sent from my warm hide using Tapatalk

Hamsters and Gerbils are the crack of all BP crack. They are the worst prey animals to give BPs because they can be stuck on them for a very long time. Even with only one feeding. Switching back to rats may be tough.

Definitely try a live mouse or live rat.
Don't give in and feed hamsters.
Maybe even try scenting the mouse or rat with old hamster bedding.

Alright. I'll let her know. Thanks, everyone!