No appetite

I have a ball python just short of 2 years old. She's never had any sort of eating issues. She used to eat one adult mouse per week and just graduated to small rats. She's eaten a few rats, which seemed to last her a bit longer - about a week and a half. But now she's been 2 weeks without being interested in eating. Is this normal? Is it okay for her to go 2+ weeks without eating?

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Originally Posted by Elisa616

I have a ball python just short of 2 years old. She's never had any sort of eating issues. She used to eat one adult mouse per week and just graduated to small rats. She's eaten a few rats, which seemed to last her a bit longer - about a week and a half. But now she's been 2 weeks without being interested in eating. Is this normal? Is it okay for her to go 2+ weeks without eating?

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A few weeks, and even a few months, of not eating is perfectly normal for a two year old BP. Just keep an eye on her body shape and weight for any significant changes. Chances are she's just "balancing herself out" and being a typical adult BP and will be back on feed before you know it.

That is really a short amount of time. If she is 2 years old then she is just shy of being breeding age. What type of enclosure is she living in and what type of heating are you providing? This time of year ball pythons may choose to stop feeding. The cooler external temps have a effect on their appetite. What type of substrate (floor cover) are you providing? Your temperature and humidity are crucial also.

Thanks for your reply...

She is in a glass tank 30Lx18Hx13D (don't remember how many gallons); I have a 75 watt red heat bulb above and a heat mat covering about 1/3 of the tank bottom, covered with aspen wood shavings. I have noticed since the weather is turning colder that I'm having trouble maintaining a constant temperature. Right now it's 81 degrees on one side and 86 on the other. I do struggle to keep humidity at a proper level because I don't always remember to spray her tank.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elisa616

Thanks for your reply...

She is in a glass tank 30Lx18Hx13D (don't remember how many gallons); I have a 75 watt red heat bulb above and a heat mat covering about 1/3 of the tank bottom, covered with aspen wood shavings. I have noticed since the weather is turning colder that I'm having trouble maintaining a constant temperature. Right now it's 81 degrees on one side and 86 on the other. I do struggle to keep humidity at a proper level because I don't always remember to spray her tank.

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Sounds good, just make sure to keep the heat mat attached to a thermostat or rheostat so you can dial in your temperature and regulate it. The things that may help you maintain proper humidity levels are 1. Covering your top with aluminum foil 1/3 to 1/2 of the area. 2. Using a moist towel over your screen top and keeping it moist. 3. Using a "versa top" as your under screen cover ( this actually works well). 4. Switch the 75 watt red bulb for a Che (ceramic heat emitter). 5. Get a substrate such as 100 % cypress mulch or Eco earth both have exceptional humidity retaining abilities. Continue to tweak your enclosure for the improvements as you can. Hope this helps. Lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elisa616

I have a ball python just short of 2 years old. She's never had any sort of eating issues. She used to eat one adult mouse per week and just graduated to small rats. She's eaten a few rats, which seemed to last her a bit longer - about a week and a half. But now she's been 2 weeks without being interested in eating. Is this normal? Is it okay for her to go 2+ weeks without eating?

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Just curious, but what does your BP weigh? You've had her for almost two years, feeding her an adult mouse a week. I'm just curious what kind of weight she's gotten up to.