My baby ball python won't eat.
For valentine's, my boyfriend got me a baby ball python. I've owned a ball python before and she ate well all the time. the only time she gave me a hard time was when she was shedding.
Now, my new baby boy doesn't want to eat. I have him in a nice enclosure, he has the light side and dark side, he has his water.
When I do try to feed him he just coils up. The reason i'm panicking now is because he's already exceeded two weeks.
Please help.
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
Please don't worry I'm sure he will be just fine . Many snakes , especially Royals ( Balls ) take at least a couple of weeks to settle down ! As to the not eating I one that went 9 ( nine ) months without eating and he was perfectly fine !!
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
Ideally you should try and let us know more about your set up ie the crucial things like the warm side temp and also the cool side temperatures. Info on where his hides are situated , maybe he's just going into shed anyways ...
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
When she's settled down there are loads of ways , some have success by leaving the thawed mouse at the entrance to the hide OVERNIGHT , just remember to check the following morning :)
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
This method WORKS if done properly ...
Warm the thawed mouse /rat with a hairdryer until warm and dangle in front of their face using tongs - keep repeating the warming and offering process until it's taken , may take 6 or 7 attempts initially .
A couple of mine will only strike feed from within their hides so I do as dangle the rodent in front of the hide's entrance - usually works but if it fails simply reheat the rodent with a hairdryer and immediately offer again whilst it's still warm , continue until it's grabbed ...
I always wait until evenings to feed as they're nocturnal of course .
Incidentally , if it shows no interest at all not even a tongue flicker maybe it's best to leave for a week .
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
He finally ate and is doing so much better.
I did try to leave the thawed mouse for him to eat in case he was a shy eater but that didn't work.
His tongue was starting to lose color and i had to force feed him. I know some might not agree with that but i felt it was the only option, since he is still very young and can't go long without eating. It had already been a month that he hadn't eaten, and he had just shed when my boyfriend bought him.
I probably will never force feed him again since it's a lot of stress for him but I'm just really glad he's an active boy!
Thank you to everyone who helped
Re: My baby ball python won't eat.
Fyi: I force fed a pinkie and it was very quick.