Baby BP strikes and kills but doesn't eat

Hello!

I'm a new snake owner, and I'm having a bit of trouble with my baby ball python. Her first feeding went perfectly, she struck and killed the rat easily and then swallowed with no problems. This time however, she struck and killed the rat, but didn't quite grab the head, rather, she grabbed onto its front paw/chest area. She did kill it and attempted to swallow it, but eventually gave up and showed no further interest in the rat.

I removed the rat from the cage and I'm going to try to feed her again in a few hours, but if this could be indicative of something other than just Ball python feeding antics please let me know, as I am a bit worried.

Thanks!

When you say, "you removed the rat". How long did you wait? If you fed at night the next morning you would remove uneaten prey. If the meal was refused don't offer again till the next week (or five days) for the normal feeding.

Some snakes take a while to figure what end to start with. Don't worry your snake will be fine.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info!

I agree ^ ^ ^. Since you fed live, what I would have done (while trying to minimize my presence-that's important, also dim room lighting) I'd have used my feeding tongs to slightly jiggle the now-dead rodent near but slightly away from your BP (as if inviting a slight chase). That may or may not have worked, same goes for leaving it overnight.

Other options include removing it to warm it with a hairdryer, & re-offering via tongs (again, keeping it "low-key").

Snakes take a while to get the hang of things & sometimes (frequently) they're distracted by OUR presence too. Remember snakes are shy & they're vulnerable to other predators while they're eating, and unfortunately, WE appear to be potential predators to them, until they learn otherwise. They do learn, but it can take a while.

If she doesn't end up eating this one, wait a week before offering food again, because offering too soon is actually stressful for new snakes. Also, please refrain from handling her until she has eaten at least 3 times for you easily with no refusals other than for being "in shed"- that's an "acceptable excuse", lol. ;) Try not to worry, you (& she) will "get this". :snake:

BTW, :welcome:

Originally I tried to wiggle it in front of her but it didn't seem to work at all, but after just leaving it in her terrarium and leaving her alone for a bit she ate it just fine! Thanks so much for all the info though