BP Struck, tried to eat, then stopped

So I just got my first ball python three weeks ago. She ate really well the first week after she had settled in but the prey seemed a little bit small so this week I gave her a fuzzy rat. She killed it and started eating but gave up after a while. It definitely wasn't more than 1-1.5 times her body size but it seemed like she just couldn't figure out how to position herself the right way to get it down. Anyway I'm wondering how long I should leave the rat in there and when I should I try to feed again. She was definitely hungry and has gone for food immediately both times I've fed her. Maybe she just wasn't used to the larger prey? It doesn't seem like a refusal to me she clearly wanted to eat but then struggled with it I guess.

How long has it been? I would leave it be at least an hour.

After that I may try to warm it in warm water and offer it again.

If it is taken then great and if not I would wait until the next feed day.

This was like 2 hours ago. I saw some people say they leave it in over night is that way too long?

I agree with KMG, although when they don’t eat and I’ve left it for a while I don’t reheat it. I just trash it and wait until next feeding day. I actually had one of my females do this last night. She smashes food constantly and sometimes she strikes, coils, and just flat out doesn’t eat. It happens, I’ve come to know they’re weird animals lol


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Originally Posted by MikeA

This was like 2 hours ago. I saw some people say they leave it in over night is that way too long?

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I wouldn't leave it overnight. It doesn't take long to start stinking up the place. The only time I will leave a rat like that is when I know the snake that has it will eat it after I leave. If they are a young snake I don't fully know I will toss it.....or feed it to somebody else.

Will I be able to handle her at all this week or should I just wait until after next feeding day? I was thinking I'd still wait the 2 days as if she had taken the meal and then get her out. Just wondering if I should leave her alone until she eats?

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Originally Posted by MikeA

Will I be able to handle her at all this week or should I just wait until after next feeding day? I was thinking I'd still wait the 2 days as if she had taken the meal and then get her out. Just wondering if I should leave her alone until she eats?

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I don't see the issue with it. I do usually wait two weeks to handle any new snake in my collection as to let them settle though. If this is just week two I would wait because of that....not because of this incident.

If it is not the second week I would handle if I wanted to. The issue was not stress induced and I see no reason handling would cause it again.

Okay cool. This is week 3 so I'll wait a couple days and then handle her. Thanks for your advice. I have a lot of experience with lizards, but this is my first snake so I really appreciate the guidance.