BP Has not eaten since Janurary 08

I have browsed through the search feature and done different title browse. But I can't say that I have found the exact topic similar to my situation.

History the snake is about 4 years old and is about 4.5 feet in length. It is a Ball Python. Previously I would feed once every 2 weeks basically give it water and the next day drop in a live medium rat (it had worked up to med rats in size over the years). As soon as it would hit the bottom of the tank it was hit coiled and well relieved of its breathing abilities.

Same routine no problems. After eating I could handle it without it trying to strike me. Well after the last meal it consumed sometime in Janurary that was it.

I tried following up same routine no go snake just investigated the rat and went back to the corner and slept. I ended up giving the rat away. I figured being winter time it may be due to the need to hibernate that it had no appatite. So I waited a month before trying to feed it again.. Same situation the snake appeared to have no intrest. Granted it still consumes water regularly..

Pending the heat review and humidity.. Its south floriduh.. So that is solved for moisture and as for heat I have a heat bulb that covers only a corner of the cage. It usually stays under the heat and I turn it off about an hour before going to sleep myself this routine has been the same for most of its life so I am baffled as to its recent behavior..

The last two rats both of which the snake actually shied away from have been small rats or equal in size to mice. I have also given away..

I read something about scenting and I have never tried giving it a frozen rat so should I look to trying this route even though I have never had the need to do either option before.

Any links to threads or general info that I should read over would be helpful. The same goes with suggestions.

Without measuring exact temps my first thought is temprature. Any low temps in the 70's wil definately cause a BP to go off feed.
A UTH heating pad controled by a thermostat is the best way to get him adequate belly heat which will increase metabolism and thus hunger.

could you put up a pic of your setup? and its not a good idea to handle the snake after it eats.if it goes to strike at you it coulda still been hungry.try 2 next time it does eat.after it does eat try not to handle it for at least 48 hours as they need time to digest.

I have a few that have not eaten since December.. One just ate this week so I know how your feeling.. Chances are he thinks its breeding time and wants a mate. Good thing is he should be over it soon.

Keep with the small rats, a large meal after a long fast is not good for the snake.

I find that sometimes you need to turn out the lights and feed late at night. Make sure he is active, don't try to disturb him to feed, wait for him to poke his head out of his hide then toss in the rat. Also try to wait 2 weeks between feedings.

I hope he eats soon..

Richard

I should clarify that I wait 2 days after feeding before handling again. I have even tried leaving the snake outside on the patio thinking that maybe the outdoor temp may provoke appetite.

I have not considered the idea of it searching for a mate. But then again it has NOT been around any other animals other then a boxer..

outside?like in the tank?

I would just keep trying different things like soaking it and then trying, or feeding it in a small area, or feeding it at night, and so on.
Good luck! :gj:

You still havent discussed exact temps.
Low temps are the #1 reason BP's go off feed. Light bulbs dont really cut it. I think you have a husbandry issue and your snake is letting you know

Am I understanding you correctly?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by obex26

Previously I would feed once every 2 weeks basically give it water and the next day drop in a live medium rat

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Does this mean your snake is only offered water every two weeks, one day before feeding? I can't imagine this is good for your bp, is it?

First off, like the pic of your 4x4. I have a 2003 Jeep TJ raised up with 35's. I will have to get a pic uploaded to the site.

I have had the exact same problem as you. I have a ball that stopped eating for over six months. I had him in a glass aquarium. I tried everything to no avail. I finally decided to put him in a rack system, 32qt tub, and within the week he was eating again. In my opinion, the reason that he stopped eating is because he was stressed out because the glass aquarium was too open. He did not feel secure. The tub is dark and tight, and exactly what he wanted to feel secure.

I also suggest to never feed him/her a live rat no larger than a small. I feed all mine live small rats every seven days.

Hope this helps, and have a good one.