I think I figured out why he won't eat
I thought Salazar wasn't eating because he was still getting use to being with me (I've only had him for a week and a half). He has been hanging out in his hide since I last tried to feed him but this morning I found something fun. On all the rough places in the tank I found pieces of skin :O Is my baby shedding? YAY! That must have added to the reason he doesn't want to eat.
I don't want to dump him out of his log to see but I wanted to check what I should do to help him along.
Re: I think I figured out why he won't eat
Sure sounds like a shed to me. Bump up the humidity!!!
Re: I think I figured out why he won't eat
If you haven't reviewed the BP caresheet we have here - you might want to look over it. This part, particularly is a great tool, if you will, for looking for ways to drill down to why your snake may not be eating for you:
Quote:
WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than one meal (sometimes they won't want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:
Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.
Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.
Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.
Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.
Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.
Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.
Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.
Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.
Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.
Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.
Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.
Not eating can be caused by any one of those reasons, and sometimes a combination of those reasons. Once you've eliminated each one as a variable, he should eat for you! Good luck!
Re: I think I figured out why he won't eat
And, if it's peices of shed all over the place, then that means your humidity is low...
but not to worry...
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...=516297#516297
:gj:
