Got a problem with my BP =/

My ball python is about 2.5 years old. (Female) Hasn't been bred with yet. I got her about 3 weeks ago. On the day I got her was 7 days from when the last time she was supposed to eat. He told me she ate small rats. I tried feeding her a live small the day after i got her, she didn't eat...i figured it was from the different environment. 2 days later I tried feeding her frozen...turned it down. (Left it in the cage overnight). I then got her another small rat about 5 days ago. Tried feeding it to her at 9, a hour after her light goes off and the temps drop. The cage temps are perfect, and so is the humidity. The only HUGE cage difference is she was kept in a rack system with him. I have her in a 55 gallon. Then tonight I dropped the rat in there at about 10 and removed her hide. (she was already out of it) She followed it around the cage for a bit, but still no bite. I moved both of them into a separate tank, still didn't take it. Then as I was putting her back into her cage I noticed a pink sore/ scratch on her mid belly. I checked her for mouth rot, no sign of that.

I'm not sure if it's just the environment change or what, but it's starting to get to me. I'm use to my Burmese eating her food with no problems asked, and still wanting more. I've heard ball pythons sometimes go on periods where they wont eat for awhile. Is the pinkish spot something serious, It can't be a burn, and the rat didn't cause it because I watched them the entire time. If you need me to post some pics just let me know.

Sorry for typing your eyes off, I'm just worried.

Try waiting for 7 days before the next feeding. Also the 55 gallon tank might be a little too big, therefore your BP might be experiencing some security issues. You said the previous owner kept her in a rack. How big was the tub she was in? What else is in the tank? Is there any hides?

Can't help you with the "pink sore/scratch" without seeing it.

Going from a rack to a 55gallon is a big change. I would block off part of the tank for now so she feels more secure. On your next feed try a live rat pup and if she doesn't take it right away leave it over night, the pup should be young enough that it will not bite the snake.

Thats how I got a female that hasn't eaten in 6 months to eat. Hopefully it will work for you.

Don't let it get to you, it happens! They can go a very long time without eating.

Richard

I would wait another 7 days, make sure temps are good. Have 2 identical hides, just let the BP alone, & try again.

did they say it ate live before? just curious.

Also I think a 55 g is alittle too big also.

Sterilite 32 quart I believe. Hides in cool and warm. Big enough water bowl for her to soak in when needed. I think also that the hides I'm using are to big. She really only needs half of it.

I plan on getting the animal plastics CB-70 in a few days. So if she doesn't take it by then, hopefully she'll realize she's back in a rack.

Since your getting a new rack in a few days, my suggestion would be after moving her into the rack, give her a week to acclimate. When its time to feed her, crumple up some pieces of newspaper and place them into the tub just to provide some added security. Then try a small live rat (approx 40 grams). I've tried this paper trick before and it seemed to work for me. Good luck.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5...4964er0.th.jpg

It's not as red/pink as it really is . The flash just made it blend.

She's climbing around the cage now, she's a really active lady, she just wont eat a darn thing.

Usually an overactive ball python is a stressed out ball python. Alone time for a week or so will do wonders for her! I'm sure she'll enjoy the tub and rack system you're getting her and THEN she'll eat :P

Ball pythons really don't ever need to soak and so a small water bowl for her to drink from will do wonders! Some snakes like hides in their tubs and other snakes don't use them. You'll have fun seeing what type of snake your is- though I would start out with a snug fitting hide!

Have patience and welcome to the forum!!

Thanks for all the advice. I feel alot better now. :) As I said, I'm use to my Burm, no matter where she is, what time of day it is, she'll take anything I give her. She's my bottomless pit. :) I really just got into ball pythons, and I must say I fell for them so fast. I use to be more of a lizard guy. Once you get one ball, I guess your just gonna end up getting more.

Hi,

Just to double check when you say temps are perfect what actually are they and how and where are you measuring them?

Did you have a look at our caresheet?

I also noticed you mentioned the temperatures drop at night - are you dropping them to try and bring her into breeding mode?

It might be an idea just to keep everything stable and peaceful for a little while till she has a good eating pattern established.

And yeah ball's are addictive.:D


dr del